Need some help fast

[Scrup]

This is happening way faster than I had hoped, but the quick story is, in about an hour I am going to have brackish fish. Archers, a puffer, anebelips, an eel, and a violet goby. I have a 120 they can go in for now, just need help with the water.

Is mixing the saltwater this fast going to be a problem?

Would adding a ton of aeration and a super big water pump help lower risks?

am I overreacting?

Also I don't know the SG of their current setup, so I guess I should undershoot it rather than risk going over, correct?

Would drip acclimation be the best option for this or could I get away with just scooping in about a 1/2 cup of water every 30-45 minutes for a few hours?

[ScottishFish]

Is the 120g currentky stocked?

[Scrup]

It has 9 tetras in it. Or did. They are now moved and acclimating to their new tank. So no.

[ScottishFish]

Id go for undershooting, easier to add than take away.

[Scrup]

Just read a post by Smaug that says mixing it and letting it sit 20 min for brackish is just fine. Hope you're right!

[Cliff]

I've had to mix salt water for my reef tank in a pinch before when I took out too much water during a water change

I filled a 5 gallon pale filled with fresh water, added a very strong powerhead (~1400 gph I think) then slowly added the salt. After mixing for about a hour, it was clear and ready for use

[Scrup]

You are a lifesaver. Thank you. I will fill the 120, toss in my 1500gph pump and my mondo industrial air pump with some big air stones for good measure.

Deep breaths....lol

[Cliff]

The more flow for mixing the better. Get out all the old filters you have in the spares closet and toss them on for more flow as well.

[Scrup]

Well, the last time I tried the 1500gph pump was with a vinegar mix in that tank and it almost overflowed the tank with the turbulence, even with the level down 6". Suppose I have a few others I can use too...it'll be an adventure! just hope it doesn't shoot the smaller pumps into the glass...lol

[Scrup]

All setup and good. One of the anabaleps died en route sadly. Biggest ones I have ever seen. The puffer is hanging out on his side, which is how the owner said he always did since one overeating incident. Will need to start another thread on this methinks...The goby was actually a knight goby. Sadly he passed as well. All the rest are looking good for the most part.

Thanks again Cliff.

[pc4400]

I've had to mix salt water for my reef tank in a pinch before when I took out too much water during a water change

I filled a 5 gallon pale filled with fresh water, added a very strong powerhead (~1400 gph I think) then slowly added the salt. After mixing for about a hour, it was clear and ready for use

Wow, had no idea you could get away with that. I mix container is 40 gallon and mixes a minimum of 4 days before use. Pump is about 400 G per hour I thInk. Heated and aired too of course.

[Cliff]

It is not the best situation, but is dose work. Keep in mind, there is a big difference between ~1400gph of flow in a 5 gallons of water, and 400gph in 40 gallons.

Your method is still the better approach.

[Scrup]

Thanks again for the help. Here are some pics taken a few weeks later-

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/aji12_17/IMG-20120401-00057.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/aji12_17/IMG-20120401-00054.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/aji12_17/IMG-20120401-00073.jpg

[Cliff]

They are looking good

Glad to see everything worked out for you and your new fish