Water Mixing Questions

Hi Guys,

I have a question about how much water you mix at a time and how long do you let it sit. I have been doing weekly water changes of about 5 gallons a week. I place a heater, thermometer, power head, and air pump with an air stone in the bucket. I have been making it about 24 hours before I do the water change. I was wondering how much water you guys prepare. It would be nice to have a reserve ready just in case, but am not sure what you would store it in or how long it would be good. Thanks!!!!!

Regards,
Ivy

 

Having a reserve is always key. When it comes to mixing I've just experimented to create the salinity you want. I usually mix the night before a water change I run a small powerhead to keep the water circulated, as for how much to prepare it all depends on your tank size generally enough to change 20%. As for emergency water I keep roughly 20 gallons, plus my hospital tank if I had to use that water.

 

I mix a fresh batch (5 gallons) after I do a WC. That batch sits in an air tight container for up to 5 months before I do another WC.

Air Tight is key to storing. As is the quality of the container.

 

We have chosen to store the RO/DI water (35g Rubber-maid trash can) and mix on demand. For planned water changes, a day ahead of time just as you described...

 

Thanks for the replies guys!!! How do you run your equipment in an airtight container? What type of container are you using for that period of time. i would worry about a regular trash can leeching something unwanted. Thanks!!!!

Ivy

 

For our RO/DI storage, I purchased a new Rubber-Maid, hard plastic, trash can, cleaned it, drilled a hole near the top to mount the float, drilled two more holes at the top for the power cord for the transfer pump (left over power head) I dropped in there and a 3/4" hose on the discharge of the pump to get the water out to the buckets....I poke the open end of the hose back into the hole it comes out of. We keep the top on the can.

Since I use 10 to 15 gallons weekly, there is enough turn over of the water that we have not had any issues and after 4 years, it still looks clean when I pull the top off and look in...

 

What equipment would I need to run on water I'm storing? (rhetorical, the answer is none)

For ATO, that's fresh water and has high turn over, not worried about air-tight for this.

Only concerned with air-tight on long term storage. I use one of those 5 gallon water bottles for storage of my mixed salt water.

Once I'm ready to use it, air tight is no longer a concern. Pop off the lid and stick in relevant equipment.

I always let it "air out" for a full 24 hours after it's been stored before I use it.

 

Thanks again guys and please forgive me if I seem to ask a stupid question. i was under the impression that it was necessary to have something moving the water when it is mixed. Is that only right before you are ready to us it?

 

No stupid questions ;D All great questions! If my reply gave the impression otherwise, let me apologize to you.



That is necessary (keeping the water moving) if the water is not stored in air tight container... it's a matter of bacteria getting in and growing. Bacteria grows in stagnant water.

But RO/DI water with nice clean salt mix mixed in shouldn't have any bacteria in it (not saying 100% - please don't start a debate on this) and as long as you seal it off, none will float down into it.

I have had good success with this and find it easier. Easier = more likely to do it.

 

I fill a 35g Mini brute trashcan w/ about 20g the day before a WC, mix the salt, let it stir w/ a 600gph pump, 75w heater, and a lid.... 16-24 hours later i use it. I usually dump a couple gallons.