Need help mixing saltwater

[Optimum]

I have an emergency. I need fresh saltwater but I can't find my hydrometer. I am using kent salt and need to know how many cups of salt for five gallons of water? I thought it was 3 cups but it has been so long i can't remember, please help.

 

[flugelnuss]

Usually it is 1/2 cup per gallon of water. so for 5 gallons, 2 1/2 cups should work to get you in the 1.023-1.024 range. add just a little more to get it up to 1.025. Where in Seattle do you live? I can give you my hydrometer. I don't use it since I got a refractometer. It's much more accurate.

Jeff

 

[Ed Hahn]

Way to go Jeff...

 

[flugelnuss]

It's all about karma Ed! There were a lot of nice people that helped me along the way. I like to try and return the favor to other reefers. What comes around goes around, right?

Jeff

 

[wrightme43]

If I remember correctly it is 1/2 cup per gallon to make 1.023 saltwater, thats what it says on the package any way. I must say that I have never had it come out any where near right with out a hydrometer. Maybe get it close to the tank reading with a tds meter if you have one. just a idea. HTH Steve

 

[Ed Hahn]

Right, Your really cool for sharing the wealth..

 

[wrightme43]

Givin me crap HUH? Ed, now I see how you are. LOL I just like to help, it makes me feel good.

 

[flugelnuss]

It's true what you said though Steve. Hydrometers really aren't that accurate. they serve a purpose though. If i didnt have a refractometer, I hydrometer is better than nothing!

 

[Ed Hahn]

Steve, Ok, your pretty cool too..

 

[wrightme43]

WOO HOOOOO!!!!! ED likes me, LOL Thanks Ed I think your all right too. LOL I love this place, its a blast all the time. Steve

 

[Optimum]

Thanks flugelness. I just ordered a refratometer but it does not arrive for 3 days, and i desperately need saltwater now. I think 3 cup was right with my last bucket of kent salt, I will keep it a little high just to be sure.

 

[flugelnuss]

good deal. a refractometer is really the way to go! it's probably one of the best and cheapest investments you can make for your reef tank.

Jeff

 

[WaterDogs]

From what I see from hydrometers I think the 1/2 cup per gallon sounds more accurate...

 

[flugelnuss]

no doubt! When I got my refractometer, it read 1.030 when my hydrometer read 1. 025!!!!

 

[dnjan]

Hydrometers need to be corrected for temperature, while most refractometers are self-correcting. So it isn't that refractometers are more accurate, but rather they are just so much easier to use.

 

[plack]

Does anyone know how to correct for temperature and at what temp they are accurate I thought they were accurate at 75º F ?

 

[dnjan]

Hydrometers can be calibrated at different temperatures. Hopefully, it says what temperature either on the hydrometer or in the paperwork that came with the hydrometer.

Dr. Ron published a table of hydrometer corrections a few years ago. Unfortunately, a hard-drive crash wiped out the link I had stored, and I have been using a refractometer ever since my hydrometer rolled off the table onto a concrete floor. (so I haven't tried to re-locate the correction table).