Float Tank Plans
Add Salt Water
Cost for this step: $545
Cost so far: $2,085
800 lbs Epsom Salt from Univar USA (delivered)
Note: I’m in a business that already buys chemical supply so this was a special rate. Do what you can to get close to this price.
GOOD LUCK! SALT IS SO DAMN EXPENSIVE
UPDATE 02/28/2012 – This is the cheapest salt I can find on Amazon. If you look locally you could probably do better. About $1/lb
Ultra Epsom Salt – 25 lbs. (medium), Bath Salts – Unscented Bulk
800 lbs of Epsom Salt USP Grade. (Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate USP)
Ok you’re so close to floating. The hardest part of this step is finding that salt at a discount. It’s SO expensive. Your best odds will be buying wholesale using a company account. Look for chemical suppliers in your area and get pricing for 800 lbs. Shop around.
1. Fist things first, fill your tank with water and salt. I used my hose from outside because I read that using water from a water heater can add unwanted sediment.
NOTE: Add your salt while you’re filling because the salt really raises the water level. Also, save a bag of salt for the future. You’ll lose about an inch every three months, so when you add more water you can add a cup of salt.
The picture above is while I’m filling… See the intake hole? Get a couple inches above that at least. If it’s to close to the hole it will draw air in and it’s not good on your pump or parts.
2. Check for leaks! I didn’t have any at the time so I was lucky. If you do, GOOD LUCK!
3. Time to mix in the salt. You’ll have PILES of salt at the bottom. It will seem like it won’t mix in but it will. I just got in the tank and started mixing. It took about a half an hour.
NOTE: The water will be way cold from the salt. (chemical reaction)
4. Fire it up! You should have everything plugged into the power strip, flip it on. If you have leaks in the lines just close the ball valves and get to work.
NOTICE: YOUR HEATER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HEAT THE WATER UNTIL THE TANK IS INSULATED, SO DON’T EXPECT IT TO. NOTHING IS BROKEN I PROMISE.
Here’s the video of flipping mine on for the first time.
I would run your tank for at least a day to make sure no leaks develop.
Done! On to the insulation and covering.
an 800 pound delivery from chicago to you didn’t come with any delivery or brokerage charge?
readers should be given wind of possible hidden fees with material acquisition, otherwise the price tally isn’t very realistic…
I documented everything accurately. I bought salt from a local supplier. Does it look like I’m lying? Get lost.
Not everyone will have a chem supply company in their city.
Those companies also don’t do private sales. They only sell to other registered companies.
I paid the same as Steph for 1000lbs, about $900 after taxes, plus private delivery charge.
This amazon link looks legit.. it’s about a dollar a pound delivered.
Epsom Salt USP
Hi ,
I watch youre video good work
I have allready built the tank I wish you post youre web site earlyer i wood buy youre ,next time ( I pay 20 $ for mine)
I buy the salt at Costco.ca 900 $$ with Tax 1000 ponds . A friend study in agriculture , she says you can buy for cheaper there I did<nt look .have already the salt next time.
I got a question I got 9 in and half water ( my tanks is inside 4X8 ( litter less than that size) How much salt i suppose to put in there and how i calculate that
They says Keep buoyancy at a gravity of 1.275 to 1.30
Another ??? What you use to clean youre tanks do you use spa camicule for bactiria and run the pump (got the filter but that no enough)
Thx
Have Good Float
Steph
I’ve used a mixture of filters, chemicals, and devices. I’m working on a tank cleaning write-up now.
Very good description.
Could you use rock salt?
Did you consider using a protein skimmer?
I don’t know on the rock salt. Epsom is really good for the skin and that’s important. Lot’s of time spent in there.
PS> I’ll be putting together cleaning info this summer, but yeah, I use a cheap little protein skimmer now and then as needed.
Don’t use rock salt!Although not hazardous,it is highly corrosive to metals,can be harsh on the skin and can cause respiratory irritation if inhaled,therefore not recommended if you have allergies or asthma.
I was wondering about ordering salt from dollar tree. Free shipping if picked up at your local store. It’s $408 for 800 pounds. The link is below. Does anyone have any comments on this?? Thanks
http://www.dollartree.com/health-personal-care/medicine-first-aid/Pain-Relief-Medicines/2-lb-Epsom-Salts/211c251c328p170216/index.pro?method=search
Looks like a deal to me! Maybe start with one box to make sure. lol
This looks like the cheapest option for me as well… has anyone tried this particular salt from Dollar Tree with success? Would be great to hear feedback if you’ve tried. Thanks!
I keep hearing DollarTree for salt.. but I haven’t heard feedback. Let me know if you ever find out. lol
To let people know, I used DollarTree Epsom Salt and it worked great! $400 for 800 pounds, free delivery to my local dollartree store and i just went and picked it up.
Nice!
Hi guys’s Costco has 5.5kg bags of epsom salt for $7.99 works out to about .66c a pound.
Hi Shane, really dig your work.
Just a question on volume. How much water is in the tank in liters?
about 250 gallons, so about 950 liters. That would be a close estimate.