Containers to keep pre-mixed salt water

[xbrl001]

I have been using some 5 gallon containers to store saltwater that I use for water changes. Lately the containers are turning brown at the bottom so I'm thinking algae is growing? Does anyone clean their containers that they store saltwater in?

The water usually sits in the container for about 2 weeks in a hot garage idk if that is a factor...I could move them inside which would probably lower the storage temp by 10~15 degrees

 

[CoralFreak_350]

My first question is are these containers being constantly circulated or are they essentially stagnant for two weeks? I would move them indoors to help with things because even with a powerhead in my 5 gallon buckets they will grow some algae after three to four days around 80 degrees.

 

[xbrl001]

My first question is are these containers being constantly circulated or are they essentially stagnant for two weeks? I would move them indoors to help with things because even with a powerhead in my 5 gallon buckets they will grow some algae after three to four days around 80 degrees.

Yea they are just sitting stagnant in my garage... I figured since is the "RODI/Salt mix" it would be "pure" enough to not grow anything...

 

[CoralFreak_350]

In a perfect world this would be true for sure. By adding the salt mix you are essentially adding a bit of nutrients to the water and that being said it could be the RODI water as well. The amount of organics and nutrients present in the water can only be truly zero when tested. So depending upon how well your unit works and when the filters have been changed there is no definite answer. I keep mine circulated with the lid on for three days and it starts to appear and then will continue to grow so there is nutrients somewhere. The more circulation and keeping them in a light free cooler environment is the only way to ensure this is as close to the best condition possible. I hope this helps. Best of luck to you

 

[CoralFreak_350]

I will add that I unfortunately have not smartened up and bought my own unit so I suspect that from pure laziness that my LFS has not changed their filters or use an inadequate unit because there has to be organics coming from the RODI water.... I have come to this conclusion because my buddy uses IO and I used Salinity and Neomarine by Brightwell and it seems like no matter what salt is used the algae will start

 

[xbrl001]

I will add that I unfortunately have not smartened up and bought my own unit so I suspect that from pure laziness that my LFS has not changed their filters or use an inadequate unit because there has to be organics coming from the RODI water.... I have come to this conclusion because my buddy uses IO and I used Salinity and Neomarine by Brightwell and it seems like no matter what salt is used the algae will start

Interesting... I guess I need to reevaluate how I am doing this. In the mean time I need to clean out the containers. They have a pretty small opening at the top though so I'm wonder if you have an idea on how to clean it that is simple enough to minimize the possibility of contaminating fish later on. I was thinking 99% isopropyl alcohol since it will evaporate...

 

[CoralFreak_350]

Every single time I clean mine I rinse with extremely hot well water and then towel dry. I try to keep from putting anything that is not natural in there at any point and once I do this one to two times the bucket is spotless.

 

[Sabellafella]

U use reef crystals?

 

[xbrl001]

U use reef crystals?

I do not, and I'm not sure what those are.

 

[Sabellafella]

What salt mix u use

 

[xbrl001]

What salt mix u use

Not honestly sure. I buy it from the lfs. I only have a ten gallon so mixing my own doesn't make sense scale wise

 

[Sabellafella]

Usually the brown is from added organics its not bad , you dun have to bring inside its not that big of deal just make sure its out of direct sunlight

 

[Sabellafella]

Yea its prob regular instant ocean or reef crystals, juss rinse wit hot water couple times a year if you plan on keepin the container if not its fine no worrys