blk_g20 Posted June 16, 2003 Share Posted June 16, 2003 i was under the impression that the ratio is 2cup of salt to 5 gallon of water? is this correct? Link to comment
Angel Posted June 16, 2003 Share Posted June 16, 2003 I do not know about the ratio. I mix in 1/2 cup increments and use a hydrometer to be sure it is 1.021-1.023 If you do not have one, get one. Even before I started mixing my own IO, I used it. I find it is one of those invaluable tools, among others, needed to make sure the parameters in the tank are in pristine condition. Good Luck! Angel Link to comment
Mondo Posted June 16, 2003 Share Posted June 16, 2003 The package says to use 1/2 cup per gallon. Link to comment
blk_g20 Posted June 16, 2003 Author Share Posted June 16, 2003 i read that on the package too, but i remember reading somewhere about the 2cup/5gal thing. and i do have a floating and a 'deep six' swing-arm hydrometer. but i thought the salinity of the water takes a long time to stabilize so what you measure after you mix might not be what it eventually will become...is this correct? Link to comment
Angel Posted June 16, 2003 Share Posted June 16, 2003 I mix mine after every water change and let a pump run in it (covered and with a heater) until the next week. I do this in case an emergency arises and I need it, it is ready. I always check it again, prior to adding to the tank, and it is still within the proper range. Mine does not fluctuate, but I do make sure it is disolved (mostly) before my first reading and add either more salt or RODI water as necessary. Angel Link to comment
Raise Posted June 17, 2003 Share Posted June 17, 2003 the ocean is 1.026, so that might be a more 'realistic' SG to shoot for, 1.025 may be better depending on how quick you cope with EVAPORATION. Link to comment
Bruce Dunphy Posted June 18, 2003 Share Posted June 18, 2003 The IO instructions say 1/2 cup to a gallon, but I've found that this gives me an SG reading of around 1.032--literally a killer number. The 2 cup/5 gallon is better, yeilding a 1.020 reading at my house. So I do 1 level cup and one heaping cup (it's too fine to heap much) and I come out at a good 1.024. I've had a 100 gal reef tank for more than a year, and I do 20 gallon water changes every few months. But I'm new to nano reefing. I know that now I have to do weekly water changes. I think Angel has the right idea with his suggestion. It would be so easy to tweak the readings of a good batch of matured water, without the pressure and frustration of getting it perfect in a short time. And the emergency factor is something I didn't consider. Thanks Angel. Link to comment
cuteios Posted June 19, 2003 Share Posted June 19, 2003 Well based on my calculation it should be about right at 2 cups per 5 gallons. Here's my breakdown. bag of Salt = 3.48 Kg = 35 GAL which would come out to .49 Kg per 5 gallons 16 ounces = 2 cup = 1 lb = .49 Kg Link to comment
SeaFish Posted June 20, 2003 Share Posted June 20, 2003 when you guys use the term "cup" what kind of cup are you referring to? coffee cup, styrofoam cup, tea cup, plastic disposible cup? Link to comment
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