Saltwater storage

[Saltwater_Reefing]

How long can you store Marine Pro reef salt for and do you have to have a pump constantly mixing it or can you just heat the water before use?

 

[tbrown]

If you're storing it somewhat long term you'll want a powerhead or aerator to keep it from going septic. I've had a bucket sit for weeks with a powerhead and it "ages" but still smells fresh and tests good but I've had a bucket sit for two days with no movement and it starts to smell off - sulfurish smells.

 

[Saltwater_Reefing]

If you're storing it somewhat long term you'll want a powerhead or aerator to keep it from going septic. I've had a bucket sit for weeks with a powerhead and it "ages" but still smells fresh and tests good but I've had a bucket sit for two days with no movement and it starts to smell off - sulfurish smells.

Is it fine if you mix it with a heater and then take the heater out and replace the heater when your ready to do a water change"?

 

[tbrown]

I'm not an expert. I will say I rarely use a heater in my mixing containers because I live in Arizona and my house is usually right around 80.

With that said, there shouldn't be any problem with removing the heater.

How much water are you planning on mixing and how long are you planning on letting it go?

 

[Saltwater_Reefing]

I'm not an expert. I will say I rarely use a heater in my mixing containers because I live in Arizona and my house is usually right around 80.

With that said, there shouldn't be any problem with removing the heater.

How much water are you planning on mixing and how long are you planning on letting it go?

I like to make 5 gallons at a time. I do a 2-gallon weekly change since I just have a 13.5-gallon fluval.

 

[gbroadbridge]

I like to make 5 gallons at a time. I do a 2-gallon weekly change since I just have a 13.5-gallon fluval.

I do exactly the same with my Office Evo and just leave other half of the water sitting in the bucket for a week.
No pump, no heat and I just mix and heat for 10 mins before using.

 

[tbrown]

So it will sit for 2 weeks max? Again, I'm not an expert but I don't imagine it would be a problem as long as you account for evaporation so the SG stays consistent and keep it moving for proper gas exchange.

One other consideration, it will change pH and alkalinity, magnesium, and calcium can (and probably will) precipitate some which will start coating your bucket and pumps.