Making your own saltwater.

[newlyreefd]

I read on a few forums that you need to keep your newly made batch of saltwater aerated. Especially if you use a brand that has additives, such as Cal and Alk. I plan on using Reef Crystals. Does this brand of salt require aerating and if so, do I need to use an air stone? Or, can a pump suffice? Thanks. My first time mixing my own saltwater.

 

[cmantis]

No aeration. Just put a heater in to bring up to temp so you get proper salinity reading and dont shock livestock and pump/powerhead to mix the salt and warm the water evenly.

 

[newlyreefd]

Does it matter what pump/powerhead you use to mix your saltwater? What I mean is the flow/rate. I know it has to be a certain flow rate in order to make sure it's completely mixed. But what should that be?

No aeration. Just put a heater in to bring up to temp so you get proper salinity reading and dont shock livestock and pump/powerhead to mix the salt and warm the water evenly.

 

[Alabamareef]

Anything that will agitate the water to help it mix. The only thing your trying to accomplish is mixing. The salt with the additives will leave a residue if it sits for a long period of time and most of the salt with additives want you to use it right after it's mixed. The salt your using you can mix and let it set for a month and it's still good. Just remember to check the salinity and make sure its close to the same as your tank.