Making water for the first time

Letterkenny · Sep 26, 2019

I am getting the new tank from the LFS tomorrow and am making my water for the first time. I bought Marin Reef salt to use and a BRS 5 stage RODI. I am currently producing my first RODI water after tossing the first couple gallons as advised per the instructions. I have read mixed things here but how long should I mix the salt? A better question is how long should I mix the salt considering I will ultimately be filling an empty tank and then adding the bacteria into? I probably need to make 35 gallons for the actual volume after considering the aquascape but I only have one power head for mixing so if I need to do each for 6 hours, well, it is going to take a while.

SPR1968 · Sep 27, 2019

When I do a water change I mix the salt for around 30-60 minutes and it should be fine by then

It will go from looking a little cloudy when you first add the salt and will clear when ready

I use the Red Sea salt so just check the mixing instructions on your brand.

LesPoissons · Sep 27, 2019

+1. I mix salt for 30 to 60 too. It mixes much better in warmer water. (Idk if you are planning to get your water up to temp first, or let it get there in the tank since its empty) but it will mix more easily if you do the former.

ScottR · Sep 27, 2019

BRS did a study on this and different salts dissolve completely at different rates. For your first mix (since tank will be empty) it doesn’t matter too much as long as it looks dissolved to your eye. I typically like to mix overnight. But that’s just me.

matchmakersmagic · Sep 27, 2019

As long as it's pretty clear to the eye you can add it to the tank. After its inhabited I like to go for 24 hrs before using newly mixed sw. That's just my preference.

lapin · Sep 27, 2019

Letterkenny said:
I am getting the new tank from the LFS tomorrow and am making my water for the first time. I bought Marin Reef salt to use and a BRS 5 stage RODI. I am currently producing my first RODI water after tossing the first couple gallons as advised per the instructions. I have read mixed things here but how long should I mix the salt? A better question is how long should I mix the salt considering I will ultimately be filling an empty tank and then adding the bacteria into? I probably need to make 35 gallons for the actual volume after considering the aquascape but I only have one power head for mixing so if I need to do each for 6 hours, well, it is going to take a while.

Im not sure what you mean by each for 6 hours
However since its a new fill you can mix in or out of the tank and mix time is not so critical. As long as you keep the water moving the salt should dissolve. Try to not add too much salt at once. You dont want to create a big pile that will take longer to dissolve.
For mixing time, you should follow their instructions to be safe:
HOW-TO: MIXING SALTWATER Correctly mixing saltwater for a marine or reef aquarium is a vitally important—yet relatively easy—task. First, find a container that can hold (at least) 5 to 10 percent of the volume of water used to fill your “display” tank. Old aquariums and clean garbage cans are popular among hobbyists, but you can choose whatever works best for your own “mixing tank.” Next, fill the container with dechlorinated or reverse osmosis (RO) freshwater. Add synthetic salt, being careful to follow the manufacturer’s instructions so you can match the salinity of your mixing tank water to your aquarium water. Ideally, salinity should be 27 to 35 parts per thousand (ppt), or 1.020 to 1.026 specific gravity. Use a refractometer to measure salinity and adjust your level accordingly. Freshly prepared synthetic seawater is very caustic (capable of burning or corroding), so it will need some time to “cure” before it can be used in your aquarium. Allow the newly mixed seawater to sit in your container for a minimum of 24 hours before use. During that time, place an airstone or powerhead in the water to circulate and aerate the mixture. Lastly, drop in a heater to match the water temperature to that of your display tank.

krbshappy71 · Sep 27, 2019

How exciting! Your first tank and making water! I'm not there yet; can you make a build thread with pics if you have time? Would love to see it.

Jay Z · Sep 27, 2019

Just make your first batch, mix till clear. Marin, probably 20-30 minutes till clear. After its mixed, its fine to sit. Then mix up the next.

phatduckk · Sep 27, 2019

I just went through this filling my first tank. My tank and sump ended up being about 75 gallons of water.

I toiled over it for a white and eventually just caved, bought a second Brute can, a second pump (MJ1200) and mixed all of it at once.

i figured I’ll use the pump again (which has been true) but the extra trash can was a $30 sunk cost.

Brandon Smith · Sep 27, 2019

I usually try to for mixing it the night before. I know in the study BRS did, some salts can take 24 hours to completely mix.

flsalty · Sep 27, 2019

Letterkenny said:
I am getting the new tank from the LFS tomorrow and am making my water for the first time. I bought Marin Reef salt to use and a BRS 5 stage RODI. I am currently producing my first RODI water after tossing the first couple gallons as advised per the instructions. I have read mixed things here but how long should I mix the salt? A better question is how long should I mix the salt considering I will ultimately be filling an empty tank and then adding the bacteria into? I probably need to make 35 gallons for the actual volume after considering the aquascape but I only have one power head for mixing so if I need to do each for 6 hours, well, it is going to take a while.

Dry rock and sand? I usually just mix it in the tank for the initial fill, with everything running. Then let it run like that overnight before adding bacteria.

stanleo · Sep 27, 2019

I make the water, add all the salt and stir until I can’t see the salt anymore, just the cloudy water. I leave it overnight with a pump and a heater and it’s ready the next day.

when I first setup the tank, I mixed the salt in the empty tank and let it run for a couple days with the heater and the pumps. Then I put in the sand and live rock. Took a couple weeks for it all to settle. Then I seeded the bacteria.

S2G · Sep 27, 2019

If you're filling your tank. Then I just run rodi line in my tank. Then once full I add salt. Add your rock and sand after it mixes if your using live rock. Otherwise dump your bacteria and go

Letterkenny · Sep 28, 2019

I ended up going with a 1hr mix time. Seems to become clear pretty good. I just got everything unboxed and set up in the tank but am working on the aquascape and wiring for now. Planning on using a smart power adapter so I can control each plug individually and group them together. Hopefully will be adding water today as I have about 12g mixed. See link to build below.

Build Thread - JBJ 45 - First new tank in 5 years... allegedly.

First, thanks for the collective advice that has been provided thus far when performing my planning and due diligence. I have taken the plunge and have ordered the parts for my new build of a JBJ 45 flat panel rimless. I will add photos as this build progresses but for now, see below for my...

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