AWC Saltwater container question

[Mz. Fix It]

I am setting up the Apex AWC system today and am trying to figure out the best configuration that is safe in terms of saltwater storage. Eventually I plan to get a food grade container to store the saltwater, however, until then I am going with plan B. In my aquarium room I downsized substantially (freshwater tanks) and have several sized tanks that are sitting empty. I am thinking one of those could be a viable solution for storage of the saltwater for this AWC setup. However, if I recall I should not get too overzealous on the quantity of water stored due to loss of minerals, changes in the water, etc. With that (if that) being a factor to consider I had hoped to use one of my 29 gallon tanks, however, will 14 days be too long for it to be sitting in the storage aquarium before I have to refill it? I have a glass top with the plastic back piece that I can cut a tiny opening for the tube to enter into the water but obviously that isn't necessarily air tight, which I gather plays a factor as the water sits. I will have a pump moving the water at all times but am also wondering if it's good to keep a heater in it as well? I also have an extra 10 gallon tank as well as a 20 tall that matches my current ATO reservoir for my RODI water. I built a small rolling stand with wheels for the ATO 20 tall and was thinking I could make a stand a bit larger to accommodate both 20 tall tanks with one being the ATO RODI water and the other being the saltwater for the AWC.....but that kinda posed another question in my head regarding the longer storage time for the mixed saltwater. Perhaps the 10 gallon would be the safest solution? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Huff747]

My understanding from both @Randy Holmes-Farley posts and some @Bulk Reef Supply videos is that unless you are using very specific salt mixes that instruct you to use it in a certain time after mixing that you don't really lose much in having it stored. I believe in the BRS videos they stored it longer than 14 days:

 

[Bulk Reef Supply Verified Sponsor]

My understanding from both @Randy Holmes-Farley posts and some @Bulk Reef Supply videos is that unless you are using very specific salt mixes that instruct you to use it in a certain time after mixing that you don't really lose much in having it stored. I believe in the BRS videos they stored it longer than 14 days:

I'll also add that many of the drop in alkalinity/calcium issues that we saw in some of the early salt testing were solved by adding heat and circulation to the mixing containers (circulation being the most important). As long as you do that, you shouldn't have any issues storing any salt brand that was included in our test, and presumably any salt brand in general.

That said, constant heat and circulation can be an added expense on the electricity bill, so we use the Tropic Marin Pro Reef in all of our auto water change stations and avoid a heater/pump constantly running. Aside from initial mixing, TM Pro Reef can sit undisturbed without any drop in major water parameters like calcium and alkalinity.

 

[New Jersey REEF]

I'll also add that many of the drop in alkalinity/calcium issues that we saw in some of the early salt testing were solved by adding heat and circulation to the mixing containers (circulation being the most important). As long as you do that, you shouldn't have any issues storing any salt brand that was included in our test, and presumably any salt brand in general.

That said, constant heat and circulation can be an added expense on the electricity bill, so we use the Tropic Marin Pro Reef in all of our auto water change stations and avoid a heater/pump constantly running. Aside from initial mixing, TM Pro Reef can sit undisturbed without any drop in major water parameters like calcium and alkalinity.

I wonder how much different results would be on Alk/ Cal if you guys can do similar tests only this time with using circulating pumps over long periods of time.
Thanks.