Mixing Saltwater

reeffer1983 · 04/02/2011, 09:12 AM

So I have a 45 gallon reef, and I change 5 gallons of water every week. The problem is I get so tired of mixing up 5 gallons at a time, and it takes a good bit of time to get the salinity EXACTLY the same. I would much rather make a large batch (like a garbage can full) The only concern that I have is how long will the water be good for? I can heat it if necessary, and I will most definitely keep a pump running at all times. I use RO/DI. I would get about a 30 gallon can, which would take me about 6 weeks to use, and I would keep it covered. How long will the water remain suitable?

Randy Holmes-Farley · 04/02/2011, 11:45 AM

I make up 88 gallons at a time and use it over several weeks. If you elect a brand with no added organics, it can sit unstirred (or stirred if you prefer) for as long as you want.

Alex T. · 04/02/2011, 11:53 AM

Randy...since Reef Crystals is said to have organics does it matter if it's stored as long as it's being stirred vigorously with a powerhead?

reeffer1983 · 04/02/2011, 12:52 PM

Reef Crystals is what i use.....

Randy Holmes-Farley · 04/02/2011, 01:01 PM

Stirred it is OK, but it isn't clear what happens to the vitamins over time. That's a reason I prefer IO.

midtownman · 04/02/2011, 03:19 PM

randy do u know anything about esv salt?

Randy Holmes-Farley · 04/03/2011, 06:22 AM

I know of it, but no data or experience with it. Do you use it, or are you just thinking of it?

04/02/2011, 09:12 AM	#1
reeffer1983 Registered Member. Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Buffalo NY Posts: 70	Mixing Saltwater So I have a 45 gallon reef, and I change 5 gallons of water every week. The problem is I get so tired of mixing up 5 gallons at a time, and it takes a good bit of time to get the salinity EXACTLY the same. I would much rather make a large batch (like a garbage can full) The only concern that I have is how long will the water be good for? I can heat it if necessary, and I will most definitely keep a pump running at all times. I use RO/DI. I would get about a 30 gallon can, which would take me about 6 weeks to use, and I would keep it covered. How long will the water remain suitable?

04/02/2011, 11:45 AM	#2
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	I make up 88 gallons at a time and use it over several weeks. If you elect a brand with no added organics, it can sit unstirred (or stirred if you prefer) for as long as you want. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

04/02/2011, 01:01 PM	#5
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	Stirred it is OK, but it isn't clear what happens to the vitamins over time. That's a reason I prefer IO. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

04/03/2011, 06:22 AM	#7
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	I know of it, but no data or experience with it. Do you use it, or are you just thinking of it? __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

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04/02/2011, 11:53 AM	#3
Alex T. Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,803	Randy...since Reef Crystals is said to have organics does it matter if it's stored as long as it's being stirred vigorously with a powerhead?

04/02/2011, 12:52 PM	#4
reeffer1983 Registered Member. Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Buffalo NY Posts: 70	Reef Crystals is what i use.....

04/02/2011, 03:19 PM	#6
midtownman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: new york Posts: 102	randy do u know anything about esv salt?