How to Mix Aquarium Ocean Salt

One of the most obvious differences between a freshwater aquarium and a saltwater aquarium is that the salinity levels in saltwater aquariums need to be enough to match oceanic environments. Many companies sell ocean salt that you can mix to create for a saltwater aquarium. Mixing saltwater is not as simple as pouring the salt in the tank, however, as this can burn your fish's gills and kill them. Measuring and adjusting the salinity in the tank are vital to maintaining the marine life inside it healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Bucket
  • Dechlorinator
  • Marine salt
  • Hydrometer
  • Mixing spoon
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill the bucket with distilled freshwater and add the appropriate dosage of dechlorinator to remove any harmful chemicals. The dechlorinator comes as liquid droplets and the proper dosage is on the packaging.

    • 2

      Pour the proper dosage of marine salt into the water. This depends on how much water the bucket holds. MarineLand recommends 5 ounces of salt per gallon of water, using their Instant Ocean line of marine salts, but other brands may vary.

    • 3

      Mix the salt vigorously with a mixing spoon until it dissolves. You can optionally toss in an aerator, which can be an air stone connected to an air pump, into the bucket to help with the mixing process.

    • 4

      Measure the specific gravity of the water using a hydrometer. Most hydrometers contain beakers that are filled with the water. A floating needle in the device points to markers on the beaker that indicate the specific gravity, or salinity. You ideally want the water to be between 1.002ppt, or parts per trillion, and 1.020ppt, depending on what sea life is in the tank.

    • 5

      Adjust the specific gravity by either mixing in more salt or diluting it with freshwater. Pour the water into the tank when finished.