salt

[Captain Dave]

The creek water in my closed system has been doing fine all season so far but the water color is dark and people who buy crabs from me have politely commented.If I change to well water and add my own salt,what type of salt do I use and will this be as successful as my previous set up?

[flounderpounder]

non iodized....1 tsp per gallon

[scoopnet]

I use "Instant Ocean"its sea salt product used in saltwater aquariums.  The amount you add should be determined by the salinity of the water where the peelers are caught.  You can use an inexpensive refractometer to determine salinity.  The salinity upper bays or marsh areas may be below 5ppt, where deeper open bay areas can be 20ppt. To bring well water up to 5ppt you will need to add 4-lbs of sea salt for every 100 gals.  To bring it to 20ppt you would need to add 17-lbs per 100 gals.  You can buy "Instant Ocean" on line or from an aquarium retailer. Hope this helps.

[flounderpounder]

I use "Instant Ocean"its sea salt product used in saltwater aquariums.  The amount you add should be determined by the salinity of the water where the peelers are caught.  You can use an inexpensive refractometer to determine salinity.  The salinity upper bays or marsh areas may be below 5ppt, where deeper open bay areas can be 20ppt. To bring well water up to 5ppt you will need to add 4-lbs of sea salt for every 100 gals.  To bring it to 20ppt you would need to add 17-lbs per 100 gals.  You can buy "Instant Ocean" on line or from an aquarium retailer. Hope this helps.

isnt that salt pretty salty   as in $$$$$$$$$$

[scoopnet]

Depends on what you call expensive.  I ordered on line from Fosters and Smith. Got a 60lb box for $40.00 with free delivery.  I have a 180 gal system.  I needed 17 lbs of salt to bring it up to the proper salinity. You only need to add the salt at the start up, as it does not evaporate.   That means that I have enough salt left for two more season start ups.  The cost per season is $13.00.  It is worth it to me because of the great water quality and helps with my mortality rate

[Captain Dave]

I have a refractometer and maintain around 10 PPT with the creek water.What about sea salt from the store.Its label says its just evaporated ocean salt and its cheap.

[scoopnet]

I have no experience using table grade sea salt.  I would think the same salt to water ratio would apply. To bring your salinity to 10ppt you would need 8 lbs of salt to every 100 gals.  I looked on-line and found that the less expensive sea salts sell for $2.00+ lb.  If your tank is 150 gals it would cost you about $25.00 for the salt which makes the aquarium salt less expensive.  Be sure not to get the course sea salt, as you will have trouble dissolving it. The aquarium salt is very fine and dissolves quickly. Keep us posted on your choice and results.

[HappyCrab]

scoopnet, thank you for the info on Fosters and Smith salt and free shipping.  Ordered 2 buckets today.

[scoopnet]

Happy,    Your welcome