How long can a batch of fresh salt water sit around? Do I need to condition RO/DO water?

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by justonwo, Sep 24, 2015.

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  1. justonwo

    justonwo Fire Shrimp

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    These questions are somewhat related. I'm about to switch over from tap water to RO/DI. I'm wondering if there are any circumstances under which it would still be necessary to use a water conditioner like Prime on RO/DI water?

    Also, how long can I let a new batch of salt water sit around and what, by the way, is the concern? Will it being to build up ammonia/nitrite/nitrate if allowed to sit over time? If I want to mix my salt a few days in advance of my water change, would it be a good idea to add some Prime to the water before using it in a water change?
     
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  3. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    no need for prime on RO/DI water - if you keep the water warm and moving (use a powerhead) - water can sit for a while (at least a couple of weeks)....you may not have to heat it during that whole time but at least heat it to temperature before doing the water change obviously ;)
     
  4. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    If you can seal the container, fresh artificial seawater mixed with RO/DI will last quite a while. You'll just need to aerate for 24 hours prior to use.
     
  5. Tristan's Nano

    Tristan's Nano Plankton

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    I'm fairly new to the hobby but I always have 5 gallons water mixed up at all times in case of disaster. I keep it in a sealed container and it always tests good for my weekly water change. I also keep 5 gallons Rodi water in sealed container that I use to mix up new water to top off what I used in my saltwater container. Then I simply top my Rodi container off with my handy ro buddy. HTH
     
  6. DSC reef

    DSC reef Giant Squid

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    Depends on what salt you use. I use red sea and after 3 days it starts turning the bucket brown. I keep about 30 gallons if RODI on hand because it can be stored for a while then if I need salt water I just make some. Not saying storing saltwater is bad, just throwing another idea your way.
     
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  7. justonwo

    justonwo Fire Shrimp

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    How do you aerate the water? Just run a pump in it with the lid open?
     
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  9. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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  10. justonwo

    justonwo Fire Shrimp

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    What are you guys using for heaters for your water change buckets?
     
  11. AZDesertRat

    AZDesertRat Giant Squid

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    I find mixed saltwater starts to get slimy and smell after a few days so I never keep any around longer than a weekend. I do keep about 50 gallons of sealed or covered RO/DI around at all times though andi can have a batch mixed up in a matter of minutes when needed so its no big deal. I also have a boosted RO/DI capable of around 150 GPD so water can be made for replacement pretty quickly.
    For mixing and heating water change water I use an old Mag 9.5 pump that runs hotter than heck so works good for this purpose in winter months. In warmer months I use a couple of Koralia powerheads I have laying around to mix and aerate the new saltwater before use.
     
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  12. Pastey

    Pastey Ritteri Anemone

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    I used Red Sea Pro salt. I mix a 30 gallon batch at least a few days before and sometimes a week before doing the water change. Never had an issue.