Mixing saltwater with Sicce Pump

[helwrj28]

I understand that it's recommended to mix saltwater for 4-6 hours to ensure salts are fully dissolved. My question though is I'm using a Sicce Syncra 12.0 pump to mix the salt (as well as for use for pumping upstairs to where display is).. since this is a powerful pump, it would probably reduce the time necessary for mixing right?

 

[Sailfin11]

I usually use the water once its clear. I haven't had any issues doing that, but I suppose waiting might be better for complete dissolving.

 

[CMMorgan]

I think it depends also on what salt you are using, temperature, etc. You have to understand that mixing salt water is like making a saturated solution. The molecules need to basically absorb the salt. This happens faster at higher temps. Having a better pump won't hurt but it isn't going to get you salt water to temp and the right specific gravity in ten minutes either. If you mix too fats, you will successfully suspend particles but that does not mean that you dissolved it all. Does that make sense? That may give you a false reading and lead to salinity spikes and precipitation.
I'd experiment around with it. Don't pump up to the tank until it is clear and your number is stable.

 

[helwrj28]

Thanks for the input guys! I'm using Tropic Marin and mixed for about 1 1/2 hours with on par salinity. I'll take a look at where I am today and see if it's still stable

 

[Dark_Knightt]

I use a sicce pump, works great, just wait till the water has been clear for maybe an hour or less and i put it in.

 

[Reef.]

I understand that it's recommended to mix saltwater for 4-6 hours to ensure salts are fully dissolved. My question though is I'm using a Sicce Syncra 12.0 pump to mix the salt (as well as for use for pumping upstairs to where display is).. since this is a powerful pump, it would probably reduce the time necessary for mixing right?

If you watch the BRS video on salt mixing, they found most salts need 24 hours of mixing.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Craig Bingman gives directions here for mixing in 5 minutes:

Aquarium Frontiers On-Line: September 1997: Biochemistry In The Aquarium

 

[tricky_tran]

I use a Sicce SDC 6.0 in my mixing station. i just turn it on with a 50w heater for a few hours before i do my water changes to make sure I'm not filling 50*F water into my system and dropping the temp too low and shocking my livestock.