Making own salt water

[jtmatarangas]

I have a large (8'x3'x2') ~300gal reef tank. For the past two years I was having a local fish expert do 10% water changes every two weeks. He no longer serves my area, so I am going to try to do those myself. I am going to buy the RO system from Filters Direct (AR-122), store the water in 50gal storage tank with lid, buy large water pump and heater, and buy bulk salt (I am ok paying for premium salt - I am already paying premium for all the other gear and critters). Am I missing anything? Any tips or tricks to making the salt water? should i heat the water to 78 degrees before adding the salt? How long should the salt mix before doing the change? Will the AR-122 make 40-50 gal in one week? Now that I am going to do the water changes myself, I figured I would try for once a week, instead of every two weeks. tank always looks better right after a water change.
Thoughts?

 

[aquaman67]

You need a refractometer to measure the salinity. Always check the salinity. Check your tank too. You want the new water to match.

I heat my water and then add salt. I keep it mixing with a power head.

The instructions for the salt you buy should tell you how long to mix it. But overnight is good just to be safe.

 

[jtmatarangas]

Great. Thanks Aquaman67!

 

[Spare time]

Some salts take way longer than others. Red sea's lineup is my go-to as it mixes very rapidly.

 

[Naekuh]

You need DI stage along with a RO.

Not many water filter companies will provide that, and the ones that bundle it call it a REEF edition with markup.

Its easy to add the DI stage yourself, but just a heads up.
You may need to buy the DI Stage separately.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I would buy a tropic Marin hydrometer. More accurate than the refractometer and no need to calibrate.

I would use (at least for now) whatever brand of salt your maintenance company was using.

I would also see if you have a local club. Invaluable for help and hands on learning.

 

[Wrinkled Fingers]

I would suggest adding a second water tank to store fresh RODI water. Might not need to be 50 gallons, but it should be big enough to at least refill your ATO. That way you will still have some fresh water on hand even when the salt water is mixing in the 50 gallon water storage tank.

Python water changes hoses are also great, but not necessary. I like it for its versatility and ease of use. Can hook it up directly to a slop sink and clean sand, or suck out debris. Can also connect directly to a submersible pump. The tubing is soft enough to work around corners without kinking, and rolls up nice for storage.

 

[jtmatarangas]

Awesome. Thanks all!

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

Will add, what ever salt brand you chose, mix it like the directions say. Some do not want you to heat the water before adding the salt, only after.

 

[exnisstech]

I would use (at least for now) whatever brand of salt your maintenance company was using.

I agree with Bean. At least for now until you get the hang of things.

EDIT : maybe check out @Buckeye Hydro .They are a sponsers here and will be there to support you if you need it.