how long to store mixed saltwater...

[atlweb]

If saltwater is mixed and sealed in a container for a month (but not with a powerhead), would that be okay? In the past I have had an RO unit, so this is my first time having to buy saltwater. I would prefer to buy 5 gallons worth (1 month worth of water changes on my nano), and just do 1.5 gallon water changes every week.

Same applies with RO water: is month old top off water okay? I am assuming just adding some sort of ph buffer in it will keep it steady?

 

[jef4y]

RO should keep for a VERY long time. And I've never buffered my ATO water.

Saltwater I've kept for a couple months in a brute garbage can with a lid, but I've always kept a powerhead in it.

 

[containerman1]

atlweb;778695 wrote: If saltwater is mixed and sealed in a container for a month (but not with a powerhead), would that be okay? In the past I have had an RO unit, so this is my first time having to buy saltwater. I would prefer to buy 5 gallons worth (1 month worth of water changes on my nano), and just do 1.5 gallon water changes every week.

Same applies with RO water: is month old top off water okay? I am assuming just adding some sort of ph buffer in it will keep it steady?

Should be good in a 5 gallon pail just shake well before you use it each time or get RO water and mix your salt a little bit before you need and ck salinity

 

[jimknutson]

Stephen I have been doing that for 3 years with no problems. Just make sure to shake and aerate it.

 

[chris s]

The key to keeping saltwater is to keep it mixing. I'd invest in a cheap small powerhead. You won't have to think about mixing it or worry about the water being bad.

 

[jef4y]

The other key is watching the evap to
make sure the salinity does not climb.


iPhone, Tapatalk, Tpyos

 

[ripped tide]

Has anyone ever run a water test on salt water that is just mixed(30mins-1hr) and compared it to salt water that has been sitting for a while? I'd be curious to hear the results.

I've always assumed that over time, some of the good stuff would precipitate out. I will say that I've noticed pH differences between fresh made water and week old water. I never let mine sit much longer than a week or so.

 

[Jaycen B.]

I do not have tests for the new 1-2 hour mix but I just tested RSCP that has mixed for 9 days.

SG= 1.025
kh=9.6
cal=450
mg=1370
ph=7.8 Hanna

Tank parms.
kh=5.6 oops my litermeter shut off for maintenance while I was in Florida, sounds about right lol.
ca=440
mg=1470

 

[wally]

Pure Reef carries 2.5 gallon jugs. I use that and a single gallon of RO for my BC14. The 2.5 fits easy under the BC14 stand too. I go through a gallon a month of RO and do bi-weekly 2.5 changes and have never had issues...even a three week stretch on the WC is cool.


Wally

 

[atlweb]

Wally;778985 wrote: Pure Reef carries 2.5 gallon jugs. I use that and a single gallon of RO for my BC14. The 2.5 fits easy under the BC14 stand too.


Wally

I have the 2.5 as well, but I live down in Atlanta now... so driving back OTP isn't the most convenient thing.

I wish Pure Reef was closer!