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View Full Version : How fast before measure salinity after adding salt for water change


skyrye7
03/24/2013, 08:54 AM
Hi

Just wondering, how long should i let the salt mix after adding it to my RODI water before I measure the salinity using a refractometer?

downbeach
03/24/2013, 09:11 AM
I would follow the guidelines set up in this article:

http://successfulreefkeeping.com/learn/salinity-mixing-saltwater/

johnike
03/24/2013, 09:16 AM
I'm doing a water change this afternoon. I ballpark mixed 25 gallons and put a pump in overnight. I'll tweak it to match the tank as soon as I get off my lazy butt this morning.

Dmorty217
03/24/2013, 09:18 AM
All depends on what kind of pump you are using to mix your salt, I have a mag 12 in a 34g trash can that I can have salt mixed and ready to go within 20 mins if need be but I try to do it so the salt has 24 hrs to mix

saltyair
03/24/2013, 09:27 AM
temp is the biggest factor when checking salinity

ie: 18c hydrometer calibrated @ 25c - 1.0268 (35.5 ppt)
23c " " @ 25c - 1.0256 (35.5 ppt)

in a reef optimal is the 35.5 ppt

warmer the water the less dense the salt mix becomes.

crossi92
03/24/2013, 10:10 AM
I'm doing a water change this afternoon. I ballpark mixed 25 gallons and put a pump in overnight. I'll tweak it to match the tank as soon as I get off my lazy butt this morning.

Me too, gonna be a while till I get of my butt though...

skyrye7
03/24/2013, 07:19 PM
Hmm....if I leave it to after 24 hours to measure the salinity and lets say it is not really at 1.025 yet, so how long do I have to wait again to measure after I add more salt to hopefully bring it up to 1.205?

Do i have to wait another 24 hours?

Coralfrager
03/24/2013, 07:25 PM
salt to hopefully bring it up to 1.205?

Do i have to wait another 24 hours?

I sure how that was a typo, because that will surely kill everything

Palting
03/24/2013, 10:09 PM
Hmm....if I leave it to after 24 hours to measure the salinity and lets say it is not really at 1.025 yet, so how long do I have to wait again to measure after I add more salt to hopefully bring it up to 1.205?

Do i have to wait another 24 hours?

I usually check salinity as soon as it's clear, maybe 30 minutes or so, and keep adjusting as needed. Then I do a final check several hours later before doing the water change. If you re using a refractometer, it's customary and more accurate to read and say 35 ppt rather than 1.026.