Salt problems...

Discussion in 'Salt' started by Kanook, Oct 9, 2008.

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  1. Kanook

    Kanook Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    So I mixed in the coralife salt in to my 60 gal and after about two hours it all mixed up and was actually pretty clear. But when I woke up this morning to look at my tank every surface was covered in "snow" which im sure is salt. Is this normal? Cause this didn't happen last time I mixed it all up.

    I have a six deep salt metter and have heard that you rase the salt up .001 for every 10 degrees up from 60 you go, is this true?
     
    Kanook, Oct 9, 2008
    Kanook, Oct 9, 2008
    #1

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  2. Hackem688

    Hackem688 Millepora

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    Before I add salt what I do is use a 5gal water bottle/ rubbermaid tub & Shake it up / Mix it with a big spoon then add it.
     
    Hackem688, Oct 9, 2008
    Hackem688, Oct 9, 2008
    #2
  3. techno2

    techno2 Stylophora

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    I have never heard of the temp thing. Six refers to inches below the surface and you should just get your reading.

    The snow is likley not salt after that amount of time but anything is possible I guess. Why did you not pre mix your salt ? Either way I suspect it will clear up soon.


    Cheers
     
    techno2, Oct 9, 2008
    techno2, Oct 9, 2008
    #3
  4. Kanook

    Kanook Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    I didn't mix it first because I am starting a new tank and there is nothing in there so theres no harm in adding that way so I have read.
     
    Kanook, Oct 9, 2008
    Kanook, Oct 9, 2008
    #4
  5. Hackem688

    Hackem688 Millepora

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    Well thats true but it will take longer to desolve that way and give your inproper readings when testing salt causing you to add to much. Just be carful when adding more.
     
    Hackem688, Oct 9, 2008
    Hackem688, Oct 9, 2008
    #5
  6. Kanook

    Kanook Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    ya im going to wait a at least another day before I believe a reading I get, so far it as been all over the place.
     
    Kanook, Oct 9, 2008
    Kanook, Oct 9, 2008
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  7. PackLeader

    PackLeader Giant Squid

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    The salt can take a while to mix properly. What kind of flow/powerheads are in the tank?
     
    PackLeader, Oct 9, 2008
    PackLeader, Oct 9, 2008
    #7
  8. johnmaloney

    johnmaloney 3reef Sponsor

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    specific gravity changes based on temperature, (because water changes specific gravity based on temperature, I don't think it has anything to do with salt). 35 psu (ppt) is a good target for a standard tank. Then worry about your temperature. When measuring salt weigh it rather than do the X number of cups thing. If you weigh it according to factory specs you should be alright.
     
    johnmaloney, Oct 10, 2008
    johnmaloney, Oct 10, 2008
    #8
  9. PharmrJohn

    PharmrJohn The Dude

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    It has to do with the reading WRT the swing arm hydrometers. You subtract .001 from your reading for every 10 degrees above 60. So a SG of 1.028 at 80 degrees is actually 1.026.
     
    PharmrJohn, Oct 10, 2008
    PharmrJohn, Oct 10, 2008
    #9
  10. Kanook

    Kanook Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    How do you know you have a swing arm one? I think I do because it has a swing arm, I know duh but I just want to make sure.
     
    Kanook, Oct 10, 2008
    Kanook, Oct 10, 2008
    #10
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