I can't believe I just did that....

[clm65]

So I just did a water change. My tank (180g) is on the second floor, and my water change station is on the first floor. I have a PVC pipe between the two locations. I have two valves in the system, one to drain the tank to a set level, and then another to valve in the pump and fill the tank back up. I drained the tank just fine, but when I turned the transfer pump on and valved it in, I forgot to close the drain valve. So I pumped all my new water (about 35 gallons) outside. Fortunately I recently added the BRS water saver upgrade kit to my RODI, so I should be able to make another 35 gallons of water by this evening. Will 24 hours of mixing the new salt water be adequate before adding it to the tank? Can I add it quicker? I am using Reef Crystals if that matters.

Also, I have a powerhead providing circulation in the tank. The sump is not in-service due to lack of water (no refugium or skimmer). Is there anything else I should do to keep the tank happy until I add new water?

 

[ZipAdeeZoa]

Are you able to keep some power heads running in the main tank? If so then I think it would be fine although i wouldn't expect the residents to be too happy. Definitely let some others chime in first though as I have no personally had to go through this yet (knock on wood).

 

[clm65]

Are you able to keep some power heads running in the main tank? If so then I think it would be fine although i wouldn't expect the residents to be too happy. Definitely let some others chime in first though as I have no personally had to go through this yet (knock on wood).

Yes, I have one powerhead going.

 

[DeniseAndy]

Oops. Hey, we all do oops from time to time.
If you have pumps going for circualtion and maybe add a few airstones, you should be fine. I would think a minimum of 6 hours on the Reef Crystals for your situation. Normally I would say 24 hrs, but not an option. 35g of 180 is not too bad.
Good luck.
Oh, if temp drops, may want some heaters too. Granted, Florida should not need them really.

 

[DeniseAndy]

Yes, I have one powerhead going.

Add more and some air stone. Keep it well oxygenated.

 

[AcroNem]

A minimum is an hour of mixing. Until there are no particulates/water is clear. The faster you can get it moving while mixing the better.

 

[Hugh Mann]

I mix my reef crystals in a 5 gallon by hand with a stick. Honestly takes about 5 minutes of constant stirring to fully dissolve. Would be a pain in the butt to do 35 gallons that way, but it is what it is.
Yes, it's better to let it mix for 24 hours, but it even says right on the bucket can be used immediately after dissolving.

 

[EricMio]

If it's possible, I would point that powerhead towards the surface so the turbulence helps get more oxygen into the tank. IMO that is much more effective than air stones. I do water changes every two weeks on my 100 gallon tank and mix the salt with RODI for about 5 minutes before adding to my tank and have never had an issue. As long at the salinity is matched and the temperature is relatively the same, you shouldn't have any problems adding water to the tank as soon as your RODI can make it.

 

[clm65]

Oops. Hey, we all do oops from time to time.
If you have pumps going for circualtion and maybe add a few airstones, you should be fine. I would think a minimum of 6 hours on the Reef Crystals for your situation. Normally I would say 24 hrs, but not an option. 35g of 180 is not too bad.
Good luck.
Oh, if temp drops, may want some heaters too. Granted, Florida should not need them really.

I may have trouble getting the second power head going. It is close to the surface and sucks air, and my rock work keeps me from lowering it much. But I may have a smaller spare one laying around that I can use. As far as the air stones, I do have an air pump and hose, but no stone. I guess I may have to run to the pet store.

 

[sfin52]

Mix in 5 gallon bucket enough to get over the pump and you should be good.

 

[clm65]

A minimum is an hour of mixing. Until there are no particulates/water is clear. The faster you can get it moving while mixing the better.

That sounds better. Maybe I can get this done tonight. Thanks!

 

[clm65]

I mix my reef crystals in a 5 gallon by hand with a stick. Honestly takes about 5 minutes of constant stirring to fully dissolve. Would be a pain in the butt to do 35 gallons that way, but it is what it is.
Yes, it's better to let it mix for 24 hours, but it even says right on the bucket can be used immediately after dissolving.

People actually read the bucket? Just kidding, thanks for pointing that out!