How to Store Water for Larger Temperature-matched Water-changes?

[nickkohrn]

I just moved into a new three-story apartment last weekend. The first floor is a small landing area, and that’s where my tank is. The second floor consists of the kitchen, half-bath, dining area, and living area. The third floor is where the two bedrooms are located. Our garage has only a single electrical receptacle, that is comprised of two outlets. That is where I will have my two 32g water-storage containers located. I plan to keep saltwater in one and RO/DI in the other. However, I don’t know how best to deal with water-changes on my upcoming build.

I have a Waterbox 100.3 being delivered in another month or two (backordered). This will be my first system larger than twenty gallons. I used to be able to use a single five-gallon bucket for water-changes. That made it easy to heat and match the system’s temperature. The only way that I can think to do that with my upcoming build is to put a heater and a powerhead in both containers so that the stored water can be used when needed and not have to be temperature-matched in multiple buckets in preparation for a water-change.

Is that how those of you with larger systems prepare for water-changes and, specifically, matching the temperature of the new water to the system’s water?

 

[dbl]

You can certainly store the water and simply heat it before use. No need to heat it all the time in my opinion. I keep a heater and a powerhead in my salt storage tank and just turn it on (by a switch) when I'm ready to do a change. I do not hear or use the powerhead the rest of the time. Note: I believe there are some salts that it's not recommended to store it once mixed.

 

[starypotter]

Well for what it's worth, what I do is when I need to do a water change I pull the 300 watt heater from my sump, and put it in my bucket with a power head. 300 watts in a 32 gallon bucket with a couple wave makers ($10 amazon ones) and it heats up in no time. I still only have one bucket, I'm going to be getting another soon and find a good way to store it since now my RODI bucket is also my mixing bucket so it only end up being mixed the day before I do a change so there is a bit of a different dynamic there, but the overall idea is a big heater and movement should get it heated in no time, even if you just flick it on the night before you do a change you'll be good to go.

 

[albano]

I know that this isn't what you're asking about, but IMO it would be much better if you can set up the tank on the second floor...dining/living room. Tanks that are not in a place where you can easily enjoy them, don't get the attention that they require ... It becomes 'work' just to feed them, and check them before bedtime. "Out of sight, out of mind"

 

[nickkohrn]

I know that this isn't what you're asking about, but IMO it would be much better if you can set up the tank on the second floor...dining/living room. Tanks that are not in a place where you can easily enjoy them, don't get the attention that they require ... It becomes 'work' just to feed them, and check them before bedtime. "Out of sight, out of mind"

I thought about this, but our leasing office said that they have to be on the first floor. I have a TV in the same room, and I’m also trying to squeeze my office desk in there; I work from home a lot, so the tank definitely won’t be neglected. My wife calls that room my sanctuary. [emoji846]

I do appreciate your input and concerns; they are absolutely valid.

 

[nickkohrn]

You can certainly store the water and simply heat it before use. No need to heat it all the time in my opinion. I keep a heater and a powerhead in my salt storage tank and just turn it on (by a switch) when I'm ready to do a change. I do not hear or use the powerhead the rest of the time. Note: I believe there are some salts that it's not recommended to store it once mixed.

I’m switching from RSCP to Fritz since that’s more readily available near me, so I’ll be looking into that with regard to your final statement. Thanks!

 

[nickkohrn]

Well for what it's worth, what I do is when I need to do a water change I pull the 300 watt heater from my sump, and put it in my bucket with a power head. 300 watts in a 32 gallon bucket with a couple wave makers ($10 amazon ones) and it heats up in no time. I still only have one bucket, I'm going to be getting another soon and find a good way to store it since now my RODI bucket is also my mixing bucket so it only end up being mixed the day before I do a change so there is a bit of a different dynamic there, but the overall idea is a big heater and movement should get it heated in no time, even if you just flick it on the night before you do a change you'll be good to go.

Good call on the cheap but high-watt heaters. I’ll be jumping over to Amazon tonight to see what I can find. I’m sure I’ll be able to find some cheap pumps as well.

 

[dbl]

Something like this can be very useful. They sell fancy ones too (DJ strips) but this is all that's needed.

https://www.amazon.com/POWTECH-Prot...539306420&sr=8-15&keywords=Switch+power+strip

 

[starypotter]

Good call on the cheap but high-watt heaters. I’ll be jumping over to Amazon tonight to see what I can find. I’m sure I’ll be able to find some cheap pumps as well.

I think I got mine as an open box from SaltwaterAquarium, I know BRS has an open box thing too. I have the SunSun powerheads, but 2 of them have already stopped working since May so maybe just a pump, I got the Petco brand one for my AIO and it works quite well and they're cheap.

 

[albano]

I thought about this, but our leasing office said that they have to be on the first floor. I have a TV in the same room, and I’m also trying to squeeze my office desk in there; I work from home a lot, so the tank definitely won’t be neglected. My wife calls that room my sanctuary. [emoji846]

I do appreciate your input and concerns; they are absolutely valid.

Glad to hear this, didn't realize that you would have a tv/office there!

 

[cracker]

Sounds nice ! all peace & quiet for you .