Instant Ocean Salt Question.

[Arthroverts]

Hello all, I was just looking at the Instant Ocean 200 Gallon Salt mix (Box, not crystals), and I was wondering if I could if I could mix up a portion of the box without mixing all of it? Would the parameters be O.K if I just halved the recipe (200 to 100) then halved (100 to 50) then halved again (50 to 25, about what I need)? Would it require lots of testing and tinkering to get the salinity and everything right? I have limited space to mix the saltwater, which is why I am posing this question. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[Doran]

It comes in 4 bags.....inside the box. I usually get about 45 or so gallons from each at 1.026

 

[Arthroverts]

Thank you! Would it be possible to halve the recipe for one of the bags, and still get a good salinity reading?

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[Jdavison911]

Go to Lowe’s and get a 5 gallon plastic bucket with a good sealing top. Cut open a bag and dump it in and just use what you need to get your water mixed to 1.026. I find about a half of a cup per gallon of water is a good starting point.

 

[CindyKz]

Thank you! Would it be possible to halve the recipe for one of the bags, and still get a good salinity reading?

Thanks,

Arthroverts

Yep. I've done this with several different brands. Usually the recipe is 2 1/2 cups of salt to 5 gal RODI -give or take -but this does vary by brand. I've never used IO so hopdully someone else can chine in.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I believe the OP's interest is to mix without testing. I'd highly recommend spending the 35 dollars or so and get a salinity refractometer. You'll want it to measure freshly mixed saltwater as well as monitor your tanks salinity.

I too use IO in the 200 gallon boxes (4 bags of salt) and mix 25 gallons for each water change. It takes approximately 15 cups (US) to get to 1.026 salinity. I use the refractometer to get it precise.

 

[Clownfish2]

I use instant ocean. Comes in 4 bags. I just take a bag, cut it open, and use approx 1/2 cup salt per gallon of water yields 1.026 salinity. To store, grab top of the salt bag and spin it and wrap a rubberband on it to seal.

 

[falconut]

Just as other have said, 4 bags per box. Each bag does around 50 gallons. But you really should get a refractometer to verify salinity.

If you were going to keep cutting in half without a refractometer, I'm guessing you'd be weighing it. Don't think eye sight will work for cutting in half. To me weighint would be harder, than a refractometer & you still wouldn't know if it's the correct salinity.

 

[Arthroverts]

Sounds like I need to get a refractometer! Many thanks to all of you for helping, I will definitely let you know how it all turns out.

Thank you all,

Arthroverts

 

[wesman42]

I believe the OP's interest is to mix without testing. I'd highly recommend spending the 35 dollars or so and get a salinity refractometer. You'll want it to measure freshly mixed saltwater as well as monitor your tanks salinity.

I too use IO in the 200 gallon boxes (4 bags of salt) and mix 25 gallons for each water change. It takes approximately 15 cups (US) to get to 1.026 salinity. I use the refractometer to get it precise.

To be helpful further, I think Amazon has quite a few (they all seem to use the same manufacturer) for like $15-25.

 

[Arthroverts]

Thank you! Do you know if their any good?

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[garbled]

I recently got the BRS refractometer with the built in LED and I can't recommend it enough. The LED thing is great, I can walk into the dimly lit fishroom and take a reading, and not have to stand around like a clown trying to get it into the light.