mixing salt water- motor required?

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Good discussion. I've done both. I prefer to use a pump.

 

[135reef]

Well played Darren...

I've hand mixed and even used a paint mixer on a drill for an emergency water change. Preference has always been a MaxJet in a Brute until recently. New mixing station is up and running and I wonder why I waited so long to build it.

 

[vabben]

I prefer to use a pump, easy to set it and forget it until I'm ready to do my water change.

 

[MTBake]

I use a pump till mixed clear. Then do wc. Usually give it over night just make sure its well mixed.

 

[Ferrell]

I mix 20 gallons at a time and mix with a pump for 24 hrs at room temp then off until ready for water change. Heat and mix again. Then use same pump to pump to 5 gallon bucket. Enough for two water changes for two tanks

 

[slojim]

By nature of this hobby, we are equipment-o-philes. But I mix a gallon occasionally to replace skimate, I just swirl the bottle as I add water and it is fully mixed, by which I mean not only clear but stable expected salinity. And in a 5 gallon bucket, I can mix with a pump and the salinity will rise to the expected level over an hour or more, but if I use a kitchen spoon, it's clear and full stable salinity after a short but vigorous stir.
I use a pump routinely, but if I'm at all planning same day use, I use a spoon. My fish have yet to notice.

 

[Larry L]

I am going to be using RS blue bucket.

Just FYI, the Red Sea instructions specifically say "DO NOT mix for more than 4 hours".

 

[K7BMG]

Just FYI, the Red Sea instructions specifically say "DO NOT mix for more than 4 hours".

That IMO this does not make any sense.
Is the water not being mixed continually when its in the tank?
I am not disputing the salt mix directions but, I don't understand that.

What happens to it if mixed more does it turn into a solid.

 

[mkwarner77]

i dont like mixing by hand that much. when I first got into the hobby I bought a small used powerhead from my lfs for $5. just for mixing salt. Still works fine 4 years later

 

[RalphTech]

Used to hand mix 5G with a wood paint stirrer. Then saw the BRS and added a pump. It's aimed down at a 45 degree angle so the water doesn't just whirlpool around. The angle mixes it better.My fluval pump has a suction cup that attaches to the inside of my 5 g bucket.