Instant Ocean Salt Question

[CrabbyJo]

Crabbymana,
I have used the salt water right after mixing, because sometimes it just works out that you are out and didn't mix some ahead but they need it now.
But in general, yeah, keep it mixed and ready to go.
Oh, when I have to mix and use right away, I warm the water to an acceptable hermie temp before mixing to help the salt dissolve.

I don't know about all salt having a universal mixing measurement, so I'd just make sure and read the instructions on the box. If it says 1 cup to 1 gallon, then you can use the Instant Ocean mixing directions on that web link.

[Wai]

Different salts will take different times to dissolve. You can even use hot water to quickly dissolve the salt, but make sure you let the water cool down before letting your hermit crabs touch it.

[CrabbyMamma]

Oh ok. Well as far as I can physically see, the salt I use disolves straight away... to the eye anyway, I do mix it in luke warm water. I have been keeping a bottle ready to go, it was just running out last night that was the problem. Should be ok in future

[cometstream]

I was using this brand today and my crab was waiting at the dish and I poured the freshwater in and he moved to the second dish and when I poured in the salt water he went in. chip and crackers are bathing right now. (chip was the one who did that)
my dishes sometimes run out so maybe put it in at night in the morning

[CrabbyJo]

It sounds as if your crabs have been without the ocean salt water for some time, and/or they are seriously thinking about molting now that they have the salt and other conditions they need. Watch closely for pre-molt symptoms.

and yes, it is extremely apparent when we add the correct salt they need, they do tend to drain the dish even several times before we can put a bowl in and have it last a few days before we switch it for fresh. it's pretty amazing how much they can suck up!

[cometstream]

well the previous owners did give them freshwater salt...

[ladybug15057]

Freshwater fish salt is not the same as ocean/sea fish water salt. This very well could be why they are draining the ocean water pond, they have been lacking the minerals for so long.
One should keep the ocean/sea water pond in the tank at all times with the fresh water pond.