How long will potassium nitrate solution keep?

[nim6us]

Using RO water and potassium nitrate I've created a solution with help from James' Planted Tank calculator. I've made 100ml of solution for a 40L frag tank, so this should last me quite a while.

My question is how long will it keep for? My concern is that it settles out at the bottom, or loses potency. Is that a genuine issue, or will it be fine for years if I keep it in a cool dark place and just give it a good shake before using?

 

[lapin]

I would think shaking it should solve any setting issues.
100ml = 3 oz
This amount would not last very long for a frag tank

 

[nim6us]

Thanks Lapin! Yeah the solution I made works out to 1ml to raise 1ppm of nitrate. As the tank does get some nitrate from feeding the corals I don't have to dose that much. I don't think it will last years, but it should be quite some time.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

There will be no settling of potassium or nitrate unless you tried to make it super concentrated.

The solubility is 383 grams per L at 25 deg C, and dissolved ions do not settle, ever.

 

[nim6us]

Oh @Randy Holmes-Farley you're a treasure sir! I'm an IT engineer and when you reply to my posts I imagine this is what my users must feel like.

You're surrounded by a sea of people who have no real idea what you do and you answer the same basic questions over and over every day. I appreciate your service.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

lol

You're welcome.

Happy Reefing.

 

[Waters]

Yeah, I use the same stuff and have a solution mixed up in a plastic container going on a couple of years now.

 

[RobB'z Reef]

Oh @Randy Holmes-Farley you're a treasure sir! I'm an IT engineer and when you reply to my posts I imagine this is what my users must feel like.

You're surrounded by a sea of people who have no real idea what you do and you answer the same basic questions over and over every day. I appreciate your service.

Preach!

 

[brandon429]

One of the reasons Borat 1 is the funniest movie ever made was when he accused all other countries of having inferior potassium I think that line made me laugh the hardest out of them all. wishing you quality potassium lol

 

[piranhaman00]

I have a solution that is 4 years old, its growing mold in it so I run it through a 0.45um filter before use.

 

[RobB'z Reef]

I have a solution that is 4 years old, its growing mold in it so I run it through a 0.45um filter before use.

We could start up a go fund me page to get you some new stuff! Lol