Storing mixed saltwater and keeping it fresh

[fireFISH]

I was wondering what everybody uses to keep there mixed water fresh in between water changes?? I usually just mix all my water right before I do the change, but now that I have two tanks, and am looking to start a third, this is becoming a sort of a pain in the ass.

Can anybody give me some suggestions as to what to use as a storage container for my water? I want to be able to mix like 10 gallons all at once, and then keep it over 3-4 weeks to use for weekly changes in my 20 and 5.5. Any suggestions or recommendations??

 

[djconn]

I just keep my fresh RO water in 5 gallon buckets (with the lid on). I usually fill 3 or 4 at a time and use them throughout the month.

I've heard about folks keeping water in 55 gallon drums but I don't have the space for that. Maybe when I get a much needed garage....now you've got me thinking .

 

[rbaby]

No hot temperatures...keep it cool...hot temperatures can harbor unwanted bacteria. Make sure the place isn't humid...you can get mold growing on the container...and make sure that it's an airtight lid with no sun in the room...you don't want to open a whole can of algae.

 

[djconn]

Yeah good points.

I also wanted to add that I occasionally give the buckets a goodshake when they are being stored for more than a week.

 

[mikeguerrero]

I keep two 5 gallon jugs air tight in my storage closet. They stay very cold and with zero light.

Then when it's time for a water change, which I do every Sunday, I pull out the jugs and take out my spare JBJ stock pump and my 100 watt submersible heater and in they go into the jug.

In about 20 minutes the Catalina water is at 76.5 degrees and ready to be transferred into my cubes.

Mike

 

[shaggydoo541]

I do the same type of thing... I have a 5 gallon jug that I put my saltwater in. I usually only mix it a couple days before the change and I have an extra PH in it that keeps it circulating and mixed. An hour or so before the water change I put a heater in it to get it up to my tank temp. It seems to work well.

 

[skipm]

You definately need to aerate the water before using it, I like to aerate for at least an hour or two before adding it to any of my tanks. HTH, Skip