Should i run a pump constantly on red sea salt

[JOKER]

I am in the process of setting up my mixing station for auto water change. Should I mix the red sea salt constantly or will the initial mixing be sufficient? This will be the regular and not the pro, but I am thinking of going to a 50/50 mix of red sea and instant ocean. Thanks

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

There's no need to keep mixing the salt water, and I don't. I make up 88 gallons at a time and leave it unstirred for a month as I use it.

 

[reefwiser]

Great thing about Red Sea salt you can use it shortly after mixing.

 

[Reefrookie220]

It says on the bucket to mix for no more than 4hrs. It calls for a 2hr cure but I use mine as soon as I can see through it.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

FWIW, it says to mix for a short period because it has quite high calcium and alkalinity, and the heat (from a heater or pump) can cause precipitation of calcium carbonate.

IMO, a little precipitation is not a problem and might even be beneficial for folks who prefer lower alkalinity in their salt mix.

 

[JOKER]

Thanks guys, I use the regular red sea but it will also a little if left for long periods of time. Does the IO salt do that also or is it just the IORC?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks guys, I use the regular red sea but it will also a little if left for long periods of time. Does the IO salt do that also or is it just the IORC?

There is precipitate with regular IO, but I just let it settle and ignore it.

 

[JOKER]

Thank you sir. I will be keeping 60 gallon on hand to run the auto water change. I will just filter the water before it goes into tank. Filling the containers as we speak. I am thinking I should get at least a month out of 120 total gallons. 60 fresh and 60 salt.