Newbie buying saltwater questions

TikiBird · Sep 12, 2016

I'm going to start off my BioCube 29 by buying premixed saltwater from a LFS. (I will probably invest in a RO/DI unit at some point but not just yet.) I have some super newbie questions about this!

How exactly do you transport the water? Do you just get empty plastic jugs from someplace to do this? Or...?

Also, a question about the saltwater itself.... The store has a giant holding tank/container thing for their saltwater. The container has a spigot at the bottom where you get the saltwater from. I was just wondering, wouldn't all the salt settle on the bottom, making the water I buy TOO salty?? I'm sure there's something I'm missing here but I'm so confused. LOL

Thanks for any help, all!

Salty1962 · Sep 12, 2016

Any water storage container would be good for transporting water for your aquarium. Just make sure it's absolutely clean and hasn't had anything stored in it before. I've used 5 gal. gas cans, plastic not metal, before. Your LFS may have some they sale as well. 5 gallons is a good size so it doesn't get real heavy for transport.
Most saltwater mixing systems have pumps that keep the mixed saltwater continuously moving to assure the proper salinity. That way you won't get water that's not salty enough or too salty.
I hope this helps you understand better

SeahorseKeeper · Sep 12, 2016

If you could, I would get the RODI unit now and make your own saltwater. Is the saltwater that you are buying freshly mixed or is it from the store doing a water change? Do you trust their answer? How do you know what is in the water? The only way to know for sure is to make your own.

mike007 · Sep 12, 2016

Most stores should have containers that you can purchase. If not i use 5 gallon water containers like the ones water companies use. You cannot always trust what the salinity is when buying from these sources you need to test the water yourself before using it in your tank.

TikiBird · Sep 12, 2016

Thank you so much, @Salty1962 for the clarification and advice!

Thank you, @SeahorseKeeper and @mike007 for the water cautions. I'm going to have to think about it some more!

Thank you all!

cromag27 · Sep 12, 2016

I agree that you should get an rodi unit asap spectrapure makes the best ones on the market. unfortunately, stores don't change their rodi filters often enough and you end up with nasty water.

Bunnee911 · Sep 16, 2016

Hun, saltwater is heavy. I cannot lift the 5g totes anymore. Making your own saltwater will be easier on you. Use small pumps to pump it directly in the tank. I use dog food containers with wheels.
You can buy distilled water until you get your RODI.

TikiBird · Sep 16, 2016

Thanks, @Bunnee911! You're absolutely right. I was hauling buckets around only half full and I'm wiped out now!

This is a really newbie question, but what kind of pump do you use to pump it from the container into the tank?

Thank you!!

singleshot · Sep 17, 2016

TikiBird said:
Thanks, @Bunnee911! You're absolutely right. I was hauling buckets around only half full and I'm wiped out now!

This is a really newbie question, but what kind of pump do you use to pump it from the container into the tank?

Thank you!!

I have a water changing/mixing station in my garage and use this pump to pump the new saltwater into the tank, takes about 1 min to run the tube/hose around the house to the tank. It's just a cheap pump off eBay think it cost a total of 30 bucks. It's not the fastest pump that's for sure but it works for the tank I have now.

TikiBird · Sep 17, 2016

That's great! Thanks, @singleshot!!

Bunnee911 · Sep 17, 2016

TikiBird said:
Thanks, @Bunnee911! You're absolutely right. I was hauling buckets around only half full and I'm wiped out now!

This is a really newbie question, but what kind of pump do you use to pump it from the container into the tank?

Thank you!!

A fountain pump from Northern Tool. Just make sure you don't have too much head.

The rolling containers are from Tractor Supply