pre mixing SW

orb4me · 07-05-2008, 05:05 PM

fishstore guy told me I dont have to have a power head and bucket of sw ready all the time. I can just mix it as I need it, but it has to be mixed really good.

also said, I had distilled water to fill up tank from evaporation, other wise I need sw to do wc, if this info is correct, then why couldnt I mix sw the day before, as long as I check it with the hydrometer?

las4444 · 07-05-2008, 06:12 PM

You do not need mixed saltwater on the ready. Mix the day before and you are good to go for a water change. Power heads are a must IMO because poorly mixed water can burn corals and fish gills.

Yes, distilled water is good but RO/DI water is better. Using tap water CAN lead your tank into issues.

Think of it this way. If something happens such as a toxin you would need to run carbon. Changing water would hardly dent the issue.

Judge · 07-05-2008, 07:01 PM

Ok I am a little confused here. If we are talking about evaporation then it is the water that is evaporating not the salt. It is top off water and there won't be any salt in that. If you look at existing SW tanks sometimes you notice the salt "creep" around the edges of stuff. The salt does not evaporate so when you add water to "fill back up", which is minimal, then I would use RO/DI. The salt will replace any minerals/trace elements. If you always top off with more saltwater your specific gravity will continue to rise to an unhealthy level. I hope this helps some.If not, let me know and I will try again.

unclejed · 07-06-2008, 07:39 AM

Hello orb, your lfs guy told you right except no one has mentioned you should heat the water you will using for the change. Since the water will be heated to match (close anyway) your tank water the salt will "melt" and a good stirring before adding is all that is necessary. I would invest in a refractometer though instead of relying on a hydrometer or calibrate it at your lfs.

orb4me · 07-06-2008, 08:34 AM

I get a grasp on sw, then loose it.

I was looking up DI water and now Im in over my head again.

"Our DI tank exchange systems do not require a drain, and fit in very small spaces, and also relieves you of the hassles with the EPA over the discharge of your regenerant effluent."

what on the earth does that mean?

dictionary does not give me any info on regenerant, but effluent means outflow. Why would the EPA get in a tizzy over DI water in the sewer?

Judge · 07-06-2008, 11:02 AM

Hey Orb. NO problems girl. Some of this stuff just takes time to think through. Go to Premium Aquatics just to look around and get familiar with RO/DI systems. I have no idea what you were quoting there, makes no sense to me either. I am sure one of our more experienced addicts knows though. I have a 3 stage RO gizmo. (There, that's a word us girls are more familiar with). It is affixed under my stand and is permanently hooked to an outisde water faucet. I drilled holes at the bottom of the wall and ran the hoses through there. My collection tub (the one I mix salt up in) is on the front screened in porch, as is my jerry can that I also collect water in for top off. All I do is go outside , turn on the hose and it S-L-O-W-L-Y drains into whichever container I need to fill. When they are new you are suppose to let them run for a half hour or so before collecting water. They filter out all the bad stuff and you're left with pure water. The water run off (bad stuff) in my case is the black plastic line and runs out into my plants around the porch.Now I ask you. If we are drinking this water right out of the tap how can it be bad for the sewer? Just thinking out loud. I can take a pic of mine if you're interested. Let me know.

unclejed · 07-06-2008, 11:30 AM

Hi, the "regenerant effluent" is the junk coming out of your water and the EPA doesn't know where you are disposing it to. Since they say theirs doesn't, I would like to know where theirs is going! I have found the "Filter Guys" to have the best prices of them all, I got (and recommend) their 5 stage RO/DI unit.

Nereaga · 07-06-2008, 06:14 PM

I would agree with Jed on thefilterguys.biz

Brad

orb4me · 07-07-2008, 02:20 PM

lol Uncle. good question.

still in over my head for now.

orb4me · 07-24-2008, 05:08 PM

Power heads are a must IMO because poorly mixed water can burn corals and fish gills.

tx Las, I dont think i really realized that.

I decided on RO water, I got a couple of odd looks from lfs guys, but the decision is made, RO water is here. I cant get started till sat morning, so look out Ill be back with a bunch of questions.

tx everyone.