POLL: Do you mix salt using a scale?

timfountain · May 9, 2018

Yes always. I mix 700g x 5 with 26.5g or RODI and it produces a mix at 1.024 SG @ 76F. I don't even measure the SG before a WC.

Baldguy · May 9, 2018

Measuring cups work fine for me. Not everyone has scales but all have measuring cups.

Chuckstyr · May 9, 2018

Scale. 4lbs to 13 gallons, nothing remarkable about it. However, once I take the SG reading, I tweak it using this tool . . https://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/Calculators/DirectSaltCalculator.php Depending on the tanks SG, I may aim higher or lower on the mix to adjust the tank.

madweazl · May 9, 2018

It takes 2 2/3 cups of IO to mix a five gallon bucket for me (35ppt); I just eyeball it everytime, let it mix over night, and make up for the evap in the morning before performing the actual water change to get it right on the money. When I have to mix larger quantities for the 150g, I'll just use larger cups to add the salt. IO stays extremely consistent, weighing it would just make the process more laborious.

OrionN · May 9, 2018

I mix 50 gal at a time. My RO container is 55 gal drum. Automatic fill up to the same level and I dump a whole bag ofKent salt into it. Perfect 35ppt every time.

Littlemikey · May 9, 2018

1/2 cup per gal r/s coral salt pro

Sealion · May 9, 2018

I weigh all my salt charges. Pour it in, circulate, with a pump and power head for about 30 minuets, check with the refractometer. Right every time.

kecked · May 9, 2018

Since salt is hydroscopic how much weight change is the salt mix when saturated with water from the air?

BradB · May 9, 2018

Salt is hydrophilic and weighs more the longer the bag has been opened.

PatW · May 10, 2018

I have an easy method. I nearly fill up a 44 gallon Brute trashcan with RODI and dump in a full bag of salt (one of four that comes in the 200 gallon Reef Crystals box). That gets me to right about 1.025.

Emerson · May 10, 2018

I use measuring cups to get close, then always check with a refractometer to fine tune after it's been mixing for an hour or so.

OrionN · May 10, 2018

For my office tank when I mix 5 gal at a time I just use the same plastic cup. From experience I know how much to add. Perfect every time.
All you really need is be consistent and only need to use the same measurement device. I have refractometer and Check it before I do water change.

Dawgvet · May 10, 2018

RSCP (Black Bucket) measured on a digital scale: 1.38 lbs of salt mix in 4 gal or RO/DI gives me 1.026/35 ppt on the dot. I check with a calibrated refractometer at the start. middle. and towards end of a salt bucket mix to account for any possible humidity changes.

BryanD · May 10, 2018

Nope. I have some cups a friend that works at a scientific supply company gave me when they threw them away, got a case of them. One and a half cups gives me about what I need, I usually just have to add a few "shakes" to get SG where I want it.

SashimiTurtle · May 10, 2018

I guess how much water I qajust made in my Brute, then dump in the amount of salt I think is right.

DMan · May 10, 2018

I use the same amount every time. So a container with a mark indicating the level is so much faster. No measuring cups no scales. Just the same old container Ive been using for years.

Dodge Ram · May 10, 2018

I use a food scale to measure out 1.4.. lbs. something of instant ocean. Usually a little over that to get to 1.024-1.026 specific gravity.

Want2BS8ed · May 10, 2018

I weigh for 75 gallon batches... much easier IMHO.

M

Randy Holmes-Farley · May 11, 2018

I never really did either one, but I'm curious why folks promoting weighing of the salt think that is better than a fixed volume?

Are you thinking it is more accurate? Faster? Something else?

Greenstreet.1 · May 11, 2018

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
I never really did either one, but I'm curious why folks promoting weighing of the salt think that is better than a fixed volume?

Are you thinking it is more accurate? Faster? Something else?

For me I found it fast doing it this way no guessing.