DIY Artificial Saltwater

Here's a very simple guide and some old photos on how to create your own artificial salt for reef tanks.

What you need:

Reef Chemicals
Digital Weighing Scales
Latex Gloves, Face Mask

Where to mix:
A cool and dehumidified room

Recipe:
Marty's Modified Recipe (Password is pinoyreefers.org)
You may also check the PR Newsletter for more details


Frank Millero's Original Recipe

From his book, Chemical Oceanography (http://books.google.com.ph/books/about/Chemical_Oceanography_Third_Edition.html?id=Xt5T8LtPjBgC&redir_esc=y)

If you can manage to find all the needed reagents, Frank Millero's Recipe would be the best way to go.

Photo: Marty's Modified Recipe

 Always purchase from a reliable source, and always use USP (Pharmaceutical Grade) or Food Grade reagents, especially for the Major Ions. Technical Grade may contain too many impurities which are unsuitable for tank use.

The recipe above would be good for about 130-150 gallons, depending on the quality of reagents. Some reagents may be absorb too much moisture, so be sure to check the parameters after mixing.

Photos:

The reagents, from Alysons Chemical Company

(You may also find some reagents at other chemical stores. A small caveat: availability of reagents may vary from time to time.)

Mix well, store in an airtight container and use when needed. Or better yet, mix it all together in a enough water then store in a clean, food-safe drum or container.