How long to mix Reef Crystals salt?

SugarFox03 · 02/18/2007, 06:54 PM

I just bought a small box (enough for 25 gals) of the stuff to try it out. I have never really mixed my own saltwater, as I have always bought it from the LFS until I found out where they get it (a local inlet - yuck!!)

How long does it need to mix? I have everything in a 10 gal tank (which for the record only holds 9 gals...makes no sense) with a MaxiJet 1200 & heater. I mixed it all together around 1:00 this afternoon. The SG is right around 1.025, and temp 79. The box says it can be used immediately, which I will never do...but how long should it cure? I'm getting tons of small bubbles on the sides of the tank, which I guess would mean there's plenty of oxygen in the water?

Thanks in advance

-Melody

PhilOlsen · 02/18/2007, 06:56 PM

I let mine sit for 24 hours when ever possible, but I have used it in 12 hours without any issues

usmcsgt · 02/18/2007, 07:58 PM

ive use mine within the hour of mixing usually

coyoteseven · 02/18/2007, 08:59 PM

I usually let mine mix overnight, but in an emergency I have used it within a few minutes of mixing... but usually it's only small amounts (a gallon or two).

adnup · 02/18/2007, 09:28 PM

24hrs here

zma21 · 02/18/2007, 11:11 PM

It would probably be safer to wait 24 hours.

D-Rod · 02/18/2007, 11:15 PM

30 minutes or when temp is matched

AquaReeferMan · 02/18/2007, 11:20 PM

I usually wait 24 hours. Although like stated above I have used it sometimes almost right away with no problems.

plyle02 · 02/19/2007, 12:32 AM

Overnight/ at least 12-24hrs....I have a rubbermaid 15 gallon tub, mix with salt, add a powerhead and heater, and let it go for at least 12hrs. When temp matches, make the change.

fours2many · 02/19/2007, 06:05 AM

5 minutes. There was just a post about this a couple days ago. I have a sps/lps tank. Zero problems! Just mix it good, check for salinity levels. I don't even check PH anymore. It always mixed up just right for me. Reef crystal disolves fast. I have tested my newly made water every water change for months. I finally just gave up and for over 2 years, just dump it in after it is fully mixed.
I really don't get what the deal is with water sitting for 24 hours first. I guess with different salt mix, people weren't getting high enough PH reading or something.

Kristin

joe click · 02/19/2007, 06:58 AM

may sound crazy but i mix mine ck salt level an pour it right into tank never had a problem in 3 yrs

plyle02 · 02/19/2007, 07:11 AM

fours2many
Your right, as long as you test your water before it goes in the tank, it's all good. I think some of us prefer to have water stirred up with a powerhead to help airate the water so the PH will climb to the appropriate level. Also, the water should match in temp as close as possible to avoid shock to any inhabitants....Just my 2 cents....

conchead · 02/19/2007, 08:14 AM

I mix, wait about 10 minutes, add to tank,,,no problems

aquarius77 · 02/19/2007, 09:01 AM

I usually mix for days, i have used it right away tho.

reeftanker04 · 02/19/2007, 09:31 AM

I usually mix it in a 5 gallon water bottle, shake it up like crazy and pour it right in. I've never had a problem that way. I probably should get a powerhead with a bucket but never had any issues.

gbtrain · 02/19/2007, 10:56 AM

I mix mine over night in a Brute can with a large power head and heater. I have changed it after an hour in a emergency, make sure the temp is correct.

kfowler · 02/19/2007, 11:00 AM

I mix mine the night before. More to allow the correct temp to be reached and make sure the salinity is correct. I have also used it within an hour of mixing. If you stir it really well, it seems to dissolve quickly.

02/18/2007, 06:54 PM	#1
SugarFox03 Animal Behaviorist Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Posts: 528	How long to mix Reef Crystals salt? I just bought a small box (enough for 25 gals) of the stuff to try it out. I have never really mixed my own saltwater, as I have always bought it from the LFS until I found out where they get it (a local inlet - yuck!!) How long does it need to mix? I have everything in a 10 gal tank (which for the record only holds 9 gals...makes no sense) with a MaxiJet 1200 & heater. I mixed it all together around 1:00 this afternoon. The SG is right around 1.025, and temp 79. The box says it can be used immediately, which I will never do...but how long should it cure? I'm getting tons of small bubbles on the sides of the tank, which I guess would mean there's plenty of oxygen in the water? Thanks in advance -Melody

02/18/2007, 06:56 PM	#2
PhilOlsen Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 68	I let mine sit for 24 hours when ever possible, but I have used it in 12 hours without any issues __________________ IT NEVER ENDS!

02/18/2007, 07:58 PM	#3
usmcsgt Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Pensacola Fl. Posts: 999	ive use mine within the hour of mixing usually __________________ There are no such things as limits to growth, because there are no limits on the human capacity for intelligence, imagination and wonder. -- Ronald Reagan Current Tank Info: 100 Gal Mixed reef Cube.

