Letting fresh made saltwater sit?

[thenagler72]

I have seen this mentioned once or twice but still not sure. After making a batch of saltwater for a water change (3 gal for my nano) should I let it sit awhile before I add it to the tank? Thanks

[BaxterS80]

I would at least let it set over night. We always have enough saltwater for 2 water changes made up ahead of time. We do weekly water changes and make the new saltwater that day. The water sits for a week with a pump and heater..We also have a 40 gallon container that we fill weekly for top off water and new saltwater....

[ReefSparky]

Although I've never seen the reasons listed, I'm guessing that allowing newly made SW to sit is to:
1. ensure mixing
2. ensure oxygen saturation
3. allow temperature to match that of aquarium
4. gives time to tweak the water, getting pH, alk, ca to match tankwater too.

I think with a decent powerhead, oxygen saturation could be achieved in less than 12 hours. As far as the other parameters listed, as soon as you can achieve them, you're OK.

I'm not sure here, but I suspect the unwritten rationale behind the "day or two" method is just to allow ample time to achieve all the above. If there is good reason to stipulate a certain time frame to the whole process, I'd love to know it.

[bmshehan]

I've always heard to wait overnight to make sure the salt is mixed completely. I've also heard if you don't have a powerhead or other mechanical forms for mixing the water to shake it (to mix it) every 20 min. for the first hour.
Just what I've heard...

[omard]

Letting SW sit after mixing is good idea, more for some salt mixes then others.

Want to make sure salt is completely dissolved before using...and has been well aerated.

Esp. important with a Nano. (I just airstone in mine overnight)

Make sure water is same temp as that replaced in tank before using.

[thenagler72]

Thanks guys. Over the weekend i actually set some buckets up that I had so I could measure gallons with them. I'll mix the water and then let it sit with an extra heater and air stone. My tank should be very healthy with all the info here.

[gazog]

check the PH in fresh salt water then check it after it has sat for 24 hours or so and you will understand why you should let it sit. It may be different with other brands of salt but reef crystals takes time to be at the correct PH. I mix mine, add a powerhead and heater, let sit for 24 hours and the do my water changes.

[andybethke]

ok so what should my hydrometer read for the best coral and fish environment?

[WCW]

Obvious noob here, but I've for several months mixed the salt with the outside tap (softened water inside) and poured it in. Granted, the majority of the time it was a fish only tank with assorted crabs, but now have a bubble tip anemone with Kenya tree and zoanthids and seemingly have had no issues doing it in this manner/timeframe. After reading this post I'm curious about the repercussions concerning the way I've been doing it. ???

[Diver_1298]

Originally Posted by andybethke

ok so what should my hydrometer read for the best coral and fish environment?

Fish and Corals should be between 1.024 and 1.026.
You can't go wrong. If you're a purist then get a decent hydrometer and keep it at 1.026

Jim