salt mix ?

[Reefplumber13]

ok so i bought the instant ocean 50 gal mix but i only have a 45gal and it dont say how to mix it for that size so could someone help me out here it it says for small tanks to use half a cup per gallon but that dont sound right plz help im so ready to set this thig up!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[rockdog]

1/2 cup per gal is correct. Just take out take out 6 cups and mix the remander in the tank. I say 6 cups to allow for sand, rocks and such. You will have less than 45 gal of water. Then you can check the salinity and add the salt in small doses until you get to where you want to be... I run my reef @ 1.025, thank is just what I like... JUST GO SLOW!! nothing good happens fast in this hobby!!!

 

[seedless reefer]

To me Instant Ocean seems a tad on the weak side.

Not meaning it's bad salt (It's all I use) but to me the 1/2 cup per gallon measurement brings the salinity to say 1.018/19 so you really need to mix your salt, check it and add accordingly.

Let it mix overnight with a powerhead and check it before you dump it.

 

[skriz]

From what I remember, IO is rated for 1.016.

You need a refractometer or swing arm, or you're begging for trouble

 

[Reefplumber13]

ok guys what the heck does all that mean im new to this so plz tell me that again it newbie terms

 

[Reefplumber13]

should i get a trash can to mix it in and do i have to get a powerhead to put in there bc i have spending limt?

 

[Reefplumber13]

Rockdog;167123 wrote: 1/2 cup per gal is correct. Just take out take out 6 cups and mix the remander in the tank. I say 6 cups to allow for sand, rocks and such. You will have less than 45 gal of water. Then you can check the salinity and add the salt in small doses until you get to where you want to be... I run my reef @ 1.025, thank is just what I like... JUST GO SLOW!! nothing good happens fast in this hobby!!!

there will be nothing in the tank for a few weeks so should i still do that ?

 

[olds350racer]

Do you have a hydrometer? Like this... http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4690+4952&pcatid=4952http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4690+4952&pcatid=4952"> http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4690+4952&pcatid=4952</a>
[IMG]http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4690+4952&pcatid=4952http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4690+4952&pcatid=4952"> </a>[B][/B]

 

[Reefplumber13]

nope dont have one do i need to get one

 

[olds350racer]

Yes. If money is the issue, get a hydrometer at a minimum.
The best choice would be a refractometer...
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4690+9957&pcatid=9957">http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4690+9957&pcatid=9957</a>
They serve the same purpose, but the refractometer is easier to get an accurate reading and will not vary over time. The hydrometer is cheaper, but not as reliable.

 

[Reefplumber13]

ok can i get one at petsmart or petco?

 

[olds350racer]

You can get the hydrometer there. I'm not certain if anyone sells the refractometers local. You can probably find one of our sponsors that do. Being that you're new to the hobby, I would check out sponsors even if you go with the hydrometer. You'll pick up alot more knowledge/ideas by shopping at stores dedicated to the hobby.

 

[Reefplumber13]

who would you go with out of the sponsors

 

[olds350racer]

What type of tank are you looking to start? "Fish Only With Live Rock" (FOWLR) or would you eventually like to try corals?

 

[Reefplumber13]

right now just fowlr but later like at least 6 months down the road i might try my hand at a reef tank

 

[olds350racer]

Well... Saltwater City, Marine Fish, and Cappuccino Bay are too far from you and they're all close enough to visit in the same trip. Just do your research before buying any livestock. There are plenty of fish/inverts that are not reef safe.

 

[Reefplumber13]

ok so im going to get that stuff tonight so how will i get the water out of the can after i mix it? just use a gallon jug and do it that way or can i get a pump?

 

[xyzpdq0121]

Best bet is to go get some 5 gallon buckets and mix the water in batches. Firehouse subs will sell you old pickle buckets for $2 each. Just rinse them out with some baking soda and water and you will be good to go (They still smell like pickles for a bit but it will not hurt anything). Believe me, you can not have too many 5 gal buckets around. You will need them for water changes also.

Anyways, Put 5 gallons of RO or RO/DI water in your bucket, put 3 1.2 cups of salt to start out with, thrown in a powerhead and let her mix, once that looks mixed, move your powerhead over to the next bucker and so on... When everything is mixed up, carry your buckets over and dump them in. One hint, when pouring water in a tank for the first time, place a plastic plate or something on the rock on on the bottom and aim for that. It will help keep from throwing sand everywhere!

Not to sound harsh, but it seems like you have a bit of reading to do while your tank cycles for the 4 weeks or so... I suggest getting a few good books (or borrowing one or two) and checking out a few places on the net like

 

[olds350racer]

jgilley84;167719 wrote: ok so im going to get that stuff tonight so how will i get the water out of the can after i mix it? just use a gallon jug and do it that way or can i get a pump?

So, did you get what you needed? Brandon had a VERY good point. Once you get your water mixed and water flowing in the tank, just kick back with some good reading material and research, research, and research while your tank cycles.

 

[Reefplumber13]

no i have not dont anything yet had some other stuff to do but i will get it this weekend and do that i have one book but its my dads and its from the 70's if i can find it again