how long to keep mixed salt water

[no1bubba]

<span style="font-family: Arial;">going to buy a brute trash can to mix water....75 gal tank...what size should I buy?</span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">How long will mixed salt water keep without a problem, leaving power head in water? Can it be left on screened porch in S. GA summer weather? Bubba</span>

 

[smoothie]

I would make it, let it mix overnight and use it in the early am. Being outside in the summertime when you add it during the day it is going to raise your tank temp unless you bring it inside after mixing or add sealed bags of ice to cool it down.
If you are going to store it keep a powerhead in it. Nothing major. Just something to keep it from being stagnant. Before use add an airstone to it to raise the ph back up

 

[texhorns98]

I try and not let it sit more than a couple weeks. I personally don't think a powerhead is necessary the whole time, I just aerate the buhjesus out of it before I do a WC. DO pay attention to temps in the hot summer and cold winter though!

For a 75G tank, I would buy a 32 gallon BRUTE can from HD. Be sure it's BRUTE though. The big ugly grey ones. They are more expensive, but food grade plastic is used.

 

[dakota9]

A floating thermometer will take the guess work out of knowing if the water is too hot or cold.

A powerhead helps in aerating and keeping additives from settling.

 

[llewella]

I use a 32 for my 110g. It does sit outside and i have left it out for over a week with a PH in it no problem. I did have to bring it in and cool it down with bags of ice before using. It got WAY too hot. I would get one with wheels on it though cause it gets real heavy dragging it. They were out of the ones with wheels when I bought mine

 

[tromblydavid]

I like to let it mix for a min of 24 hours before I use.

 

[weaglereefer]

Do you have any problems with pollen on the porch? I would think that you would want a top on it at least to keep stuff out.

 

[llewella]

I keep mine out on the porch with the lid on and have not yet found any bugs or anything in it.

 

[no1bubba]

Thanks to all for the replies. I am purchasing the matching lid and wheels. Was going for 55 gal but it appears that most of you think 32 gal will get er done.
Bubba

 

[smoothie]

Drill a hole in the lid to run your ro line into

 

[rbredding]

32 is fine... for me.. I've got a 90gal and a 30gal that usually get the changes on the same day..

 

[no1bubba]

Thanks Smoothie, Never thought of drilling for the RODI, I guess I should make it large enough for the pump hose to refill the tank. Thanks, Bubba

 

[gnashty]

id get the biggest one you can afford/hold. that way you can perform 50% WC without much worry - or have a good amount of emergency water....ya never have to fill it to the top if you dont want to.

I mix my water 1 week ahead in my garage - i always keep 1 WC worth of salted water ready to go at all times....i learned the hard way