Salt mix

NewFish3 · #1 01/09/2008, 10:52 PM

Iam all new to this. My wife bought me a Bio Cube for christmas. It is the #14. It took about 8 gal of water to fill it up. I cant seem to get the salt mix correct. Its eather a little to high or a little to low. I dont want to put any fish in yet until I get it corrected. I am using Instant Ocean salt. Is says 1/2 cup to 1 gal of water. My dealed said 1 coffee cup of salt per 1 gal. HELP. Also if the salt level is to high & I take some water out, how much salt should I add & how long will it take to change so I can get the correct reading.

Thanks

reefergeorge · #2 01/09/2008, 11:01 PM

You should mix the saltwater in a separate container, with a power head. I would use a new five gallon bucket.
I use IO and it takes a little less than three cups of salt per 5 gallons of rodi.

NewFish3 · #3 01/09/2008, 11:08 PM

Thanks for the reply. When you say cups are you talking about measuring cup like for cooking, or a coffee cup. My local dealer said to use a coffee cup. If I mix up a 5 gal bucket, how long will it keep. Sorry to sound so dumb. Just want to get it right.

reefworm · #4 01/09/2008, 11:15 PM

reefergeorge is correct about mixing in a separate container with powerhead - leave it overnight to make sure the phosphates are gone. Mix according to what you believe the directions to be, then check with a refractometer to make sure. You'll want one for weekly water testing anyway - quick, accurate and reliable. You're shooting for the 1.025 range [keep mine at 1.026].

BTW - don't apologize for asking

Its the Right Thing to do.

doubletap4311 · #5 01/09/2008, 11:33 PM

also you will need to allow time for your tank to cycle

doubletap4311 · #6 01/09/2008, 11:33 PM

also you will need to allow time for your tank to cycle

reefergeorge · #7 01/10/2008, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NewFish3
Thanks for the reply. When you say cups are you talking about measuring cup like for cooking, or a coffee cup. My local dealer said to use a coffee cup. If I mix up a 5 gal bucket, how long will it keep. Sorry to sound so dumb. Just want to get it right.

I use a standard out of the kitchen measuring cup.
IMO you will want to change one or two gallons a week. Depending on your bio load. So if you make your sw mix in a five gallon bucket. It wont be a problem to store for a few weeks.