Best powerhead or method for mixing salt water

Bryan47 · May 7, 2015

Hey guys! Just moved to my new place and I'm thinking of upgrading to a bigger RODI water container. I use a float valve and pretty much keep the water on all the time. I guess my first question is what is an in between upgrade from this 6 gallon bucket that I can put the float valve on? I was thinking a 20 of 30 gallon Rubbermaid tote? If you guys have pictures of your set ups that would be great. I'm in an apartment and have limited space but at my old place I took up a bathroom for my water mixing and now I have some room in the laundry room.

Also what is the best or most powerful powerhead for making sure everything is mixed up good? I think I have a 1300 GPH powerhead in there now but it runs backwards. I was thinking maybe using 2 or 3 marine land 1200GPH maxi jets. Pictures below!

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JoeIII · May 7, 2015

I used a 20G rubbermade in the past, no problem.

I usually use a Maxi-jet 1200 for water mixing, and with a piece of 1/2" I.D. hose I use it to pump water each way for (10-20G) water changes.

revhtree · May 7, 2015

I have some of the large 100g+ containers but currently use a rubbermade tub that's like 32g or somewhere along that amount. It's easy to use and easy to clean.

tigerdragon · May 7, 2015

I mix in a 32 gal brute drop in a seio superflow 1500 for mixing

redfishbluefish · May 7, 2015

I use to use a Rubbermaid Tote, but switched over to a Rubbermaid Brute because the Tote eventually cracked. I also didn't like the way the sides bowed out. Anyway, it got a little brittle and crack. The Brute is the way to go. You can get them as small as 20 gallons (good for making 15 gallons), and easily put a float switch on them. You can even get the wheel cart to move it around. I'm currently using two 32 gallon Brutes with the wheel setup.

I make 25 gallons of water in the 32 Brute. I also use two older Koralia's to mix....a K4 and K8.

The more agitation you can put in the can, the better off you'll be. You can never have too much mixing going on. Although I've had these old Koralia's, because I'm old, they can typically be had for very little. The only issue with them is that they might start backwards, but who cares....you're mixing water.

I then pump the water into the tank with a MAG 7. I use to use the MAG as part of the mixing as well, but found that the undissolved salt ground the front plate up, where I had to replace it. So for now, just the Koralia's mix, and the MAG pumps.

Bryan47 · May 27, 2015

Thanks guys! Will see what I have for strong totes since I just moved and have a bunch of them. I have the cart already. Well this one says 200lbs got t at harbor freight it's nice.
Where can I purchase a 20G brute ? Or would I have to order one? I have one maxi jet and one koralia (yes it spins backwards)

Where can I get a 20G brute? Or would I have to order it online ?

And that super flow 1500 looks awesome

Thanks guys

Bigtar · May 27, 2015

You can get the 20, 30 and 40 gallon brutes and the rolling gizmos at Home Depot.

remember to get the food safe ones.

Bryan47 · May 27, 2015

Will it say food safe? How do it tell?

heathd.hd · May 27, 2015

I use these. Space saver containers. 23 gallon slim Jim rubbermaid somethings. Home depot has them. I got corolias in them and a heater in the saltwater mixing one. Pump in the Rodi barrel. Kalk and salt mixing barrels have power heads and drains.

ReefBum · May 27, 2015

I use two 55 gallon drums. One for RODI with a float valve and another to mix the RODI with salt. I have a Mag pump in the RODI drum to pump to the mixing drum and another Mag pump in that drum to mix the salt and pump it to my sump when I need it for a water change.

pickupman66 · May 27, 2015

I use the 5 gallon buckets as depicted in the first photo. they work good and are carryable. For mixing, I have just some old pumps I use. the BEST one by far is a MJ1200 with a prop mod on it. Man that pump will stir up a bucket.