What pump do you use to mix saltwater? (WTB Pump)

Leandrae · 11/16/2007, 09:29 PM

So my pump that I used for mixing salt water and filling the tank during water changes with pooped out on me 2 weeks ago...I was using a Via Aqua 3300. Yes, I know they aren't the greatest pumps out there, but it did an awesome job mixing the salt and warmed the water up just right for a water change.

I ordered another one. I took it out of the box tonight and decided I would take it apart to give it a rinse before using it and noticed that the plastic over the magnet was cracked in multiple places, making it a non rusty version of my current one. It's going back tomorrow.

What kinds of pumps do you all use to mix salt water with? One of the LFS suggested a maxijet 1200, but somehow I doubt that would do much better than hand stirring it with a swizzle stick. Plus I liked not having to put a heater in my barrel to warm it which I imagine I would have to do with a dinky powerhead. I mix about 25-30 gallons of water in a barrel at a time.

Anyone have anything for sale that would do the job?

-Janel

bmb527 · 11/16/2007, 09:41 PM

I used a MJ 1200 for years on my 72 bowfront. I never worried about heating it, never had a problem and my tank dwellers never seemed to notice. They move plenty of water to mix it well within an hour or so.

Zooid · 11/16/2007, 09:51 PM

I believe that I'm using a Via Aqua as you are/were. If I had to, I'd put a MJ1200 mod in to stir it up. I start mixing my saltwater about a week in advance so a regular MJ1200 would probably suffice for me too, but, as you said, the Via Aqua heats up the water nicely.

adams0816 · 11/17/2007, 12:39 AM

mag 3

H.a.Z · 11/17/2007, 12:43 AM

I'm using a Aquabee 2000, mixing 4 gallons :-)

only mix for 5 - 10 hours before use.

herostar · 11/17/2007, 04:38 AM

I use a $7 fountain pump from Harbor Freight... I adjusted it to about half strength to mix in a 5g bucket for changes on my 20g tank.

11/16/2007, 09:29 PM	#1
Leandrae Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Thornton, CO Posts: 286	What pump do you use to mix saltwater? (WTB Pump) So my pump that I used for mixing salt water and filling the tank during water changes with pooped out on me 2 weeks ago...I was using a Via Aqua 3300. Yes, I know they aren't the greatest pumps out there, but it did an awesome job mixing the salt and warmed the water up just right for a water change. I ordered another one. I took it out of the box tonight and decided I would take it apart to give it a rinse before using it and noticed that the plastic over the magnet was cracked in multiple places, making it a non rusty version of my current one. It's going back tomorrow. What kinds of pumps do you all use to mix salt water with? One of the LFS suggested a maxijet 1200, but somehow I doubt that would do much better than hand stirring it with a swizzle stick. Plus I liked not having to put a heater in my barrel to warm it which I imagine I would have to do with a dinky powerhead. I mix about 25-30 gallons of water in a barrel at a time. Anyone have anything for sale that would do the job? -Janel

11/16/2007, 09:41 PM	#2
bmb527 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Marysville Wa. Posts: 943	I used a MJ 1200 for years on my 72 bowfront. I never worried about heating it, never had a problem and my tank dwellers never seemed to notice. They move plenty of water to mix it well within an hour or so. __________________ 787 Preflight & Delivery QA, Keeping you safe at 40,000 feet!

11/17/2007, 12:39 AM	#4
adams0816 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Loveland Colorado Posts: 1,181	mag 3 __________________ Harry Current Tank Info: 120 gal rr oceanic,27 gal fuge,50 gal reef ,20 gal fresh

11/17/2007, 04:38 AM	#6
herostar Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 1,024	I use a $7 fountain pump from Harbor Freight... I adjusted it to about half strength to mix in a 5g bucket for changes on my 20g tank. __________________ Do a good turn daily. Current Tank Info: 58g Oceanic (Est. 2007)

11/16/2007, 09:51 PM	#3
Zooid Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Arvada, CO Posts: 1,166	I believe that I'm using a Via Aqua as you are/were. If I had to, I'd put a MJ1200 mod in to stir it up. I start mixing my saltwater about a week in advance so a regular MJ1200 would probably suffice for me too, but, as you said, the Via Aqua heats up the water nicely.

11/17/2007, 12:43 AM	#5
H.a.Z Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Norway Posts: 110	I'm using a Aquabee 2000, mixing 4 gallons :-) only mix for 5 - 10 hours before use.