| New seawater is going to be mixed many times | | | | pump. Remember that the temperature of the |
| in the future. Why not take a little extra trouble in | | | | mix needs to be at or very close to the |
| the initial mix and save a lot of time later? | | | | temperature of the seawater in the aquarium. |
| When purchasing the sea salt, obtain salt that is | | | | (Also, temperature has an effect on an SG |
| specifically designed for use with R/O water, as | | | | reading.) Leave for about 8 to 12 hours, more |
| this should be used rather than tap water. | | | | does no harm, this will allow the salt to fully mix |
| The net gallonage of the aquarium is known. | | | | and the temperature to stabilise. |
| Having purchased the dry sea salt, it is fairly easy | | | | After the suggested time, measure the SG with |
| to guess the amount that is needed to meet the | | | | the hydrometer:a. If the SG reading is too low, |
| intended SG of the aquarium seawater, by looking | | | | measure out a little more salt and take a note of |
| at the suggestions of the manufacturer. Measure | | | | the weight. Add the salt to the bucket and allow |
| out a little less than it appears may be needed. | | | | more time for the salt to be fully dissolved. Then |
| Once the salt has been measured out, weigh it | | | | test again, if more salt is needed then proceed as |
| and take a note. It is recommended that grams | | | | above. If the mix is correct then add the salt |
| are used when weighing the salt. | | | | weights together and put the total in the |
| Before we consider mixing saltwater, fresh water | | | | notebook.b. If the SG reading is too high, add a |
| is needed. It has already been decided that | | | | little reverse osmosis water (note the amount) to |
| Reverse Osmosis (R/O) water will be used. R/O | | | | the mix and give time for the temperature to |
| water takes a considerable while to produce in | | | | stabilise. Test again. If still too high, add a little |
| any quantity, so the collection must be set in | | | | more RO water (again note the amount). If |
| motion in good time so as to be available for the | | | | correct, note the total amount of additional RO |
| mix. The R/O unit instructions will give a | | | | water used. By fraction, the salt can be reduced |
| reasonable estimate of how many gallons can be | | | | for the next mix. |
| produced in a given time, but add a little more | | | | Often, the correct amount of salt to be used in |
| time to cover variables. | | | | the mix is arrived at by the methods of both a. |
| So the mixing bucket is ready, plus the seawater | | | | and b. above. Once the amount of salt by weight |
| heater and air pump. Place the weighed salt in the | | | | is known and noted, new seawater mixing is |
| bucket and pour sufficient R/O water in to bring | | | | straightforward. However, for the first few new |
| the level to the required number of gallons. Give | | | | seawater mixes it is recommended that the SG is |
| the salt a good stir to initially mix it in, a wooden | | | | measured for each mix, until confident that the |
| stick (clean) will do. Set off the heater and air | | | | SG is consistently correct. |