Will precipitated salt eventually dissolve?

[mpderksen]

Filling a new 75 gallon, I added my 2, 5-gallon carboys. Then I dumped in a bag of salt that was for 50 gallons total. Making trips back and forth with my containers to proceed to fill, I realized that the intense over-concentration resulted in precipitation, even though I now have 60 gallons, and a low SG. I'm already aware of the "should have" part of all this (adding salt to water so it could dissolve as it goes), but now what?

The water is milky white from the precipitate. My question is: will it go into solution over time? Or once it's suspended, it stays there? I don't really care if it takes even 2 weeks to dissolve and clear up. I'm not getting my rock/sand for another 3 weeks anyway, so I could let it just circulate with a powerhead over time. Or, if the simple solution is to run a filter floss in the sump for a while to collect it, I'm cool with that too. If it is known that once this happens, it STAYS in solution long-term, I can just drain it and start over, and call it a $20 mistake.

Michael

[thegrun]

No, it will not dissolve over time unless it is put into an acidic solution. It will however eventually settle out of the water table. Using mechanical filtration like floss or a filter sock will speed that along. Your saltwater is likely going to be low in calcium and alkalinity which can be corrected, although if you are only starting to cycle the tank I wouldn't worry about correcting the levels. So in the future, add salt slow and preferably to cool water.

[mpderksen]

Originally Posted by thegrun

No, it will not dissolve over time unless it is put into an acidic solution. It will however eventually settle out of the water table. Using mechanical filtration like floss or a filter sock will speed that along. Your saltwater is likely going to be low in calcium and alkalinity which can be corrected, although if you are only starting to cycle the tank I wouldn't worry about correcting the levels. So in the future, add salt slow and preferably to cool water.

Well THAT certainly doesn't sound encouraging. Rather than waiting, acidifying, filtering etc. I'll just drain it and start fresh. Too early to make extra work for myself.

Thanks for the quick help.

Michael

[sleepydoc]

Precipitated salt will dissolve, but the salt concentration is well below saturation in a tank. What precipitates is usually Calcium and Alk (carbonate,) making Calcium Carbonate, which will not dissolve, as thegrun stated. Best to call it a $20 mistake and start over.

[mpderksen]

Originally Posted by sleepydoc

Precipitated salt will dissolve, but the salt concentration is well below saturation in a tank. What precipitates is usually Calcium and Alk (carbonate,) making Calcium Carbonate, which will not dissolve, as thegrun stated. Best to call it a $20 mistake and start over.

Done. Drained. I'm not starting something like this and rushing to avoid some trips to the store. This time, I'll make my 8 visits to the water place, and THEN slowly add the salt with the pump running. I'll still have time to be ready for my "rock buying trip" on the 5th

[dkeller_nc]

By the way - after the 7th trip you may realize what most all of us that have been in the hobby a while realize - that the $150 for RODI unit is far cheaper than a sore back!

[msnwld]

Do the math on cost of water from wherever your buying it from and also the cost of gas @ 3-4$ a gallon. And you almost have a rodi paid for.

[thegrun]

Also remeber to not fill the tank to the top with water before you place the rock, it will displace 20% or so of the volume.

[Breadman03]

Originally Posted by dkeller_nc

By the way - after the 7th trip you may realize what most all of us that have been in the hobby a while realize - that the $150 for RODI unit is far cheaper than a sore back!

Forget the back, the gas savings alone will pay for the RODI. If you're not aware, they make units that are portable and can be quickly plugged into a sink when needed, then put away without any permanent modifications. One just needs to change the aerator on the faucet.

[mpderksen]

Believe me it's on the list. It wasn't an issue with a nano, and the store is next to my dry cleaners so once a week and $2 was easy enough. Filling a bigger tank is a different beast altogether.

[mpderksen]

Also worth noting I am filling the DT only at this point. It will have a PH to stir and circulate. As I add rock it will overflow into the sump. Once the level rises enough I will start the return pump. I've calculated enough space for double the required amount in case of pump failure. Sand goes last and anything above operating level will be removed.
I have a big pile of rock that's been in a tub for a year and I'll seed with about #20 of live from the LFS as well as a cup of their sand.

[Kyle918]

Best to start it over. Haha, I realized after the 3rd purchase of a 5 gallon jug for my QT that an RO/DI is a must. Plus I am on the second floor of my apt!

[mpderksen]

I'll do it this time right after a CrossFit workout! That should completely convince me!
Michael

[Breadman03]

Originally Posted by mpderksen

Also worth noting I am filling the DT only at this point. It will have a PH to stir and circulate. As I add rock it will overflow into the sump. Once the level rises enough I will start the return pump. I've calculated enough space for double the required amount in case of pump failure. Sand goes last and anything above operating level will be removed.
I have a big pile of rock that's been in a tub for a year and I'll seed with about #20 of live from the LFS as well as a cup of their sand.

When I filled mine, it took several days for all of the air to purge from the rocks, resulting in me needing to add saltwater to maintain my water level and salinity. Of course, I was using dry rock.