does saltwater go bad?

I'm switching a 29 over to saltwater,I also have a 20 gallon tank with salt water in it that was used for holding some liverock till i got my nanocube.This tank has set for a week or so with no heater and no powerhead,would it be safe to use this leftover water(of coarse with making up some more to fill the 29) to start up this new tank,or should i toss it and make all new?

 

Test it for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. If it has ammonia and nitrite chuck it. If the nitrates aren't too high use it.

 

also watch for a bacterial bloom in the water because I have had premixed water go bad from being contaminated with bacteria before...

 

I'm hear both of you,but being for a startup would it matter if it has ammonia or nitrite?I would totally understand if adding to an existing setup(like use it for a water change or something)

 

If it is a start from scratch, no animals, I see no problem.

 

Thats what i was thinking,any gunk in it(and there is some sediment in the bottom)would just get the cycle going and should clean it self up by the end of the cycle.I'm just trying to save a couple bucks,and i'd hate to throw out water to make more on a new setup.Thanks 2in10

 

Yes, if its a new tank like yours, go ahead. Use the prexisting water.

 

A little late on the draw Sean! lol !! But yeah,it's not for my nano,i have another 29 thats a pretty nice setup and since i have a cp light and brand new skimmer(that i'm still mad about)i figure i might as well make a fowlr out of it.

 

2 minutes difference is too late? lol. You went right ahead and did it then, I see.

 

Not yet,but i'm gonna use it.I did go ahead and put a powerhead and heater back in the 20 to keep it going till i do.