Mixing station

[macara.brooks]

Hello I'm looking at making a mixing station for my 130g tank and I'm wondering what size to make and is there such thing as to big. I'm thinking 50g salt and 50g rodi

 

[dangles]

I went with 65 gallons each for my 120 gallon tank. “Full” is actually around 60 gallons. It’s a good size for me.

The only thing I would change (and will be when I get around to it!) is that I would add dedicated spigots for each of the tanks coming right out at the bottom drain (if that makes sense). Right where the first 90° elbow is at the bottom.

 

[macara.brooks]

I went with 65 gallons each for my 120 gallon tank. “Full” is actually around 60 gallons. It’s a good size for me.

The only thing I would change (and will be when I get around to it!) is that I would add dedicated spigots for each of the tanks coming right out at the bottom drain (if that makes sense). Right where the first 90° elbow is at the bottom.

I am struggling to find anything of that size I'm thinking about doing 100g because that's all I can find is there such thing as to big

 

[RoanokeReef]

I am struggling to find anything of that size I'm thinking about doing 100g because that's all I can find is there such thing as to big

https://www.plastic-mart.com/storage/vertical-tanks/

 

[dangles]

I am struggling to find anything of that size I'm thinking about doing 100g because that's all I can find is there such thing as to big

It depends lol. How long do you think it would take you to go through 100 gallons? I guess you wouldn’t HAVE to fill it completely.

A little aside to help answer your question…

There’s some debate about how well different salt brands last in storage scenarios after they’re mixed (unheated vs heated, mixed vs at rest). Supposedly some salt brands store better (i.e. precipitate less) after they’re mixed than others. BRS did a “BRS Investigates” experiment on this subject.

A lot of people say it doesn’t matter, but can’t point to any actual evidence besides “it’s works fine for me.” Way too much of that kind of “evidence” floating around. So until somebody else comes along and does a better experiment than they did, I’m going to lean toward “that’s the best info we have.” And it shows that some brands do in fact precipitate out over time, and the longer you store mixed salt water, the less “ideal” it becomes.

So if you don’t mind spending a little more on higher quality salt that has been shown to maintain parameters over longer storage periods, 100 gallons would be fine. And of course if you have the funds and the space to do it :)

Alternatively, if you just don’t trust BRS’s experiment (some people don’t), just use whatever salt you can get easily and don’t worry about parameters drifting over time in storage :)

 

[JTP424]

55gallon brute garbage cans work well

 

[Isaac Alves]

I use two 100 gallon containers of saltwater for mixing. And only use about 30-50 gallons per month for water changes.

I’ve seen no issues in almost two years. I do regular bi monthly icp on tank and RODI (via Fauna Marin ICP). No issues have arisen.

I do purposely use tropic Marin pro reef because I do long term mixing-storage for 200 gallons of reserve salt. And I’ve seen no build up or issues with precipitation of “stuff”.

 

[macara.brooks]

https://www.plastic-mart.com/storage/vertical-tanks/

I live in Canada Ontario and the shipping from them is crazy

 

[RoanokeReef]

I live in Canada Ontario and the shipping from them is crazy

Ah, if it makes you feel better shipping is also crazy State side. Seems all the retailers of these the shipping is high.

 

[Isaac Alves]

There are some pretty large rain barrels that are closed— I considered this too until I found this guy on Facebook marketplace who was local to me.

 

[Kongar]

It depends lol. How long do you think it would take you to go through 100 gallons? I guess you wouldn’t HAVE to fill it completely.

A little aside to help answer your question…

There’s some debate about how well different salt brands last in storage scenarios after they’re mixed (unheated vs heated, mixed vs at rest). Supposedly some salt brands store better (i.e. precipitate less) after they’re mixed than others. BRS did a “BRS Investigates” experiment on this subject.

A lot of people say it doesn’t matter, but can’t point to any actual evidence besides “it’s works fine for me.” Way too much of that kind of “evidence” floating around. So until somebody else comes along and does a better experiment than they did, I’m going to lean toward “that’s the best info we have.” And it shows that some brands do in fact precipitate out over time, and the longer you store mixed salt water, the less “ideal” it becomes.

So if you don’t mind spending a little more on higher quality salt that has been shown to maintain parameters over longer storage periods, 100 gallons would be fine. And of course if you have the funds and the space to do it :)

Alternatively, if you just don’t trust BRS’s experiment (some people don’t), just use whatever salt you can get easily and don’t worry about parameters drifting over time in storage :)

I also agree with this. No there isn't such a thing as "too big" except for two things. One, I wouldn't want mixed saltwater sitting stagnant for long periods of time. But who says you have to fill the tanks up? Two, you might need a bigger pump for the larger volume.

My vote is tanks are hard to find at reasonable prices. Get whatever works, fits in your price range, and fits in your space - then use all or a portion of that tank.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Two 70 gallon water tanks for me, to support my two 150 gallon display tanks, and some miscellaneous frag tanks. It's amazing how when you need RODI water, you seem to need it "now".

 

[Isaac Alves]

The only thing that needs to be considered when buying a mixing container is the plastic type. It needs to be inert so it doesn't leach anything into the water.

So typically I'm looking for HDPE, LDPE or even polypropylene which is like those collapsible drinkable water containers.

 

[macara.brooks]

I went with 65 gallons each for my 120 gallon tank. “Full” is actually around 60 gallons. It’s a good size for me.

The only thing I would change (and will be when I get around to it!) is that I would add dedicated spigots for each of the tanks coming right out at the bottom drain (if that makes sense). Right where the first 90° elbow is at the bottom.

Did u ever make a automatic make-up for your sump?

 

[dangles]

Did u ever make a automatic make-up for your sump?

What do you mean by “automatic makeup”?

 

[Sabellafella]

Hello I'm looking at making a mixing station for my 130g tank and I'm wondering what size to make and is there such thing as to big. I'm thinking 50g salt and 50g rodi

I personally use one 100 gallon rodi and 55 gallon square drums. I can fill the saltwater to 45 gallons, use a bag of salt mixes it perfectly.

Definitely don't think it's too big. I found that having more rodi, Definitely works out since you can top salt container off relatively quickly and still have top off water left before refilling

 

[danreef55]

Home depot 55 gals each

Seven stage RODI 200GPD - Bulk Reef Supply

 

[danreef55]

I created a pictorial of the mixing station plumbing https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/mixing-station-plumbing-pictorial.1089400/