Salt mixing

[AdamK1]

This seems a daft question to be asking, but I'm second guessing myself after killing a 200 gallon system and starting again!

There's no reason is there why I can't mix salt in the tank, with dry rock and sand in place?

If I have to filter, mix, then move to the tank it'll take ages. If I can stick the ro line into the tank and let it fill, then stick 20 odd kg of salt in at the end it would make life a lot easier. I'd like to sand and scape while the tank is dry, so hoping to do that first.

No reason this wouldn't be OK is there?

 

[AdamK1]

Just to add, I'd add the salt in a sump chamber so there's no chance of a pile of salt ending up behind a rock!

 

[AquaLogic]

I'm sure someone will chime in on why this is a bad idea, but I've done it and had no problems. Just add your salt slowly in front of a powerhead so that it doesn't accumulate somewhere and not mix well. Your sump idea is fine.

 

[AdamK1]

I'm sure someone will chime in on why this is a bad idea, but I've done it and had no problems. Just add your salt slowly in front of a powerhead so that it doesn't accumulate somewhere and not mix well. Your sump idea is fine.

Yeah that's what I was thinking. I've a top in top out section in my sump, would be an ideal place to add it. It should be mixed near enough clear before making it to the dt.

 

[JTP424]

No reason not to so long as you don't have any livestock. But since its dry... I don't see what livestock WOULD be XD

This is actually a question I haven't seen too many people say DON'T DO IT to....

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Just bear in mind that whatever residue your salt mix makes when you mix it (varies a lot), it will now be in the tank.

 

[JTP424]

Just bear in mind that whatever residue your salt mix makes when you mix it (varies a lot), it will now be in the tank.

argh! Randy comes in with logic ;)

 

[AdamK1]

Just bear in mind that whatever residue your salt mix makes when you mix it (varies a lot), it will now be in the tank.

Is that not mainly just precipitate calcium carbonate because of raising levels quickly?

Is this a consideration I should he concerned about?

I'll probably use blue bucket. I've not seen much residue from that mix.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Is that not mainly just precipitate calcium carbonate because of raising levels quickly?

Is this a consideration I should he concerned about?

I'll probably use blue bucket. I've not seen much residue from that mix.

With some high alk mixes, like normal IO or Red Sea Coral pro, yes. With others, like Reef Crystals, probably not entirely as it seems to have a different color and texture.

 

[AdamK1]

With some high alk mixes, like normal IO or Red Sea Coral pro, yes. With others, like Reef Crystals, probably not entirely as it seems to have a different color and texture.

I can't see that the salt mixes leave anything behind as residue by design. I could be wrong. My instinct is to be more concerned that what's left behind should be in the tank, or that my mixing practice is causing an interaction that's not intended.

This will be strictly fowlr in this tank anyway so I'll only be mixing it to 1.020. The critical balance of micro elements is not a concern, thankfully!

 

[Uncle99]

I do that all the time.
But I don’t put nothing in for several days after.

 

[AdamK1]

I do that all the time.
But I don’t put nothing in for several days after.

Thanks. Yeah it'll have a few days getting to temperature and a few weeks fishless cycle before anything alive is in there!

 

[Uncle99]

Thanks. Yeah it'll have a few days getting to temperature and a few weeks fishless cycle before anything alive is in there!

Enjoy!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I can't see that the salt mixes leave anything behind as residue by design. I could be wrong. My instinct is to be more concerned that what's left behind should be in the tank, or that my mixing practice is causing an interaction that's not intended.

This will be strictly fowlr in this tank anyway so I'll only be mixing it to 1.020. The critical balance of micro elements is not a concern, thankfully!

Whatever the reason, it is well known that Reef Crystals leaves a lot of visible, unattractive residue that folks don't like even in their mixing barrels. Other brands do not.

 

[Ryan - Serious Reefs]

I’m lazy so this is how I typically fill a large tank :)

Never thought about the gunk/resiadue issue but I suspect that a filter sock might remove a good portion it. It you are worried about the gunk I’d just use one that doesn’t have gunk :)