Old salt water

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by sandiebrown65, Aug 6, 2016.

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  1. sandiebrown65

    sandiebrown65 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2012
    Messages:
    30
    Location:
    Wentworth Falls NSW Australia
    Hello Everyone,
    I have a sealed 1000 litre tank half full of salt water that I got about 3 years ago when I first set up my tank. It is still sitting there under cover and I was wondering if it would still be ok to use? I have been avoiding using it after about 6 months because I was worried it may have been too old to use so I have been either making my own or purchasing it by the 20L drum from the LFS.
    I was going to just drain it but thought I would check first? Would normal parameter testing be enough or could something more toxic have occurred? There is a ring of what appears to be algae around the top of the water line, just on the sides of the tank, not over the actual water.

    Thanks for any suggestions
    Sandie
     

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  3. Lovemyreef2015

    Lovemyreef2015 Flamingo Tongue

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    Location:
    Brevard county
    I honestly wouldn't risk it, 3 years is a long time. We use coral pro and if my husband doesn't use it that day it separates pretty badly. In 2 days it left white scum covering the bucket and there was a power head in the bucket.
     
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  4. sandiebrown65

    sandiebrown65 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2012
    Messages:
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    Location:
    Wentworth Falls NSW Australia
    I probably should have mentioned that it is sea water from the ocean, not a mix. I have never seen any separation even in the first 6 months when I was using it. However I am thinking that I will just drain it to be safe. Not worth risking my tank for $100 worth of water. ;)
     
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  5. Lovemyreef2015

    Lovemyreef2015 Flamingo Tongue

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    That's a good idea. I'd fear the bacteria from ocean water sitting for years can't be good.
     
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  6. cody3819

    cody3819 Bubble Tip Anemone

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    Sep 23, 2015
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    I wouldn't use it.... Water is cheap.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  7. Swisswiss

    Swisswiss Caribbean Reef Squid

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    Geneva Switzerland
    I would not risk it either but why dont you test it? would be interesting to see the results
     
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  9. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

    Joined:
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    A Texan in S.E. Wisconsin
    Unless for some other reason, I'd only use man made salt water, from one of the many mixes out there.

    That being said, I started my first SW tank many years ago, when I knew nothing (still don't) with only NSW and only with small fish I had caught snorkeling/diving with my slurp gun near Boynton Beach Fl.