Water changes...........

[Mr_Detail]

I plan to purchase a 20 gallon long tank for my first try at a saltwater aquarium. I remember once reading that a aquarist kept a brand new, clean 30 gallon Rubbermaid trash can in his/her basement and had pre-mixed saltwater ready to go in it. I think he/she had something running also to circulate the water and aerate it. Is this something I need to consider for my future water changes or can I do something easier?
What do you guys/gals out there do?

Thanks in advance for your wise repsonse.

 

[reefman23]

That is a great way to store water if you plan on mixing your own saltwater. It is better to do it in large batches like that with a pump running for circulation and... i could be wrong but... an airstone to aerate the water??. If it were me, I would have a heater running it is as well so that the temps were very similar in the tank and the storage bin.

HTH,

Jesse

 

[Trogdor]

It's good practice to have a large amount of extra mixed water on hand...but it's not a requirement. Most people that mix up a bunch ahead of time either A) have the room B) have an RO/DI unit that they want to get good use out of it or C) like to have their mixed water to mix for 24+hrs before adding it to the tank. Don't get me wrong, it's a good idea to have mixed water ready in case of an emergency. It's just not a requirement.

 

[carlkeef]

speaking..of water changes,I was just wondering is the normal and good practice to do a water change of 20% once a month or should I do one at a longer period of time?

 

[reefman23]

I personally suggest smaller, more frequent water changes as opposed to larger less frequent changes. I used to do about 30% every two weeks or so, but I have recently gotten in the habit of doing a 1g change everyday. So far it is working very well for me. There have been studies done... and you can figure this out mathematically... that smaller changes done every day or two will dillute the pollutants much more than larger changes done less often.

HTH,

Jesse

 

[davenia7]

I do 1 gal. a week, but I have a 5 gal. tank.
That's a 20 % weekly.
I make my water in a bucket 24 hours in advance. I usually make about 2 gallons, just in case.

 

[Mr_Detail]

davenia7;
When you mix up your water 24 hrs. in advance, do you need to check your pH and salinity levels in the bucket or is the mix you use good enough quality to go with as is?
Also do you use a plastic bucket?

 

[davenia7]

I check ph and salinity, add buffer if needed (usually is, water is 6.0 out of the tap), get the heater going in there with a mini-jet overnight. then i recheck ph and salinity and temp b4 it goes into the tank.
i use a 2 gal. plastic bucket from the dollar tree.

 

[djconn]

I usually keep at least 5 gallons of premixed saltwater in a 5 gal bucket in a cold dark storage area. I give a good shake every once in awhile. Its nice to have it ready for quick water changes. I've kept water in it for a month before with no ill effects. Any longer might be risky though.