Water changes

kreblak

kreblak

FDA approval pending
Mar 13, 2003
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When mixing up a batch of new SW for a water change, what methods do you folks find most effective for getting the salt to disperse quickly and efficiently throughout the water? I typically mix by hand, with a big wooden spoon, and I have found that my SG readings can vary wildly within 15 minutes of each other.

How long should it take for the salt to fully dissolve in the water? I have been told (by the geniuses at my LFS) that after 30 minutes the salt will be fully dissolved, but my experience with the varying SG readings tell a different story.
 
I'd give it at least 12 hours, preferably 24 hours to dissolve. For mixing I use a 10 gallon tank with a 50 w Tronic heater and a Penguin 550 powerhead to move the water.
 
When you say you "move the water" with a powerhead, I assume you mean within the 10 G mixing tank, correct?

I am also looking to improve the way I replace water in the main tank. Any thoughts on how to best move the water from the mixing bucket into the tank? Currently, I hold the bucket above the tank, and use the gravel siphon to flow the water from the bucket into the tank. Surely there is a better way, and one that requires less shoulder strength!
 
We use an 65 gallon agriculture sprayer tank, with powerheads. Tried using a little giant pump, but it tends to suction itself to the floor of the tank. We'll filter water into the tank, add salt, mix and heat for a day or two, measure, and then add salt as needed for the specific temp. Hydrometers are temp dependent--there's an easy way to check what your is set to--let me know if you need that info.


I use the same method for filling my newt tank, and I use a small stool to set the water bucket on (of course, the newt tank is on a shelf on the kitchen counter--I'd have to hold the bucket over my head!). The stool was about $15 at walmart, and also serves as the kitty watching post for my FW tank.
;)
 
I assume my hydrometer is set to about 75 to 80 degrees, seeing as that's what it was designed to be used for. How do you check to see?
 
Check it in FW, and raise or lower the temp until it sits exactly at 1.000. You can then raise the SP (keeping the temp steady) and graph it, so you can establish the slope line. This can then be used to convert to a different temperature. 75-80 is a HUGE range--I'd check to know which end of the scale your sitting at.
 
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