Mixing red sea coral pro salt

Dana · Jan 20, 2013

So, I'm sure this is ridiculous, but until recently I didn't put much thought into mixing water. Lately I've been reading and I would like some help on what I'm doing here.
Firstly, I've always used tap water, with kordon novaqua plus. What are thoughts on this?
Second, I would put salt in and add water lukewarm.
So what's the best way to mix my salt? Or I should say the correct way?
Someone please school me on this. Thanks

jayhawk · Jan 20, 2013

I also use Red Sea. I think what most will tell you is that RO water is the only way to go. RO/DI is even better. Options may be limited due to the LFS's in your area or taking the initial expense of making your own. What has worked well for me is buying a potable water container. I have a heater and maxi jet inside. However you decide to configure your set up, provide ample time to circulate water. I mix up a new batch at every water change. I take 10g out and make 10g more. I do weekly changes. A few things about Red Sea Pro...It is designed to mix at 12 kh. If you keep kh in the high 9's to 10, I recommend using Pro with the standard Red Sea. When I mix 10 gallons I use 2 1/2 cups of each. Gets me at 1.025 salinity with high 9 kh. One drawback is that after a month or so, I get brown residue. It's easy to clean but it's a pain. I have heard other salts do not leave residue. Hope this helps.

Dana · Jan 20, 2013

Jay, do you mix in cold water? Then heat?

Trevdawg · Jan 20, 2013

1) Always good to mix salt at least 24 hours before doing a water change. Use a small pump to circulate the water/mix the salt.

2) Match the temperature to what the tank is at.

3) I don't remember at the moment. But u get the idea.

MICKYBLUEEYES · Jan 20, 2013

hi i use reef crystals and i do 30 gallon waterchange every week have like 125 in my system anyway i bought a 30 gals tub from walmart i put my ro wate in that ,in with it i also have a heater and pump and i put my salt in that and let it mix and heat up then the next day i do the water change,i am not a fan of the chemicals you can use to get tap water safe but thats just me ,i agree with jayhawke make sure you let it warm up and mix properly before using once you have done it a couple of times it will be easy ,oh i have a large measuring jug so i know how much salt to put in then its just the same every week .havin a hyrometer will help you get the specifc gravity spot on but like everything elese it cost you,good luck hope that helps

aquafrags · Jan 20, 2013

I have had very good luck with Red Sea Pro, mix cold then heat to 78, leaves a little residue in the mixing bin, but I have gotten very consistent results on 3, 5 gallon buckets. (9.0 DKH and 410-420 on Cal and 1520 Mag) aways use Ro/Di if possible!!

fishman1069 · Jan 20, 2013

aquafrags said:
I have had very good luck with Red Sea Pro, mix cold then heat to 78, leaves a little residue in the mixing bin, but I have gotten very consistent results on 3, 5 gallon buckets. (9.0 DKH and 410-420 on Cal and 1520 Mag) aways use Ro/Di if possible!!

+1

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Dana · Jan 20, 2013

Thanks guys!
I do have a hydrometer and what not.
Just went over to cvs and found this. Look good? Says ro/di

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1358740125.894052.jpg

steamer51 · Jan 21, 2013

An RO/DI unit will pay for itself quickly even if you only change 5 gallons a week like I do. The water you pictured is very good, much better than tapwater, but I prefer RO/DI at 0 TDS that I make myself as needed for top off and water changes. I carried water from my LFS for a short while in 5 gallon new kerosene containers (blue like the ocean and I don't use kerosene so they wouldn't get mixed up like a gasoline container might) and it was a pain as well as being costly. I fill a 5 gallon bucket with RO/DI, drop a small powerhead in and then add the salt slowly to the water while it is mixing rather than putting in salt and adding water. It mixes until the next day or so before use.

fishman1069 · Jan 21, 2013

Check out filterdirect.com I have the rd-102 unit. Its a 6 stage 100gpd unit w/pressure gauge built in for $150 shipped.
You may also want to look into getting a refractometer instead of the hydrometer

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Zack · Jan 21, 2013

+ 1 on the rodi unit and hydrometer!
Rodi fixed all the algae problems.i had in my previous tank. And i was using lfs "rodi" water!!!!

Paul C. · Jan 21, 2013

+1.

aquafrags said:
I have had very good luck with Red Sea Pro, mix cold then heat to 78, leaves a little residue in the mixing bin, but I have gotten very consistent results on 3, 5 gallon buckets. (9.0 DKH and 410-420 on Cal and 1520 Mag) aways use Ro/Di if possible!!

Downbeach · Jan 21, 2013

Good read here:

Reef Keeping Salt Water and Mixing Saltwater | Successful Reef Keeping

Dana · Jan 21, 2013

Thanks for all the help you guys. Good stuff.
For now I'm going to talk to my lfs about getting ro/di water there if they have it, or I'll stick with the stuff I bought last night until I can afford a home unit.
Never realized I was doing it completely wrong lol but never too late to learn the right way heh

fenderguy1 · Jan 21, 2013

Dana said:
Thanks guys!
I do have a hydrometer and what not.
Just went over to cvs and found this. Look good? Says ro/di

That is just ro water not di. I used this stuff in my fo tank for top off for a while then I started using it in my reef and had nothing but problems. Bought a ro/di unit from brs and its been great ever since.