How long should i mix instant ocean salt for?

[fishywishy]

I use the regular instant ocean salt and I mix my salt manually for about 30 minutes then i let it sit with a power head for 3-6 hours. Is this long enough?

 

[sfin52]

I use the regular instant ocean salt and I mix my salt manually for about 30 minutes then i let it sit with a power head for 3-6 hours. Is this long enough?

I'm not sure i throw a maxi jet 1200 in a 5gal bucket 20 min and it's crystal clear.

I like to see bottom of the bucket before use.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I use the regular instant ocean salt and I mix my salt manually for about 30 minutes then i let it sit with a power head for 3-6 hours. Is this long enough?

Best idea is to read the directions on the container or on the manufacturer website.

I use reef crystals and use it as soon as I want after it's dissolved and reaches the desired salinity...

 

[SchrutesReefs]

I also use the reef crystals. I have mixed 5 gallons and used within an hour, but I normally mix 10-15 gallons in a Brute can overnight before use. No particular reason other than my RO/DI is usually fresh so it’s pretty cold.

 

[Derrick0580]

I generally mix until the water is clear and up to temp

 

[Natural_Reefer]

I generally mix until the water is clear and up to temp

Same here! I think it takes longer for mine to come up to temperature than throughoutly mixed when I do 30-40 gallon

 

[Derrick0580]

Same here! I think it takes longer for mine to come up to temperature than throughoutly mixed when I do 30-40 gallon

I just have a spare 500w heater I use….heats it up a lot faster!

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Why heat it? Unless it's a large water change, or a difference of more than 10 degrees, it's no different than a cool current passing through an ocean reef.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

As long as there is no salt residue and the specific gravity is constant your good to go. I have mixed mine in as little as 30 min. I do use a power head and a heater.

 

[Natural_Reefer]

Why heat it? Unless it's a large water change, or a difference of more than 10 degrees, it's no different than a cool current passing through an ocean reef.

Our water usually comes out at around 60F-65F. There is no way I would take my chance with changing 20% of the water with such low temperatures

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Our water usually comes out at around 60F-65F. There is no way I would take my chance with changing 20% of the water with such low temperatures

Like I said... If there's a difference of 10 degrees or less...

 

[Natural_Reefer]

I just have a spare 500w heater I use….heats it up a lot faster!

I have a multiple spare 300W that I could use but I am usually not in a rush so I just let heat up with just 1 heater.

 

[Natural_Reefer]

Like I said... If there's a difference of 10 degrees or less...

Like I said...I am not taking any change with any temperature swing. Plus I think temperatures also effect certain water parameters.

 

[vtecintegra]

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Like I said...I am not taking any change with any temperature swing. Plus I think temperatures also effect certain water parameters.

I was just clarifying my comment for the OP. You're free to do whatever you want with your tank

 

[fishywishy]

Will it hurt the fish if its not fully mixed or will it be fine but it will just be cloudy?

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

If it’s not fully mixed the salinity will be off. Not ideal.

 

[Big Smelly fish]

I always mix let’s circulate overnight and then never worry about heat in the water, the pump warms it up.

 

[Dburr1014]

Will it hurt the fish if its not fully mixed or will it be fine but it will just be cloudy?

New salt can hurt gills of fish. Don't change until clear. No need to heat until ready for a water change. It's better to mix first unheated.

 

[Dan_P]

I use the regular instant ocean salt and I mix my salt manually for about 30 minutes then i let it sit with a power head for 3-6 hours. Is this long enough?

Instant Ocean dissolves quickly. I stir a 5 gallon bucket for 2 minutes and the water reaches peak salinity by then. The solution is slightly hazy at this point but is clear in a few hours.