Get a dry synthetic saltwater mix. These generally come in tubs of 10 or 22 kilograms or 22 or 48 pounds. You’ll need a larger container for bigger aquariums and a smaller tub for smaller aquariums. Keep in mind that even if you have extra, you can use the product to mix future batches of saltwater. Make sure you use a quality, reputable synthetic sea salt mix such as Instant Ocean or Reef Crystals. It’s important to use a salt mix specific for your aquarium. If needed, discuss your needs with a professional in the store. [4] X Expert Source Marshall StephensAquarium Specialist Expert Interview. 30 November 2022.
Be aware that you should only use tap water if its quality is excellent. It should be free of petroleum, organic compounds such as animal manure, or other chemicals introduced by humans’ activities. [8] X Research source You’ll also need to dechlorinate and dechlorinate tap water before you blend it with the sea salt mixture. You can get products that remove chlorine and chloramines, such as Dr. Tim’s Aquatics Aqua Cleanse, at fish supply and some pet stores. [9] X Research source Purchase RO/ DI water at a fish or pet supply store. If you are interested, you can also purchase a system that produces RO/ DI water. [10] X Research source
Clean container, preferably food grade[12] X Expert Source Marshall StephensAquarium Specialist Expert Interview. 30 November 2022. Submersible aquarium heater Floating or battery-powered thermometer Small submersible powerhead or pump for water circulation Refractometer or hydrometer for measuring specific gravity/ salinity, which is how salty the water is[13] X Expert Source Marshall StephensAquarium Specialist Expert Interview. 30 November 2022. Stirring tool or a small water pump for mixing[14] X Expert Source Marshall StephensAquarium Specialist Expert Interview. 30 November 2022.
Avoid using any detergent when you rinse the container. These can cause harm to the life in your aquarium. When you’re done, place the container next to your aquarium so it is easier to fill or refill the water.
Avoid filling the container to the top because the salt mix will displace some of the water. Then fill the aquarium with enough of the mixed water to leave room for things such as splashing from the fish, turbulence from the filter, and other animals like snails, which lay their eggs on the top of the water. [17] X Research source
Measure the temperature of your aquarium before putting it in the mixing container. Note the aquarium temperature on a piece of paper so that you don’t forget it.
Make sure the heater temperature is set to the same level as the one currently in your aquarium. The target temperatures you should have are: 72-80 degrees Fahrenheit for fish-only tanks, and 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit for those with reefs. Look to see that the powerhead is creating some turbulence at the water’s surface to maximize gas exchange. If it is not, reposition the powerhead until you see light turbulence at the surface. [20] X Research source
Note the manufacturers’ instructions. They will direct you to use a certain number of pounds of sea salt mixture per gallon of water. You want to ultimately aim for a specific gravity of about 1. 025 or a salinity of 35ppt. [22] X Expert Source Marshall StephensAquarium Specialist Expert Interview. 30 November 2022. Add the sea salt mixture in three separate batches. Put in the first batch and stir until it dissolves completely. Then you can add the second batch and blend until the salt dissolves. Finish by adding the third batch of sea salt and mix it until it completely dissolves. [23] X Research source
Watch for the salinity/ specific gravity to be between the levels of 1. 020 and 1. 024. If the level is below 1. 020, add more salt until you reach the desired specific gravity. If the level is above 1. 024, add more water until you reach the desired specific gravity. [26] X Research source To be safe, double check the salinity test. [27] X Expert Source Marshall StephensAquarium Specialist Expert Interview. 30 November 2022.
Leave the powerhead in the container so that it can aerate the water properly. This will help the water achieve proper oxygen/ carbon dioxide equilibrium. You should also leave the thermometer in the container.
Adjust the specific gravity levels until they reach the optimal level of 1. 020 to 1. 024. Add more salt if they are too low and more water if they are too high.
Keep heating it if the temperature is too low. Remove the heater and keep checking the temperature until it reaches the optimal range of 72-75 degrees Fahrenheit for fish only and 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit for reef systems. Be aware that adding salt water at a different temperature than your aquarium will cause a change in temperature for your aquarium. This could harm the health of your fish.
Add your fish back to the aquarium once it is filled to the appropriate level. You may want to consider double checking the salinity and temperature before adding the fish if you are concerned.
