How much salt?

Durbelethwen · 10/12/2010, 06:31 PM

The salt mix I bought says to put 1 1/4 pounds of salt for every five gallons of water for the proper specific gravity. Does any one know of an easy way to measure out such an amount instead of having to weigh it on a small scale? Maybe you know what it is approximately in cups? Thank you.

JoeRonda · 10/12/2010, 06:42 PM

What I do is get a small plastic bottle, ( we all have them, you know the additives or freshwater plant food,whatever) and cut off the top. Instant measuring cup. Now find out how many level scoops it takes to get the Specific Gravity your looking for and simply write that number on the top of your salt mix bucket.

Agu · 10/12/2010, 06:55 PM

Instant Ocean mixes 1.5 pounds/5 gallons to achieve a sg of1.022. For smaller batches 1/2 cup / gallon gets the same results.

I'd call it a little less than a half cup/gallon and then adjust as necessary after it's mixed in your case.

Sisterlimonpot · 10/12/2010, 09:46 PM

+1 most salt brands use roughly 1/2 cup per gallon. that will get you in the ball park. what brand do you use?

phhbrown · 10/12/2010, 10:11 PM

Joe has a good method. My twist is to use a small scoop to slowly add salt to a standard amount of water (I do 5 gallon water changes) until the correct specific gravity is reached. Once I figure out how many scoops I need i can put the same number of scoops into a large container and mark it for later.

Chris27 · 10/13/2010, 01:01 PM

I use the 1/2 cup / Gallon baseline and adjust it from there. Typically most salt mixes will mix up to about 1.022-24 when you use that amount.

oxford · 10/13/2010, 01:21 PM

I eyeball it as I mix and measure the SG as I get close. You only have to do it a few times before you develop a sense for the right amount. To be clear, I never rely only on my eye!

Sisterlimonpot · 10/13/2010, 01:30 PM

You have to use taste too. It won't be long before you have that calibrated tongue and can differentiate between 1.025 and 1.026 with a drop of water

thegrun · 10/13/2010, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sisterlimonpot

You have to use taste too. It won't be long before you have that calibrated tongue and can differentiate between 1.025 and 1.026 with a drop of water

LOL!!! I wish I hadn't wasted $4.00 on calibration fluid!

Clams55 · 10/13/2010, 02:24 PM

What are you using (other than your tongue!) to measure salinity? If you are planning on a reef, I would invest in a refractometer or conductivity meter.

10/12/2010, 06:31 PM	#1
Durbelethwen Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 90	How much salt? The salt mix I bought says to put 1 1/4 pounds of salt for every five gallons of water for the proper specific gravity. Does any one know of an easy way to measure out such an amount instead of having to weigh it on a small scale? Maybe you know what it is approximately in cups? Thank you.

10/12/2010, 06:55 PM	#3
Agu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Sarasota, Florida Posts: 30,279	Instant Ocean mixes 1.5 pounds/5 gallons to achieve a sg of1.022. For smaller batches 1/2 cup / gallon gets the same results. I'd call it a little less than a half cup/gallon and then adjust as necessary after it's mixed in your case. __________________ Less technology , more biology . Current Tank Info: 30 gallon half cube and 5.5, both reef tanks

10/12/2010, 09:46 PM	#4
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	+1 most salt brands use roughly 1/2 cup per gallon. that will get you in the ball park. what brand do you use? __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

10/13/2010, 01:30 PM	#8
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	You have to use taste too. It won't be long before you have that calibrated tongue and can differentiate between 1.025 and 1.026 with a drop of water __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

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10/12/2010, 06:42 PM	#2
JoeRonda Made in the U.S.A. Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Washington,PA Posts: 694	What I do is get a small plastic bottle, ( we all have them, you know the additives or freshwater plant food,whatever) and cut off the top. Instant measuring cup. Now find out how many level scoops it takes to get the Specific Gravity your looking for and simply write that number on the top of your salt mix bucket.

10/12/2010, 10:11 PM	#5
phhbrown Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 59	Joe has a good method. My twist is to use a small scoop to slowly add salt to a standard amount of water (I do 5 gallon water changes) until the correct specific gravity is reached. Once I figure out how many scoops I need i can put the same number of scoops into a large container and mark it for later.

10/13/2010, 01:01 PM	#6
Chris27 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 4,452	I use the 1/2 cup / Gallon baseline and adjust it from there. Typically most salt mixes will mix up to about 1.022-24 when you use that amount.

10/13/2010, 01:21 PM	#7
oxford Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DC metro (Montgomery County) Posts: 58	I eyeball it as I mix and measure the SG as I get close. You only have to do it a few times before you develop a sense for the right amount. To be clear, I never rely only on my eye!

10/13/2010, 02:24 PM	#10
Clams55 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 72	What are you using (other than your tongue!) to measure salinity? If you are planning on a reef, I would invest in a refractometer or conductivity meter.