How long can I store fresh SW

hebygb · 06/15/2013, 05:21 PM

I am getting ready to move my tank from one city to another city. I would like to stage a quantity of fresh SW at both locations. At the point of origin I'd like to have enough to use fresh makeup water for the 8 hour drive... at the destination point I would like enough to assure enough for an immediate setup upon arrival. I have a 25 gallon holding tank that I can probably move to the destination point a week earlier along with my RO/DI filter, but am wondering if I can pre-make SW at the point of origin and store in 5 gallon salt buckets. I would need to have it sit for about 7 days.

Tank is a 65 gallon tank
I plan on using 10 - 1/2 full buckets to move coral, animals, rock and some sand.

kylathwe · 06/15/2013, 05:33 PM

Can you keep a powerhead running in each bucket? 7 days seems like awhile.

pete33 · 06/15/2013, 05:39 PM

Really depends on your salt mix. You wouldn't want any organic additions in your salt that can break down and foul up the water.

hebygb · 06/15/2013, 05:45 PM

I just cleaned the buckets with vinegar. I am not moving until the weekend of the 4th of July... I was thinking I would be making the water at the point of origin and storing in buckets on June 27th.

Then moving the large 25 gal tank (empty) and my RO/DI to destination. That way I can make about 40 gals of SW ready for arrival.

I think I have enough power heads to keep the water moving for a week

Salt mix is Instant Ocean

pete33 · 06/15/2013, 06:18 PM

IO - no problem. Mix it up, seal it, and before using run a pump for a little bit and check salinity. I really don't think you are going to have a problem. I've used IO for a while and mixed it in a 24 gallon brute can and only did 5 gallon WC's a week and never had a problem. Just switched over to IORC and only making 5 gallons a week because of the added organics.

06/15/2013, 05:21 PM	#1
hebygb Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Elmhurst, IL Posts: 2,207	How long can I store fresh SW I am getting ready to move my tank from one city to another city. I would like to stage a quantity of fresh SW at both locations. At the point of origin I'd like to have enough to use fresh makeup water for the 8 hour drive... at the destination point I would like enough to assure enough for an immediate setup upon arrival. I have a 25 gallon holding tank that I can probably move to the destination point a week earlier along with my RO/DI filter, but am wondering if I can pre-make SW at the point of origin and store in 5 gallon salt buckets. I would need to have it sit for about 7 days. Tank is a 65 gallon tank I plan on using 10 - 1/2 full buckets to move coral, animals, rock and some sand.

06/15/2013, 05:39 PM	#3
pete33 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Granada Hills, CA Posts: 259	Really depends on your salt mix. You wouldn't want any organic additions in your salt that can break down and foul up the water. __________________ 29 gal. Sea Clear / eshopps sump-overflow-skimmer / Eheim 1250 / Arctica chiller / BRS GFO Reactor / Belize Sun 250 W.

06/15/2013, 06:18 PM	#5
pete33 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Granada Hills, CA Posts: 259	IO - no problem. Mix it up, seal it, and before using run a pump for a little bit and check salinity. I really don't think you are going to have a problem. I've used IO for a while and mixed it in a 24 gallon brute can and only did 5 gallon WC's a week and never had a problem. Just switched over to IORC and only making 5 gallons a week because of the added organics. __________________ 29 gal. Sea Clear / eshopps sump-overflow-skimmer / Eheim 1250 / Arctica chiller / BRS GFO Reactor / Belize Sun 250 W.

06/15/2013, 05:33 PM	#2
kylathwe Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Cordova, TN Posts: 244	Can you keep a powerhead running in each bucket? 7 days seems like awhile.

06/15/2013, 05:45 PM	#4
hebygb Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Elmhurst, IL Posts: 2,207	I just cleaned the buckets with vinegar. I am not moving until the weekend of the 4th of July... I was thinking I would be making the water at the point of origin and storing in buckets on June 27th. Then moving the large 25 gal tank (empty) and my RO/DI to destination. That way I can make about 40 gals of SW ready for arrival. I think I have enough power heads to keep the water moving for a week Salt mix is Instant Ocean