SG

[Bahamiangirl]

I am mixing salt to put in tank and the SG in the mixed water is 1.020 it is been mixed for two days now. I have added more salt.
How long should this mix before adding to the tank and it should be 1.025 right?
Also what should I test for after mixing the salt?
The salt mix i am useing is instant ocean.

 

[Catpicklesdog]

I let mine mix overnight with a pump and heater before adding it to my tank but there are some who mix and add straight away, it's just down to personal preference. IMO the main things to test for are PH, NitrAtes, phosphates and of course your SG. Basically test for the nasties you don't want to add to your tank. I test my water before I add the salt to make sure my R/O unit is working properly and then again after to check everything else. Again it's down to personal preference but i've had so many water problems in the past I'm a little paranoid which in this hobby is probably not a bad thing - just makes sure everything is running smoothly. And yes 1.025 is fine

 

[fsn77]

1.024 - 1.026 is a good range to be in.

It doesn't take very long for the salt to dissolve -- I don't even bother with a powerhead as it takes longer to get out the powerhead and plug it in than it does for me to mix it manually. I just use a piece of acrylic that use to be a tank divider in a small tank to stir the water for a couple minutes, but any number of things make a good stirrer. Then, I store the water in (covered) buckets for 1 - 2 weeks until I need it for a water change. Been doing this for over a year now and never had a problem with the salt not fully dissolving or chemistry problems in the newly mixed sw (I use Reef Crystals). I've even added it straight into the tank a few times when I needed to right after mixing it, which wasn't a problem either.

 

[Germanman]

i mix mine right before adding it let each bucket mix for at least 20 mins. and slowly pump it in once i know its all the same. i keep min SG at 1.024-1.025