Salt water mixing station

dbl · Oct 9, 2016

Yes...I get good circulation. If you're concerned about it settling and you have an old powerhead lying around, throw it in the bottom and turn it on while mixing.

I use a pump rated at 1,400 +/- gph to mix. I also use it to pump new water to the display.

Rob's Reef · Oct 9, 2016

My pump is rated for 586gph.
Itso setup to pull from the bottom and dump it in the top. Then when ready hit a couple valves and it will pump it to my sump...

Martyd · Oct 9, 2016

I got mine here. They quote 4 - 6 weeks shipping, but I got my tank in less than 3. Shipping is dirt cheap.

http://www.ruralking.com/ace-roto-mold-rectangle-utility-tank-sp0055-mm.html

Rob's Reef · Oct 9, 2016

dbl said:
Yes...I get good circulation. If you're concerned about it settling and you have an old powerhead lying around, throw it in the bottom and turn it on while mixing.

I use a pump rated at 1,400 +/- gph to mix. I also use it to pump new water to the display.

I've got mine dumping in from the top like yours and it's mixing nice! Keeps the top of the water from getting that stagnant film.

mcarroll · Oct 10, 2016

Rob's Reef said:
Now I can use your ideas again... the pipe I put down the center, what type of spray bar should I use?
1. A tee 1/4 the way down with holes drilled.
2. A tee at the bottom with holes drilled
3. A straight pipe capped at the bottom with holes drilled all the way down
4. Or should I just leave a 90 up top and let it just spray on top of the waters surface to help oxygenate the newly mixed saltwater?

Honestly I'd mix with a paddle – by hand – and just use the pump during water change time. Best mixing, no excessive water heating/precipitation. Can't beat the cost, plus you get a little exercise! :)

(I do it this way.)

revhtree · Oct 10, 2016

mcarroll said:
I know people tend to go for the screw-on lid tanks, but I'd actually recommend one of these instead:

Link to Tank Depot's selection: Plastic Open Top Chemical Tanks
Round or square are available. Square is more volume per square foot, but round probably mixes easier.

All of these are easier to get salt into and stir, as well as get in for testing samples.

Great suggestion! Easier to clean as well!