My first salt water aquarium?
I want to set up a salt water aquarium, and i want to know how much sea salt i need for 1 gallon in (tbsp or tsp)
Volumes like tablespoons and cups aren’t a good way to measure salt. The salt absorbs moisture from the air, and as it does this it compacts. So as your bag of salt gets older, if you use the same volume your tank will become increasingly saltier.
What you want to get is a hydrometer – these use the idea that when you add salt to water in large quantities, it makes things float easier. There are weighted glass hydrometers (more accurate, harder to read in moving water, and easier to break) that float in the water and you read the number that is at the water level and plastic ones which you add the water to these and a plastic needle inside floats (cheaper, but not quite as accurate).
And while a 1/2 cup per gallon is a good starting point, I have yet to find a brand that makes the salinity needed with just that amount. I start there, and add in small amounts till I get what I need.
Also, use a separate container to mix the salt so you get the right salinity before you add the water to your tank.
It will say on the bag of sea salt you buy at the pet store.
November 8th, 2009 at 8:10 amReferences :
My neighbors have a very succesful tank. Make sure you have a good filter and LOTS of sea plants! Also lots of rocks and hiding places are good. Look at the website to answer any of your questions! ^_^ Good luck with the tank!
November 8th, 2009 at 8:27 amReferences :
http://www.bestfish.com/saltg.html
First thing before anything else is read up on it.
1. Read and research for 2 weeks ( definitions and info)
2. Determine your budget
3. Know your limits
4. Keeping and maintaining saltwater aquariums is a lot more complicated than you think
November 8th, 2009 at 8:34 amReferences :
i believe on my red sea salt it says 1.4 pounds per 5 gal
but dont rely on that, take a big scoop in the bottom of the bucket add water to mix it as it fills, test the gravity, if its too high add more water if its too low add more salt
measure by hydromiter not tbsp
November 8th, 2009 at 9:17 amReferences :
Instant Ocean is 1 1/2 cup per gallon, if you buy the bag, a whole bag will do 50 gallons. so 24 tablespoons per gallon, buy a measuring cup it is easier.
November 8th, 2009 at 9:58 amReferences :
Volumes like tablespoons and cups aren’t a good way to measure salt. The salt absorbs moisture from the air, and as it does this it compacts. So as your bag of salt gets older, if you use the same volume your tank will become increasingly saltier.
What you want to get is a hydrometer – these use the idea that when you add salt to water in large quantities, it makes things float easier. There are weighted glass hydrometers (more accurate, harder to read in moving water, and easier to break) that float in the water and you read the number that is at the water level and plastic ones which you add the water to these and a plastic needle inside floats (cheaper, but not quite as accurate).
And while a 1/2 cup per gallon is a good starting point, I have yet to find a brand that makes the salinity needed with just that amount. I start there, and add in small amounts till I get what I need.
Also, use a separate container to mix the salt so you get the right salinity before you add the water to your tank.
November 8th, 2009 at 10:48 amReferences :