salt mixing

[reefme]

I know mixing salt in a round drum is much better and faster than in a rectangular tank. I have a 25 gallons compartment in my sump for water change and it doesn't mix too well. Just wondering if it mix any better in a 5 gallons pail with 7.5 LBs of salts and top up the rest of RO/Di water in compartment? This way I don't have to buy a 32 gallons drum.
Thank you so much for your inputs.

[mike31154]

What means are you using to mix? Powerhead, mechanical, by hand? I just use a rectangular rubbermaid type container to mix up my water change. Use a wooden spoon after dumping the salt in & then add an AquaClear powerhead. I let that run for at least a day & by that time it's all good. I try to plan ahead so I don't have to worry about how fast it mixes. Throw in a couple of heaters a few hours before the water change, it's cold in the basement where the container is.

[Reefie]

I use a powerhead and an airstone with a heater also to mix my saltwater. I always keep it going that way I will always have it on hand should I need to do an emergency WC. I also keep an equivalent amount of RO/DI water on hand should I run out.

It's best to be prepared, cuz you never know what could happen.

[reefme]

Originally Posted by mike31154

What means are you using to mix? Powerhead, mechanical, by hand? I just use a rectangular rubbermaid type container to mix up my water change. Use a wooden spoon after dumping the salt in & then add an AquaClear powerhead. I let that run for at least a day & by that time it's all good. I try to plan ahead so I don't have to worry about how fast it mixes. Throw in a couple of heaters a few hours before the water change, it's cold in the basement where the container is.

I don't a man power to mix by hand. I am using a maxi jet 1200.

[reefme]

My question is have anyone try to mix 7.5 LBs of salts in a 5 gallon pail?

[Reefie]

I don't think 7.5 lbs of salt will be thoroughly mixed with only 5 gallons of water. You would have quite a bit of undissolved salt sitting at the bottom of the bucket. And then comes the challenge of adding the right amount of RO/DI water to achieve the salinty. Might just be easier to have multiple 5 gallon buckets mixing your saltwater instead.

[Aquattro]

I once tried to make a brine with less water and the salt never cleared up. I wouldn't do it again.

[reefme]

Thank you so much! Now have to find rooms for my 32 gallons drum.

[ILIKECOUGARS]

What do mean by this? ( it doesn't mix too well.)
How long do you let it mix before your water change? What salt are you using?

I use a 37gal. rectangular tank for mixing and let it sit over night with a powerhead and heater. Alway mix up clear.
I use reef crystal salt.

[reefme]

Originally Posted by ILIKECOUGARS

What do mean by this? ( it doesn't mix too well.)
How long do you let it mix before your water change? What salt are you using?

I use a 37gal. rectangular tank for mixing and let it sit over night with a powerhead and heater. Alway mix up clear.
I use reef crystal salt.

I see people mixing salt for only 10 minutes. Which powerhead are you using?