Is initial filling new tank in increments ok?

[Parsely]

Hi,

I am just setting up my first aquarium. It is a fluval 13.5g. I have live sand and dry rock ready in to go in it. I am currently mixing salt water in a 3 gallon bucket with a powerhead. I keep seeing I need to mix the salt water / let it sit for 24 hours before adding to the aquarium. At that rate it will take me about 4 days to get it fully filled and I am worried about the water sitting stagnant in there while the rest is being made.

Is that 24hour guideline best practice for when the tank is already has live stock and you are doing water changes, or is it important for the initial fill as well? I am planning to cycle for month before stocking so I'm just unclear if this 24hour rule would apply here.

What would you guys suggest? Is it ok to fill the tank 1/4 per day, or should I buy some more buckets and have enough water to fill it in one shot

 

[blaxsun]

No - depending on the salt brand you can usually add it immediately after mixing or within 15-20 minutes. Since it's a new tank I wouldn't worry about it. Get the sand and dry rock in - then keep adding water until it's filled. Don't forget the clarity packet in the live sand.

 

[Jedi1199]

No - depending on the salt brand you can usually add it immediately after mixing or within 15-20 minutes. Since it's a new tank I wouldn't worry about it. Get the sand and dry rock in - then keep adding water until it's filled. Don't forget the clarity packet in the live sand.

Agreed. No reason to wait. Make the water and fill the tank. You don't even need to heat it while making it. Since you have no stock yet, you can't shock them with a hard temperature change.

 

[Floyd-]

Mix it, check the salinity and dump it in. Most of the time it only takes 15-30 minutes to mix well enough to check the salinity.

 

[Parsely]

Ok, thanks guys. So once I visually see the salt has dissolved its good to put in?

 

[Floyd-]

Ok, thanks guys. So once I visually see the salt has dissolved its good to put in?

Yes. If you are worried about it let it mix for an hour.
Personally I always check the salinity before I add any mix into the tank.

 

[Jedi1199]

Ok, thanks guys. So once I visually see the salt has dissolved its good to put in?

Yep. Should get it done in a couple hours.

 

[blaxsun]

Ok, thanks guys. So once I visually see the salt has dissolved its good to put in?

Pretty much. Whatever you may have missed the pump in the Fluval should take care of.

 

[Parsely]

Amazing thanks so much for the quick replies. The 24hour guideline must be once you have it stocked with fish i guess

 

[Jedi1199]

Amazing thanks so much for the quick replies. The 24hour guideline must be once you have it stocked with fish i guess

Not sure where this guideline thing comes from. I have no issues with refilling the tanks on WC day with salt that is only an hour old or so.

 

[Floyd-]

Amazing thanks so much for the quick replies. The 24hour guideline must be once you have it stocked with fish i guess

I might mix mine for an hour before dropping in my tank roughly.

 

[Jedi1199]

When I am doing water changes, the mixing can usually sits for a day or so, but this has nothing to do with the salt, it is for the temperature.

The water that comes from the RODI is about 10* colder than the tanks. It takes a while for a heater to bring it up to temp.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Amazing thanks so much for the quick replies. The 24hour guideline must be once you have it stocked with fish i guess

What salt are you using that says to wait 24 hrs?

 

[Parsely]

What salt are you using that says to wait 24 hrs?

Fritz rpm reef pro, says 12 hours on there. Then reading stuff on the internet I was seeing it’s best to leave for 24hrs

 

[KStatefan]

What salt are you using that says to wait 24 hrs?

Brightwell strongly recommends waiting at least 24 hours on their Neomarine salt.