Reef Keeper 18
Well-Known Member
Something I've always kinda wondered, if I mix saltwater, how long can it sit in the bucket with a power head before I use it for a WC?
How long is mixed saltwater good for?
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WillKatt
Active Member
I would also like to know more about this. It seems it may be different for different brands. I know for example Aquavitro Salinity the longer it sits the more the alkalinity and calcium seem to precipitate out of solution so that could be a problem. I don't know if the same hold true for other brands.
jcdeng
Valuable Member
if you have a powerhead in the container, I don't see the difference between that and putting it in your tank. IMO it doesn't expire in the container but you have to top it off as time goes just like your DT otherwise the salinity will increase due to evaporation.
Reef Keeper 18
Well-Known Member
So basically its good for a while, as long as it is topped off
WillKatt
Active Member
What jcdeng said makes the most logical sense and probably does hold true for most brands. I spoke with Seachem directly about the salinity salt and they did say it should be used within an hour of mixing to get the most out of the salt and that some of trace elements can percipiatet out of solution if allowed to mix to long. This is difficult for me to understand for the same points jcdeng made. Why would it do this in a bucket and not a reef?
If there are others who could chime in that have experience keeping salt mixed for a week or more without issue. I certainly like to know which brand you are using so I can make the switch.
If there are others who could chime in that have experience keeping salt mixed for a week or more without issue. I certainly like to know which brand you are using so I can make the switch.
Bry
Well-Known Member
Every time I do a water change I mix a new batch for my next change. At a minimum mine sets for a week up to on occasion 3 weeks. I do keep a heater and powerless in the bucket.
I test Alk and Ph before the change and it varies very little from batch to batch over those time frames.
This is with IO reef crystals
I test Alk and Ph before the change and it varies very little from batch to batch over those time frames.
This is with IO reef crystals
spscrazy
Well-Known Member
I thought salt had to mix for 24 hours for it to stabilize once I used a powerhead that I didn't clean before I dropped it in the bucket things came up & I didn't get to the water change for over a week the water had white stringy stuff in it & a film on the surface of the water I guess it was a bacterial bloom? anyway threw it out & started over
sunshinereefer
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I have always got conflicting information on this subject..would like to know more..also after mixing if you test the main parameters like Alk, Ca, Mg and they seem to be upto par with what you are looking far..are there any other parameters like oxygen, CO2 that would make a difference if you used it within an hour of mixing v/s after a week of mixing the salt..
I have used salt water within 1 hour of mixing it and left it for a few hours to days before doing the water change..did not see a noticeable negative effects on my tank but 100% sure what is the best practice..
I have used salt water within 1 hour of mixing it and left it for a few hours to days before doing the water change..did not see a noticeable negative effects on my tank but 100% sure what is the best practice..
Reef Keeper 18
Well-Known Member
I have a 50gallon drum that I use for mixing, and mixing up the water for this weeks changes in there would be nice, instead of mixing water 2x a week every week
Reef Keeper 18
Well-Known Member
The mixing room is a dark closet, which the lights are off unless I'm in it getting water, so I will probably start just mixing large amounts at a time and topping it off
We mix 25 gallons at one time. We use a 32-33 gallon Rubbermaid container that is well cured.
We add about 20 gallons of room temperature RO water into the Rubbermaid. We use a paddle to stir the water. We add the entire contents of the 25 gallon salt mix. We mix with the paddle periodically until all the salts are dissolved and the solution is clear (about 15 minutes).
We drop in two 600 gph power heads and allow the solution to aerate. We check for specific gravity in 12 hours. We add more RO water to bring the solution up to SG 1.025-1.026. We check the SG in another 12 hours. Usually there is no change.
We cover the top of the Rubbermaid drum with a piece of cardboard that is fitted in side of a large inert plastic bag. The end of the bag is sealed so the cardboard will not become damp or wet.
We have kept water in this fashion for several weeks. Prior to use, we again check SG. We have noticed any change in calcium, alkalinity (carbonate hardness) or pH, etc, from 24 hours until the time of use. Our time of use can be from 24-36 hours to several weeks.
The two 600 gph pumps heat the water to about 78F - 80F. Thus there is no need for a heater. In the summer months we will employ both 600 gph pumps for 24 hours. Then disconnect and remove one of the pumps. The remaining 600 gph pump keeps the water moving well and keeps the temperature at about 76F-78F (depending on ambient temperature).
A good marine salt mixed with clean fresh water and kept in a cured or intert container with continual aeration can be kept for several weeks. I would image with what we are doing, mixed salt water would stay longer.
We add about 20 gallons of room temperature RO water into the Rubbermaid. We use a paddle to stir the water. We add the entire contents of the 25 gallon salt mix. We mix with the paddle periodically until all the salts are dissolved and the solution is clear (about 15 minutes).
We drop in two 600 gph power heads and allow the solution to aerate. We check for specific gravity in 12 hours. We add more RO water to bring the solution up to SG 1.025-1.026. We check the SG in another 12 hours. Usually there is no change.
We cover the top of the Rubbermaid drum with a piece of cardboard that is fitted in side of a large inert plastic bag. The end of the bag is sealed so the cardboard will not become damp or wet.
We have kept water in this fashion for several weeks. Prior to use, we again check SG. We have noticed any change in calcium, alkalinity (carbonate hardness) or pH, etc, from 24 hours until the time of use. Our time of use can be from 24-36 hours to several weeks.
The two 600 gph pumps heat the water to about 78F - 80F. Thus there is no need for a heater. In the summer months we will employ both 600 gph pumps for 24 hours. Then disconnect and remove one of the pumps. The remaining 600 gph pump keeps the water moving well and keeps the temperature at about 76F-78F (depending on ambient temperature).
A good marine salt mixed with clean fresh water and kept in a cured or intert container with continual aeration can be kept for several weeks. I would image with what we are doing, mixed salt water would stay longer.
TrueReef
Community Member
I use Aquavitro Salinity and I can let it sit for a solid 2 1/2-3 weeks before using it. I've never had any problems letting it sit. I also let it flow with 2 700 gph Koralia's so it doesnt scum up.
I keep two 33 gallon rubber maid containers full of salt water mixed all the time. As soon as I use one I mix up another. I have a power head or pump in each one running all the time. Usually a bucket doesnt sit more than a couple of weeks as I try to change at least 30 gallons a week. BBut sometimes they have. I have never tested the water before using it but have done it this way for years.
Reef Keeper 18
Well-Known Member
We should get out the test kits, containers, and salt mixes and conduct an experiment lol
I would imagine changes in temperature and topping off with fresh water would cause alkalinity and calcium to precipitate out. Trace elements too. I personally mix large batches, keep a heater in the container and plenty of water movement. It stays fine for weeks but I always end up adding a buffer.
