making salt water

[Zayetsfoot]

I have read that before you do water changes that you should make your salt water at least 24 hours before you do the change.

I cant remember what the article said. Should have have a power head in the storage tank with the newly made salt water, or a air pump?

Thanks
Jason

[Pineapple House]

A few people use airpumps to aid the serculation of the water, although I would use a strong powerhead to do the job when it comes to making saltwater.

PH =)

[Blodlizrd]

I go with a power head and a heater when I mix mine. It is best to mix it up and wait for about 24 hours to make sure your salinity is at the right level. Also, the heat of the water is going to affect how much of the salt dissolves, so you'll want to put in the heater, heat the water up to the temp that you want it, then add your salt.

[matrixnyc]

Water Changes

The most talked about part of aquarium maintenance is the water change.

A water change should be performed about every 2 weeks. In most cases 10-15% of the tank volume is sufficient. A good habit is to replace the water extracted while “vacuuming” the gravel. This will eliminate uneaten foods and other residues that settle in the substrate.

It is highly recommended to check on your water parameters, both, in the tank and the water you use to replace it with. Most tap-water (city water) contains either chlorine or chloramine. Chlorine will air out rather quickly (kept in an aerated bucked for 24 hours) chloramine will not (chloramine = chlorine + ammonia). Using a water conditioner will neutralize the chlorine in both cases, but ammonia will still be present in the latter. It has to be broken down by the bacteria present in the aquarium. This can take longer than your fish can tolerate.

Other elements of municipal water may be phosphates, iron and other heavy metals. To find out about your tap-water chemistry, call your local water company.

Well-water is usually harder than tap water, but chlorine/chloramine free.

Filtered water should also be checked on a regular basis, checking for silicate and silicid acid, which penetrate the filter membranes after a short period of time.