salt

[nephrurus]

how important is it to mix your salt at least a day before
adding to your tank. Does it really shock everything if you remove h2o and just add new h2o?? mush thanks

[Loverotties]

As long as you get it to the same temp and Ph and all other water perimeters,it's OK

[Electrobes]

I've noticed something about mixing salt and then letting it aerate vi an airpump. All the funk that doesn't belong falls to the ground, and when I do a water change I don't inlude that stuff to the tank.

When my tank is done setting up, I will always aerate the NSW for at least 24 hrs before doing the water change, especially after seeing that

As for shocking everything.. not so much, but a good mixing via a powerhead for at least 5-10 min would be best for a quick waterchange.

[nephrurus]

what is all that funk that does not belong?

[joker577]

I just mix until its crystal clear

[skey44]

i usually just mix with a maxijet overnight in front of the tank and check the salinity and temperature... and do a weekly change so they are used to it.

[hng]

I think you're supposed to let it circulate overnight to help the buffers and pH stabilize. I'm sure Tom would be able to give us a detailed explanation.

[skey44]

ph is much higher if you mix it for twenty four hours and you can adjust ca and alk after this time as well... yeah this is def a tom question

[marineduud]

Well I have been mixing my water for many yrs. the same way and I do a 50 gal. water change weekly and I mix it in the morning and do my water change about 6hrs. later and have never had any issues. I have a mag 18 for circulation and no air stones

Robert

[Electrobes]

The funk on the bottom of the bucket (If you use an airstone (I find this works best) is just non-salt particles precipitating out of solution.

[skey44]

a mag 18 "may" help speed up the process a bit