How long will unused saltwater last

[rhorn67]

Hi all - Sometimes when doing a wc I have a gallon or so left over. I have put this in a gallon jug on occasion and later used to top off tank after filling bags for frags to take to lfs for trade.

What happens to water when it sits? I have read on a few threads not to use water that has sat like this.

Thanks

 

[Reef man 89]

I know BRS did I video on this. They were going to test to see if you lose a trace elements but haven't seen a new video on it.

 

[rhorn67]

I know BRS did I video on this. They were going to test to see if you lose a trace elements but haven't seen a new video on it.

I will try to find the video - Thanks!

 

[Finatik]

I know BRS did I video on this. They were going to test to see if you lose a trace elements but haven't seen a new video on it.

I'd be interested in knowing this too.

 

[fishbox]

Following as well

 

[Jisko]

following... as well haha

 

[Hyde2406]

Inquiring minds want to know

 

[cb684]

I usually make around 150 gallons (RS blue bucket) of water and use it for about 2 weeks in my systems with a continuous water change. Drops in carbonate hardness or calcium concentration is not a problem for me since I change very little water frequently (8ml/min). My last Triton test was adequate for all elements.

 

[Rick.45cal]

I also make about 130 gallons at a time and use a continuous waterchange system and it lasts me about 6.25 weeks each batch. Everytime I test it, the levels are where I've adjusted them to.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Assuming it isn't a mix with organics and such in it (vitamins, etc.), salt water is good for as long as you want to store it.

No need to stir, aerate, or heat it.

 

[Jisko]

Assuming it isn't a mix with organics and such in it (vitamins, etc.), salt water is good for as long as you want to store it.

No need to stir, aerate, or heat it.

this is really good to know... I used to just toss any left over water after my weekly water change because I didn't know if I could keep it till the following week.

 

[40B Knasty]

So the only reason it doesn't change is, because there is nothing there to change it besides air or no air that could maybe fluctuate the pH and evaporation for salinity. Depending on how long we are talking it sits with a lid open to evaporate water.

 

[Paul B]

Three and a half billion years, give or tank a couple of weeks.

 

[40B Knasty]

Three and a half billion years, give or tank a couple of weeks.

I think the plastic would leach something into the water in 3 billion years IMHO

 

[Jisko]

Three and a half billion years, give or tank a couple of weeks.

we will prolly die of thirst by then xD

 

[Paul B]

We will just have to try it and see.

 

[rhorn67]

It looks like the consensus is storing mixed saltwater is OK.

Once again R2R members are a huge help and resource! Thanks everyone!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I think the plastic would leach something into the water in 3 billion years IMHO

That's the topic of a couple of our Reef Chemistry Questions of the day, including what happens to the plastic bucket in 3 billion years. lol

Reef Chemistry Question of the Day #187 Dr Who and Evaporation!
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/r...of-the-day-187-dr-who-and-evaporation.237295/

Reef Chemistry Question of the Day # 188 Dr Who and Evaporation 2!
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/r...-the-day-188-dr-who-and-evaporation-2.238269/

 

[Paullawr]

Lasts almost indefinitely

 

[Tautog]

FWIW......stores sell pre-made saltwater......hello!
I have a local tank that only gets bay water that I refill with plastic containers. I always have some just in case, and it sits for 2-4 weeks, never had a problem.
But, an old friend who designed the plastic bottle system, he only drinks out of glass or bottles made of glass. Plastic does leach into the liquid. Do a test yourself with your favorite beer. Glass always tastes better!