How to change water

actualsense

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how much salt do I put in the water before changing water in my tank I know it’s not complete change of water but I know I don’t just put water without salt I have a hydrometer but I need to have how much percentage in the bucket I’ll be using?
 
Ocean salt. I haven’t filled my tank with it but when I need to change water im not sure how much the hydrometer needs to read with little water being the amount I’ll put back in after
 
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You already have a tank running and are asking how to mix your water for changes? Sorry if I sound like a jerk but I just have a hard time understanding questions like this.

EDIT : ok I just saw your responce that the tank isn't filled. I use instant ocean and the direction say 1/2c per gallon. I need to use a little more to get to 1.025 which is where I run mine. I have to add 16 cups of salt to get 30 gallons of water at 1.025.
I would start at 1/2c per gallon and tweak as needed to get to your desired salinity. Ideally you want your water change water to match the salinity of the tank water.
 
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What salt are you planning to use? How many gallons of water are you preparing to mix?

What salt are you planning to use? How many gallons of water are you preparing to mix?
Ocean salt. I haven’t filled my tank with it but when I need to change water im not sure how much the hydrometer needs to read with little water being the amount I’ll put back in after
 
Upvote 0
You already have a tank running and are asking how to mix your water for changes? Sorry if I sound like a jerk but I just have a hard time understanding questions like this
You already have a tank running and are asking how to mix your water for changes? Sorry if I sound like a jerk but I just have a hard time understanding questions like this.

You already have a tank running and are asking how to mix your water for changes? Sorry if I sound like a jerk but I just have a hard time understanding questions like this.

EDIT : ok I just saw your responce that the tank isn't filled. I use instant ocean and the direction say 1/2c per gallon. I need to use a little more to get to 1.025 which is where I run mine. I have to add 16 cups of salt to get 30 gallons of water at 1.025.
I would start at 1/2c per gallon and tweak as needed to get to your desired salinity. Ideally you want your water change water to match the salinity of the tank water.
Okay. I see that I just ordered a bag of salt that can make 50 gallons so to match the salinity makes sense.
 
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Ocean salt. I haven’t filled my tank with it but when I need to change water im not sure how much the hydrometer needs to read with little water being the amount I’ll put back in after
Its hard to understand your questions..... Are you asking the salinity of a reef tank? Are you asking how to use a hydrometer? Are you asking how much water to change when its time for a change?
 
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Welcome to saltwater!
Most people mix new saltwater to match the salinity of the current tank, so it doesn't change the salinity of the tank - no matter how much you change. This is even more important if you are doing a large relative water change like 50% or more, than it is if you are just doing a small 10% water change.
So anyway - measure the salinity in the tank - 35PPT or 1.026SG is the target. Measure the salinity in your mixing bucket of new water and check that they are very close before doing the change. Let the new saltwater mix in the mixing bucket for some time first - most people will do that for more than an hour. Some do it for a day.
As water evaporates from your tank, you need to replace it with fresh water (RODI usually), not saltwater - because only the water evaporates and all the salt is still left behind in the tank. If you top off to undo evaporation with saltwater, the salinity will go up and up until it's dangerously high.

hope some in that answers your questions?

feel free to ask any more!
 
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Ocean salt. I haven’t filled my tank with it but when I need to change water im not sure how much the hydrometer needs to read with little water being the amount I’ll put back in after
I think I understand your inquiry. After you get your tank running, whatever you made the SG from the get-go e.g. .025, that is what you match for the water change water.
 
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