mixing salt
 

went to princess auto & bought a paint mixer for something like $1.99 that just attaches to your power drill. Agitates & mixes salt/water quickly & thoroughly

Once I fill up my garbage can with ro/di water I throw in a couple of powerheads and a heater for a day or two, add salt wait a couple more days then do the water change.

I do the same thing for nano-sized water changes. Throw the water and salt in a bucket and toss in a powerhead. The heat from the powerhead is enough to warm a smaller container of water. I run it like that for a day or so and then to the change. I don't know why, but I have always believed that it was harder on your livestock to add saltwater that has only just recently been mixed... anyone else hear that?

- Chad

Mixing time will probably take more time then I would like to hold a drill in the mixing bucket.

The biggest issue from what I understand in regards to mixing and using the same day is that there's no certainty of the end result - the PH, Alk, etc could change as it hasn't fully "settled" without giving it that extra day to do its thing - Of course, with that said I've used it same day with little to no ill effect!

I just mix a dump sometimes it may get a little mix time if I dig out the refractometer depends how I feel :mrgreen: I have even dumped it in while still cloudy and threw the undissolved chucks in the sump

fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt

Good thing everyone speaks Latin.

almost willingly homines this and volunt to believe

chalk one up for babel Fish

well done :wink:

That's what I was thinking.

Cricket,
If I were you I would be pretty proud of the fact that I could speak latin too, and would try to show it off as often as possible.
In fact, I would be writing in Thai if my keyboard supported Thai characters... and if I thought it would be in the least bit helpful to... well, to anybody.
But because you quoted me, I am just wondering what it was you were trying to say.

Thanks,
- Chad

Still don't understand what's being said :razz: Do I have to Babel Fish this phrase too?

According to a list of latin phrases:
"fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt" means
"as a rule, men willingly believe that which they wish to"
or
"People believe what they wish to be true, even if it isn't." Attributed to Julius Caesar

Hey, I only know as much about this hobby as the next guy (less actually) but I have done a fair amount of research and the suggestion to let your water 'cure' for 24 hours before adding it to the tank seems to be a little more than just superstition or something I wish to be true.

It is recommended in numerous FAQ's and threads:
http://www.reefcorner.com/Manual/making_saltwater.htm

Also, I have personally observed different refractometer readings from the same bucket of saltwater from when it was mixed to several hours later.
Finally, that white cloud of newly mixed water added to the tank, doesn't look like it would be a lot of fun to 'breath' if you happen to be a sensitive marine animal.

I'm not suggesting that you can't or shouldn't add freshly mixed salt - I merely shared my experience with Clair and she can take it for what it's worth (if anything).

- Chad

the topic is about the mixing of salt water quickly & thoroughly & nothing of whether to add right away or even 2 days later. Just thought a simple idea could help. maybe a section for "venting frustrations" should be added.

Sorry Clair, I was actually posting on the subject of mixing, not storing. What I was trying to suggest was that might take 24 hours to 'thoroughly' mix new saltwater. The only reason I posted was because I pictured you there with a drill in the bucket for hours and thought I could save you some time ( :

- Chad

Oops the translation part didn't go through...didn't notice sorry. I can write latin but speaking it :) well I can't roll n R worth a damn. Anyways I don't agree with the even if it isn't part. All i meant was people can tell peopl whatever they want and until they find out for themselves they will believe what they want. I have done both mix right away and dump as well as condition the water for a few days. In my experience it makes no difference or little at the most. Anyways did not mean for my message to be taken the wrong way or anything so no hard feelings..if there were any in the first place.
Now if someone could help me with my Russian.....damn it

As the once wise pumba & timone said;"Hakuna matata".

experto crede



ex scientia tridens

:)
anyways just practicing....no more latin from me :)

I have used the same thing for 4 years now and it is the way to go. about 1/2 the time I add the mix with in 2 or 3 hours of mixing with no ill effects what so ever. the main reason for sitting 24 hours is that the opwehead only moves the watter gently and the natural disolving of the salt takes time. when you power mix it this is speed up.

Steve

I'm guessing this mixer is plastic and not metal?

Doug

mine is metal, I rince it off with fresh water when I am done mixing.. no rust yet.

Steve

I do the same as most of you as well. I add an airstone in to speed up the process. Doing a mix and dump as a bad idea on account of the levels are not set yet. The salt may look mixed in but its still way to hot for the tank( chemically hot, not physically) A day of mixing with powerhead, heat and air added to me should be an absolute minimum. just my $0.02

reply
 

Man you guys are high tech, all I have is an old serving spoon. I let my 1.5 year old son mix the buckets for me as long as he doesn't spill too much.

Ditto. Old mixing spoon. Ghetto!

Ok.. what kindah spoon are you guys usin? does it plug in. Have a digi read out. remove nitrates, blow bubbles, have left hand action???? right hand action, double ender.. spill :)