Mixing salt with an air pump and air stone?

[KryptonsLast]

I see people say they use a power head but I was wondering if you could use an air pump and air stone? I have a cheap little air pump so if it'll work fine then I save my money. This wouldn't be for a huge batches of saltwater.

 

[vabben]

No, you need to move water to mix it. You can purchase a cheap pump or powerhead to complete this.

 

[aaltayeh]

Can you give me examples of the pump or powerhead that you recommend?

 

[lazycouch]

would be better off hand mixing it

 

[Rmckoy]

Any power head such as a maxi jet .
I use a jeabo dc pump I have as a spare .
Air pump I would think would make too much foam and not stir the settled salt .

 

[JeffLED]

Can you give me examples of the pump or powerhead that you recommend?

Anything you have that moves water as long as it is safe for saltwater use. Assuming you’re using an approximately 55 gallon trash can for mixing anything over 250 gal/hour is prob enough. This pump would certainly work but is definitely over kill. I just googled the first water pump that was saltwater safe. Most of us probably have an extra piece of equipment that would be suitable, just be sure to disinfect and clean properly.

 

[Cory]

You should not use an airstone because it doesnt mix fast enough and that will basically cause calcium and alkalinity to form and make sand. Thats bad. And youll have low calcium and alkalinity in your tank as a result. Thats also bad.

 

[Billdogg]

For my mixing barrel I use a mag18 that also pumps it up to the DT in the living room. When I'm mixing up Ca/Alk in 5g buckets I use a koralia ph. Although an airstone might work, I don't have the patience to wait the several days it might take, or the desire to clean up the mess the bubbles would make

 

[Jmcg89]

Yea you can get a little powerhead on amazon for very cheap thats what i use.

 

[Jekyl]

would be better off hand mixing it

Not true. I usually mix my salt over night. Most salts require hours of mixing.

 

[jtp7004ft]

If your trying to save money, this will do the job. Like @jeckyl said depending on your Salt mix you might want to mix the night before. I use reef crystals, it takes a bit to fully dissolve even with good circulation.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Agree with all above....the more agitation you can provide, the better:

Pick up an inexpensive powerhead for mixing. I run an old-school Hydor Koralia K4 and Magnum K8 for 25 gallons of water.

 

[lazycouch]

Not true. I usually mix my salt over night. Most salts require hours of mixing.

lol so you’re telling me salt will mix quicker with an airstone than with your hand?

 

[Jekyl]

lol so you’re telling me salt will mix quicker with an airstone than with your hand?

I'm saying that neither one are a good idea

 

[waverider]

Not true. I usually mix my salt over night. Most salts require hours of mixing.

Mixing overnight?!!! No!!. I let my saltwater mix for minimum 2 days

 

[zaga]

For my nano, I just hand agitate 2.5 gallons in a 5 gallon jug. For my 60 gallon, I use a cheap power head for 5 gallons in the same container. I use Tropic Marin Pro salt which mixes quickly.