Mixing Saltwater

Was just wondering how many of you guys keep prepared saltwater heated/circulating in a bin? I've been mixing my own for about 2 months and it seems to be going fine. Recently though I lifted the top off my 30 gal bin and it smells kinda funky inside. Was thinking its probably due to bacteria/algae that's growing in the mixing container with my saltwater batch. I'll probably run a few water tests for nitrates/phosphates and if something seems off I'll dump the bin and clean it out real well with vinegar and such. I'm considering running a UV sterilizer though as well, figured that would keep the junk to a minimum. What's your guys' thoughts?

Mine gets a brown sludge on the sides. I just keep it warm airated and mixed

clownfish14 wrote:Mine gets a brown sludge on the sides. I just keep it warm airated and mixed

Okay thanks, do you clean it out at all or it just seems to do okay?

Ive got an rodi running to 2 55 gallon barrels and have one 55gallon barrel for saltwater that i use 2 cheap 800gph powerheads a 150watt heater and 18watt uv sterilizer from aqua traders

steyely wrote:

clownfish14 wrote:Mine gets a brown sludge on the sides. I just keep it warm airated and mixed

Okay thanks, do you clean it out at all or it just seems to do okay?

Ya i just wipe it out with a oaper towel once that batch is gone

clownfish14 wrote:

steyely wrote:

clownfish14 wrote:Mine gets a brown sludge on the sides. I just keep it warm airated and mixed

Okay thanks, do you clean it out at all or it just seems to do okay?

Ya i just wipe it out with a oaper towel once that batch is gone

What kind of salt do you use that leaves a brown sludge?

Ive used lots of types. But right now i am using IO and it is by far the best

I have used instant ocean and another with the same results....

Ya d and d, and tropic marin are the worst as far as brown sludge but ive done a little research and the sludge isint harmeful i think it was just because of the high levels of one on the elements

I always had an issue with D-D or Red Sea Coral Pro. There is sludge because its a natural salt from the red sea compare to other mixes. I always clean out the mixing container with a hose and wipe it down.

We're looking to do a GB with paul if anyone is interested.

Oh ya forgot about that. I want in on the gb

nikecivic wrote:I always had an issue with D-D or Red Sea Coral Pro. There is sludge because its a natural salt from the red sea compare to other mixes. I always clean out the mixing container with a hose and wipe it down.

We're looking to do a GB with paul if anyone is interested.

Good call, this is a Red Sea mix so I'm sure that's what it is. The only thing is my container always has a saltwater mix in it just in case something crazy happens and I need to do a big change. That's why I was thinking of running a UV sterilizer.

BTW is Paul the Fantastic Frags guy?

Ya

clownfish14 wrote:Ya d and d, and tropic marin are the worst as far as brown sludge but ive done a little research and the sludge isint harmeful i think it was just because of the high levels of one on the elements

I use tropic marin...no brown sludge here. Been using it for 5 years. Mix it in a 40gal trashcan with an MJ1200.

Yes TM mixes much cleaner.

I had two buckets that mixed a bit cloudy, but the params were cool. Otherwise, never had any issues with the salt at all. Mixes clear and clean, no residues.