How long do you age your new water?

[GrimReefer]

I use RO water. But apparently it is unnecessary on Victoria water.

[BCOrchidGuy]

DI for myself and I usually do the water 24 hours before a water change, I don't want to leave it long enough for bacteria to really start to grow, I figure if I waited a week I'd be starting the nitrogen cycle in the replacement water.

Doug

[Shipwreck]

Originally Posted by GrimReefer

I use RO water. But apparently it is unnecessary on Victoria water.

Victoria source water is very good but I would still use RO/DI. The water comes from a protected lake at the top of the mountain to a treatment center that treats with UV (ultraviolet light) and then adds chlorine. This method provides double barrier protection making the water very safe to drink. The problem is that there are still compounds (metals, silicates, dirt, etc) that may be present in the water that are not removed. These items are only removed by the use of RO/DI treatment.

BTW I did the programming for all the UV systems which is how I know all about their water system.

There is no water supply system in the world that will bring water to your house at the quality of an RO/DI membrane will produce. Even the new water reclamation projects that treat the water through RO filters will not be at RO quality by the time it reaches your house. The pipes will have some debris, draw in groundwater, leach copper, etc all of which are safe for drinking but could build up/cause problems in the fish tank.

[vanreefer]

all of the above..

[Lance]

I have a SW tank and a FW tank so I have a 40 gal garbage can of each heated to 79F with a bubble stone running. After a water change I refill the SW can with the FW and mix the salt with a submersible pump. Then refill the FW can with RO/DI water. Works for me

[Snappy]

Originally Posted by christyf5

I have the water ready to go but don't put a heater/powerhead combo in it until the night before and then add salt right before I do a water change. That way I can use it for my "auto" top off if needed

Ditto, I also keep mine aerated to raise the ph.

[Moogled]

Does it count if I mix the water and then age it until I'm ready to get off my lazy bum to do the water change?

:P

[corpusse]

I usually let it mix for 10-24hrs. If I forget to do it saturday I'll do it sunday morning and do the water change sunday night otherwise I do it some time saturday then change water sunday. I guess instant ocean really isn't instant.

I use a purley h2o RO/DI unit.