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Full3R
08-05-2009, 08:26 AM
There's some patchess on the bottom of my fish tank.
Also in the bottom of my MariSys filter canister, considering the amount of salt I put in the tank the vast majority disolved but there is still rather small patches sitting around, what could be the reason for this.
JaredCBell
08-05-2009, 03:23 PM
There's some patchess on the bottom of my fish tank.
Also in the bottom of my MariSys filter canister, considering the amount of salt I put in the tank the vast majority disolved but there is still rather small patches sitting around, what could be the reason for this.

firstly you ARE using MARINE salt, correct? Not aquarium salt?

Secondly, you are mixing it in a separate container (like a bucket) and THEN adding it to the aquarium right?

Thirdly, I have never had issues of salt not dissolving (except when adding aquarium salt directly to the tank in a FW system) and I have used just about every brand. Best thing to do is mix in buckets and let them sit in a dark room temp area for a few days.
MonkeyPox
08-05-2009, 03:25 PM
Adding salt directly to your aquarium is a no-no.
Premix in a separate container.

Are you using a hydrometer or similar device?
Full3R
08-05-2009, 09:47 PM
Yes marine salt,
I did mix it in buckets with water syphoned from the tank but didn't leave it for a few days
MonkeyPox
08-05-2009, 10:01 PM
You shouldn't have to mix it days in advance- it should dissolve instantly. What brand?
ILuvMyGoldBarb
08-05-2009, 10:12 PM
Many brands of salt will leave deposits in the bottom of the buckets. Not everything contained in some salt mixtures will dissolve. That is why it is important to mix your salt in a separate container at least 24-36 hours in advance of your water change. Only in emergency situations should you use water that has just been mixed.
Full3R
08-06-2009, 05:29 AM
Oh, well my boss told me today that when begining the system it will have undisolved deposits, I can't remember the brand an am not home at the moment.
JaredCBell
08-06-2009, 10:37 PM
You shouldn't have to mix it days in advance- it should dissolve instantly. What brand?

many professional aquarium enthusiasts suggest letting the water sit in a dark room for a few days. they call it "aging" the water. Doesn't pertain entirely to the salt dissolving though
MonkeyPox
08-06-2009, 10:39 PM
many professional aquarium enthusiasts suggest letting the water sit in a dark room for a few days. they call it "aging" the water. Doesn't pertain entirely to the salt dissolving though

Care to share what happens in a dark room for a few days that makes this good advice?
ILuvMyGoldBarb
08-06-2009, 10:41 PM
Merely legend. There is nothing magical about letting it sit in a dark room. Mixing it, is different story.
JaredCBell
08-06-2009, 10:47 PM
Apparently you guys know more than the three authors I have read say that. My bad!
MonkeyPox
08-06-2009, 10:50 PM
Link the articles.
JaredCBell
08-06-2009, 10:56 PM
Link the articles.

They are in Books on my desk published after 2004 minus 1 which was published I think in 99 (The New marine Aquarium)

EDIT: Nm that one was written 2001. Ill find out the names of the other books.
MonkeyPox
08-06-2009, 11:01 PM
I'd be curious to see what the exact verbiage is.

Chemically, nothing happens to room temp water with a proper powerhead after the first 15minutes.
ILuvMyGoldBarb
08-06-2009, 11:11 PM
Without a powerhead nothing chemically happens, but with a powerhead, it can take up to 24 hours for the levels to stabilize.