Do I need a heater ?

[RS350]

So I’ve come to a point where I want to make my own salt water instead of going to the LFS every week , my 650 peninsula will be 20 gallons of water per week , my question is if I buy a barrel and buy the salt from the LFS , do I need a heater as I let it run with the circulation pump ? Also how long can I have extra salt water in a barrel ?

 

[Crabs McJones]

So I’ve come to a point where I want to make my own salt water instead of going to the LFS every week , my 650 peninsula will be 20 gallons of water per week , my question is if I buy a barrel and buy the salt from the LFS , do I need a heater as I let it run with the circulation pump ? Also how long can I have extra salt water in a barrel ?

You'll want a heater to bring the newly mixed saltwater up to the same temperature as your tank water so as not to shock the system with a rapid temperature change. And as long as you keep the powerhead going, you can keep the saltwater in there for quite a while.

 

[4FordFamily]

You'll want a heater to bring the newly mixed saltwater up to the same temperature as your tank water so as not to shock the system with a rapid temperature change. And as long as you keep the powerhead going, you can keep the saltwater in there for quite a while.

Agreed on all counts.

 

[andrewkw]

You might not need a heater. The pump you're using to mix the saltwater may add enough heat. Also if you are mixing it long term heating up to room temp may be enough. Given the percentage you plan on changing I'd say it's likely you do not. That being said if the barrel is in a cold basement, or you are mixing cold water very quickly you may. It's always best to have extra heaters on hand for various reasons and to swap out the ones in your display every few years for that matter, but the only way to know for sure is to check the water temperature.

 

[RS350]

You'll want a heater to bring the newly mixed saltwater up to the same temperature as your tank water so as not to shock the system with a rapid temperature change. And as long as you keep the powerhead going, you can keep the saltwater in there for quite a while.

Thanx for the info

You might not need a heater. The pump you're using to mix the saltwater may add enough heat. Also if you are mixing it long term heating up to room temp may be enough. Given the percentage you plan on changing I'd say it's likely you do not. That being said if the barrel is in a cold basement, or you are mixing cold water very quickly you may. It's always best to have extra heaters on hand for various reasons and to swap out the ones in your display every few years for that matter, but the only way to know for sure is to check the water temperature.

makes sense I’ll look into that