how long should salt be mixed for?

Very much a newb question but I always buy my saltwater at the store because I am lazy.

I am mixing up 1 quart of saltwater though for a refugium I am setting up.

Is it safe to use once all the salt dissolves? This would only be about 1/80th of the total tank volume so its not like it will cause a huge swing.

 

You really should let it sit at least overnight, 24 hours is better, for it to stabilize.

That being said, it is a small volume, so you'd probably be fine. Depends on how much you like to play it safe.

 

Many suggest 24 hours, but I only let mine sit for about 5 minutes. My water changes are never planned for and only occur when I need to clean or replace something. 24 hours is the suggested minimum time period.

 

24 Hours is recommended..... Immediately is what normally happens.

Salinity and PH take a while to level out.

 

I would probably fill the fuge from the DT and top up with RODI to be honest
1/80th of the system volume is not going to show up on your refractometer IME

but as you have made the salt water, I would also not be concerned with adding that amount, once the salt has fully dissolved

Steve

 

I hate to admit it,but i often mix and go, i've also read that 24 hours is recommended as well.

 

Newb Recap here... so is the ph and salinity level out the only reason you should let it sit? The directions on the bag never mentioned any I should let it sit... Just wondering

 

Good question
the general guideline of 24 hours has always been the case , even from the days when many people used tap water for reef set ups and 24 hours was to give time for chlorine to dissipate from the water

I cant recall which brand of salt mix , but I am sure I have used at least one, that stated when using RODI water, this salt mix can be used after a mixing period of 5 hours

Steve

 

It should not just be sitting,using a heater to get it to proper temp and a powerhead to not only fully dissolve everything and stabalize,but it also properly aireates the water before use(i believe).But sometimes i get lazy :

 

Thanks for all the replies guys. I got my DIY refugium up and running! I think this might be the 3rd or 4th time I have actually finished something I set out to do!

Although the fit and finish isn't done yet it looks a little unprofessional at the moment.