My first water change need some advice.

Joshua Agostoni · Aug 10, 2017

So first thing is first. I'm doing my first water change on my 55 gallon tank. I went to tractor supply co. and bought myself a 35 gallon water storage container it is very nice. Now to the questions. Does anyone know how many cups it would be of salt which I use Instant ocean which it says 1.5 pounds of salt will make 5 gallons to 1.022 salt level. Now i'm doing 35 and I know how to add just wondering if anyone has a better number from experience.

Also I only have one power head and its in my tank I have a fish only salt water tank so i took it out of my tank and put it in the 35 gallon to mix it over night. will my fish be okay without it in for a night?

Scott.h · Aug 10, 2017

Use a 1 cup measuring cup and do 2 cups per 5 gal leaving about 2 to 2.5 inches of water from the top of the bucket. Just use your hand to mix it up until you can't feel granuals on the bottom until you get another power head.

Joshua Agostoni · Aug 10, 2017

do you think the power head not being in my tank will effect my fish badly the pump i have is for a 120 gallon tank so i feel as if the flow should be fine i would rather make sure the salt if thoroughly
mixed if i can.

Xclusive Reef · Aug 10, 2017

Joshua Agostoni said:
do you think the power head not being in my tank will effect my fish badly the pump i have is for a 120 gallon tank so i feel as if the flow should be fine i would rather make sure the salt if thoroughly
mixed if i can.

Yes it will, fish need the movement. The pumps oxygenize the water. Without it fish can die unless you can mix it within like 30 mins or so

Joshua Agostoni · Aug 10, 2017

Xclusive Reef said:
Yes it will, fish need the movement. The pumps oxygenize the water. Without it fish can die unless you can mix it within like 30 mins or so

I have a bubble curtain in the tank as well.

Girthrockwel · Aug 10, 2017

Most salt mixes including instant ocean recommend 1/2 cup of salt per gallon. That gets me within +-.002. Then I add water or salt slowly to get it right on the money. I got a cheap mj1200 powerhead and use an old heater.

Xclusive Reef · Aug 10, 2017

Joshua Agostoni said:
I have a bubble curtain in the tank as well.

If it's short time I don't see why not then.

Xclusive Reef · Aug 10, 2017

Agree there really ain't any shortcuts in the hobby man. I just started a new tank build and I have 2 250 gyre and 4 older sicce pumps I got in a deal with lights. I paid almost nothing for that. You can pick up a small cheap pump for under 30-40 bucks. Or better idea is to upgrade your current pump and use your current as a backup. If money is an issue then use a wooden spoon or something to mix the water.

Joshua Agostoni · Aug 10, 2017

money isnt an issue its just i can go buy a pump at 9 oclock at night most stores are closed now. I just wanted to see how bad it would be its bin mixing for about 2 hours now does it really need to be mixing overnight like bulk reef supply suggest or do you think the 2 hours is fine now.

Scott.h · Aug 11, 2017

I use the same barrel as you from tractor supply to store my Ro water. But I mix salt water as needed over night. I have two $10 trash cans and a $20 powerhead. It doesn't have to be an expensive one. I would not remove the powerhead from your fish tank, even if you have a bubbler. You need the flow through the rocks to nitrify the bacteria as well. And removing flow will hinder that.

Joshua Agostoni · Aug 11, 2017

Yeah well I didn't have enough salt anyway hahaha so i put it on hold till today lol

Reefbuds · Aug 11, 2017

I use the instant ocean reef crystals which is very close to the sea salt. I use exactly half a cup per gallon and it keeps mu salinity at ..026 to .027 depending of it I use level or heeping scoops. I like my salinity a little high tho so you could use a level half cup and get great results. I usually mix mine and let it sit for about 3 in or until you see the the bottom without granules left.