Storing Ro and mixed water

cprowler · #1 03-18-2006, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beverly

We've noticed salted water kept longer than 36 hours to begin leaving a whitish ring around the water line, which I believe is something precipitating out of the saltwater.

What salt are you using and what garbage can, foodgrade brute?

Beverly · #2 03-18-2006, 02:32 AM

Rubbermaid can, not food grade. Whitish ring has appeared with both IO and Kent salts.

TheReefGeek · #3 03-20-2006, 02:36 PM

Quote:

salted water kept longer than 36 hours to begin leaving a whitish ring around the water line

Probably salt creep?

TheReefGeek · #4 03-20-2006, 02:37 PM

Quote:

but water doesnt go stag. or anything???

For top off water, shouldn't matter. For water change water I would aerate it 24hrs before use.

Squiddy · #5 03-21-2006, 01:48 AM

I keep salt water made up in a 20 gal trash can from Canadian Tire. I've got a powerhead, heater and airstone in there and I notice that after a week or so, there is a slight slime on the power cords. I use an RO/DI filter and IO salt. No white ring but I'm not sure what the slime is.

Ruth · #6 03-21-2006, 02:36 AM

IMO you can keep mixed up salt water for up to 2 weeks as long as it is being constantly mixed with a powerhead and heated and your container is covered to prevent crap getting in and evaporation. I mean really - think about it - after it goes into our aquariums what is it other than heated and mixed salt water. A lot of people use the rubbermaid containers as well as the rubber livestock water tubs for sumps and fuges - again filled with mixed and heated salt water.

Psyire · #7 03-21-2006, 03:56 AM

I actually read on RC where Randy (resident chemist) posted saying it is not necessary to mix or aerate your saltwater while storing. So long as it is done prior, it will be fine.

TheReefGeek · #8 03-21-2006, 05:29 AM

Why would you limit it to two weeks then? If you are limiting evaporation, aerating it, and heating it, why limit it?

cprowler · #9 03-21-2006, 04:41 AM

I have 2 Rubbermaid Brute food safe trash cans, one for top up water and the other mixed for water changes. The mixed has a powerhead, heater and airstone and I use Kents salt. I also have lids on both to keep out crap and light.

I have had no problems with keeping the mixed for 3 or 4 weeks. The only problem I had was when I used Oceanic salt, I started to get a brown slime.