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