How Long Should I Let My Saltwater Mix?

How long should I let my saltwater mix? How long you should allow your saltwater will depend on the marine salt mix itself.

Every brand of sand and even types of marine salt of the same brand will have mixing instructions that work best for that specific type of salt. And while you might think that they are all somewhat similar, you might be surprised by how different mixing types can be.

There are even salt mixes that can be mixed for too long.

So, let's begin:

How long should I let my saltwater mix?

As a general rule of thumb, the best way to mix your saltwater is in a container with an inexpensive power head and an affordable and reliable heater.

Once you have added the salt, allow it to dissolve and mix for a few hours. Then check the salinity with a refractometer and adjust it until you hit your target. Which for most reefers is right at 35 per 1,000 or 1.026 specific gravity.

Then, allow it to circulate for 24 hours to completely clear up, ensuring that all the salt is fully dissolved and not just suspended in the water. Then, double-check that your salinity is incorrect, and it will be ready to use.

On the other hand, for specialized marine salts with elevated alkalinity levels, calcium, and magnesium, you should not allow the salt mix to mix for nearly that long. Otherwise, those elevated elements will begin to precipitate out.

This can leave the salt mix a bit cloud at first, which is entirely normal for this type of salt. However, that also means that those who prefer to mic up large baches of saltwater for the gradual need to make sure that the salt they choose can be mixed continuously for up to three weeks and more.

Just read the mixing instructions on your particular marine salt and follow them, and you'll be good today.

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