Water Changes

[k3nnyp]

I currently do 15 gallon water changes every 2 weeks and would like to move to doing 10 gallons a week, and ultimately work toward automatic daily water changes ( 2g a day ) but need to figure out a good drain option that doesn't involve a water hose running to my downstairs bath.

If I mix 60 gallons of water can I keep it around for 6 weeks?

Would I need a power head constantly circulating it or could I spin something up the morning of the water change?

It's indoor and I don't plan on keeping it heated. The water should naturally be warm enough to not dramatically affect my temperature during water changes. If it does I'd schedule the heater to kick in the morning of my water changes. I would heat the water for the initial mixing.

FYI, I use Red Sea Coral Pro salt in case it matters.

Thanks,
Kenny

 

[k3nnyp]

Bump. Anyone store SW for more than a couple days before use?

 

[heathlindner25]

you have to keep it mixing if it's going to be salt water, I have a 45 gallon brute trash container that I keep filled with fresh water. I mix my saltwater the day I'm going to use it.

 

[y-not]

I keep 30 gallons of SW ready at all times.
I've had it sitting for over 3 weeks with no problems. Just keep a circulation pump running and it'll be just fine.

Regarding the auto water changes and a drain, it seems that you live in a multilevel house.
What I'm planning on doing is tapping into a common drain. Putting in a barbed fitting. Attaching the drain tube to it.

To control the back flow of gases, simply make a loop in the tube, just before it connects to the barb fitting that will be screwed into the 4 inch PVC pipe. Water will drain down and out without having to drain it into a tub or the like. The loop will trap enough water to prevent gases from backing into the tube and smelling up the house.

 

[jennm]

Lots of people keep it in sealed jugs for days/weeks. I suggest mixing and aerating it if you do that.

If you keep it circulating in a vat, especially for days or weeks, be sure to check the specific gravity before you use it. Just like in our tanks, water evaporates. Salt does not evaporate, so if you have a tub of water on the go for a while, specific gravity can creep up as the water evaporates.

Jenn

 

[k3nnyp]

I can seal it air tight. That should help with evaporation.

 

[y-not]

k3nnyP;929247 wrote: I can seal it air tight. That should help with evaporation.

Indeed it does help.
It does not prevent. But it does reduce.

Just do your tank(s) a favor and check salinity before adding it to the tank. Just in case Murphy decided to step in a cause problems for you.

 

[k3nnyp]

Y-Not;929214 wrote:
Regarding the auto water changes and a drain, it seems that you live in a multilevel house.

The path of least resistance is 1 floor above me, a bathroom drain. My premature plan was a check valve on my drain line and a pump powerful enough to lift 10-12 feet. The check valve should prevent odors from banking up.

This is for another day, too many other unfinished projects.

Currently can do a water change in 10 minutes once my water is mixed.

I'll give this a shot and be sure to check my sg before each water change. I'll have a powerhead running to keep it mixing.

Thanks all

 

[mikesmith34]

I use RS pro also. If you read the instructions it says something about NOT using a PH for more than a couple of hrs. I have mixed it up to a week in advance with no problems. I did test it prior to use and it was good to go in a Rubbermaid with the lid snapped on.

 

[markl]

I use to keep 100 gallons of salt mixed at all times.i did keep a pump going at all times as well.