Water change prep

[Feclar]

1. How long does your water change sit prepared before adding it?
Right now I pre-mix it 1 week prior, then heat it the day of my water change

2. What do you test on your pre-mix & your tank prior to mixing?
Right now I check the amonia/ph/nitrate of my current tank before adding the pre-mix
Thinking of testing my water, it is RO water but not sure of its quality

[Aquarist007]

sits as r/o water in a plastic can up to 2 days before a water change
add power head, heater and salinity to about .022 two days before
night before--check bring up salinity to .026
next morning water change

I do this every two weeks so this is the longest the water stands

[Aquarist007]

when in doubt of your r/0 quality but a TDS meter--mine costs about 30 dollars and is like a pH probe-- I just insert it and it gives me a instant reading

[jonbry123]

I generally let the water stand for 2 days before the change. I use a 6stage RO/DI unit that has clear hosing so I can see when the first filter needs to be changed. I also run an air line and heater in the 35gl bucket I use to make fresh water. Becuase my area has such poor quaility water I also add Seachem's Prime to the fresh water just to be sure no contaminents leached into the new water. I check salt levels a few times using a refractometer as well.

Scott

[chris31]

i just have a garbage pale with a power ead and a heater and when evr i have free time i mix ro/di water and dump it in so that way i always have it.

[Feclar]

So my procedure is...

Fill my 2 gallon jug with RO


Mix salt mix in for 2 gallons

shake jug

Let it sit until I need it (about a week)

Put a heater in it for a few hours

Add it to my tank

=====
Wondering if lack of aeration (small spout) and mixing (just shaking it) is an issue

[Aquarist007]

sorry I didn't notice the size of your tank

with a 12gal then Feclars method would be acceptable

[jonbry123]

Feclar, If your changing 2gls of a 12gl tank I would consider using a heater. Also since the new water would not have any oxygen in it you might consider as well buy a small air pump and running the hose into the water. It generally takes about 24hrs for the oxygen/carbon dioxide levels to equal out. Not sure what animals you have in your tank?

[Feclar]

Originally posted by jonbry123
Feclar, If your changing 2gls of a 12gl tank I would consider using a heater. Also since the new water would not have any oxygen in it you might consider as well buy a small air pump and running the hose into the water. It generally takes about 24hrs for the oxygen/carbon dioxide levels to equal out. Not sure what animals you have in your tank?

I have a small heater for it

Right now I only have a few snails, hermits and 1 damsel
Will be a mantis tank

[EllieSuz]

I do weekly 10% water changes. After each change I start a fresh supply. This gives me ample time to adjust salinity during the week. I use a small pump to keep the water circulating and a heater. Salinity measures differently in different temperatures. I do not test any other water parameters. If you are using RO/DI water for your changes, it shouldn't be necessary.

[epstein]

I have been heating up my water in a bucket (5gal) then when im at temp I stir in my salt vigorously and when it is fully dissolved I then added it via a hand pump further aerating it as it goes in tank.