02/18/2007, 08:59 PM	#4
coyoteseven Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: North Port FL Posts: 1,626	I usually let mine mix overnight, but in an emergency I have used it within a few minutes of mixing... but usually it's only small amounts (a gallon or two). __________________ A wise man never has all the answers... just more questions. This above all else... the true warrior prays for peace. Current Tank Info: None right now, perhaps again some day.

02/18/2007, 09:28 PM	#5
adnup Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spring Hill, Florida Posts: 2,025	24hrs here __________________ A HOUSE isn't a HOME without saltwater on the floor! Current Tank Info: 120 Starphire, I-Tech 200 Skimmer, Snapper, Tunze

02/18/2007, 11:11 PM	#6
zma21 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NOLA Posts: 1,453	It would probably be safer to wait 24 hours. __________________ SCA 50 Starfire: In Progress Current Tank Info: 20 High -> 40 Cube -> Nanocube 12 DX -> 25 Gallon Rimless -> 10 Gallon AGA Temporary Tank -> JBJ 24 LED -> SCA Starfire 50 Cube

02/18/2007, 11:15 PM	#7
D-Rod Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Paso Robles, Ca Posts: 1,020	30 minutes or when temp is matched __________________ The Vino Man - I Trade With Wine...Just Ask! Current Tank Info: Small Tank, Lights, Fish; Tangs a whole bunch, 4 False Perculas, 6 rose anemones Mixed Reef.

02/18/2007, 11:20 PM	#8
AquaReeferMan Got Reef? Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Under the Sea, Pa Posts: 4,593	I usually wait 24 hours. Although like stated above I have used it sometimes almost right away with no problems. __________________ Couple SPS/Zoanthid tanks and a couple of FW planted tanks. Current Tank Info: 5 pieces of glass with some silicone and plastic frames holding them together

02/19/2007, 12:32 AM	#9
plyle02 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lake Helen, FL Posts: 5,526	Overnight/ at least 12-24hrs....I have a rubbermaid 15 gallon tub, mix with salt, add a powerhead and heater, and let it go for at least 12hrs. When temp matches, make the change. __________________ Perry "Anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die" ~Buddha~ Current Tank Info: 50 Gallon AIO Cube, Aquamaxx WS-1 Skimmer, LED/ Hybrid 4x24 watt t5

02/19/2007, 06:05 AM	#10
fours2many Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 385	5 minutes. There was just a post about this a couple days ago. I have a sps/lps tank. Zero problems! Just mix it good, check for salinity levels. I don't even check PH anymore. It always mixed up just right for me. Reef crystal disolves fast. I have tested my newly made water every water change for months. I finally just gave up and for over 2 years, just dump it in after it is fully mixed. I really don't get what the deal is with water sitting for 24 hours first. I guess with different salt mix, people weren't getting high enough PH reading or something. Kristin

02/19/2007, 06:58 AM	#11
joe click Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: frankfort ny Posts: 35	may sound crazy but i mix mine ck salt level an pour it right into tank never had a problem in 3 yrs

02/19/2007, 07:11 AM	#12
plyle02 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lake Helen, FL Posts: 5,526	fours2many Your right, as long as you test your water before it goes in the tank, it's all good. I think some of us prefer to have water stirred up with a powerhead to help airate the water so the PH will climb to the appropriate level. Also, the water should match in temp as close as possible to avoid shock to any inhabitants....Just my 2 cents.... __________________ Perry "Anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die" ~Buddha~ Current Tank Info: 50 Gallon AIO Cube, Aquamaxx WS-1 Skimmer, LED/ Hybrid 4x24 watt t5

02/19/2007, 08:14 AM	#13
conchead Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: sebring,fl. Posts: 173	I mix, wait about 10 minutes, add to tank,,,no problems

02/19/2007, 09:01 AM	#14
aquarius77 Moved On Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Highland, Il Posts: 2,198	I usually mix for days, i have used it right away tho.

02/19/2007, 09:31 AM	#15
reeftanker04 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: New York, NY Posts: 259	I usually mix it in a 5 gallon water bottle, shake it up like crazy and pour it right in. I've never had a problem that way. I probably should get a powerhead with a bucket but never had any issues.

02/19/2007, 10:56 AM	#16
gbtrain Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Iowa Posts: 443	I mix mine over night in a Brute can with a large power head and heater. I have changed it after an hour in a emergency, make sure the temp is correct. __________________ It's OK to drink like a fish provided you drink what the fish drinks.

02/19/2007, 11:00 AM	#17
kfowler Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,095	I mix mine the night before. More to allow the correct temp to be reached and make sure the salinity is correct. I have also used it within an hour of mixing. If you stir it really well, it seems to dissolve quickly. __________________ Kevin "You cannot achieve what you are not willing to pursue." Current Tank Info: 20g Mixed Reef