kepping freshly made salt water

FroMan · 07/27/2008, 09:15 AM

I like to keep about 20-30 gallons of freshly made saltwater around "just in case". Normally I have no problems keeping it around for 2-3 weeks or so. If no issues, I just use it for water changes and make more fresh water.

Lately I've noticed that the water gets a funk to it after about 2 weeks and has a browinsh color to it. Almost like a diatom explosion.

The water has gone south on me twice in the last month or so.

Any thoughts?

tkeracer619 · 07/27/2008, 09:20 AM

Contamination. Bleach out the container, lids, and pumps.

Check RO filter and confirm the water quality. Make sure there is enough flow in the container so the water isnt stagnant

atvdave · 07/27/2008, 09:23 AM

Also keep it covered if you can. Light will cause growth.

alpha0r · 07/27/2008, 10:42 AM

I do the same and I have noticed that if I leave the lid off for a day or two diatoms will grow on all the surfaces.

Marsht01 · 07/27/2008, 11:40 AM

I keep 30g brute full 24/7 typically. Be sure the lid is sealed well. I run a airstone just to add some water movement .

billdogg · 07/27/2008, 01:51 PM

i have been using a 55gal barrel for years - i keep fresh topoff H20 in it 24/7 - with heater and penguin660 ph. i mix my salt in at least 24hrs ahead of time and use a system 1 diatom filter to clean out the gook from the salt. the couple of times i've had to mix up an emergency batch i've not had a problem with mixing it to the correct sg and using it straight

07/27/2008, 09:15 AM	#1
FroMan Insane in the Brain Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Vernon, CT Posts: 1,389	kepping freshly made salt water I like to keep about 20-30 gallons of freshly made saltwater around "just in case". Normally I have no problems keeping it around for 2-3 weeks or so. If no issues, I just use it for water changes and make more fresh water. Lately I've noticed that the water gets a funk to it after about 2 weeks and has a browinsh color to it. Almost like a diatom explosion. The water has gone south on me twice in the last month or so. Any thoughts?

07/27/2008, 09:20 AM	#2
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Contamination. Bleach out the container, lids, and pumps. Check RO filter and confirm the water quality. Make sure there is enough flow in the container so the water isnt stagnant __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

07/27/2008, 01:51 PM	#6
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	i have been using a 55gal barrel for years - i keep fresh topoff H20 in it 24/7 - with heater and penguin660 ph. i mix my salt in at least 24hrs ahead of time and use a system 1 diatom filter to clean out the gook from the salt. the couple of times i've had to mix up an emergency batch i've not had a problem with mixing it to the correct sg and using it straight __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

07/27/2008, 09:23 AM	#3
atvdave Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newburgh, IN Posts: 1,763	Also keep it covered if you can. Light will cause growth.

07/27/2008, 10:42 AM	#4
alpha0r Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Salem, MA Posts: 297	I do the same and I have noticed that if I leave the lid off for a day or two diatoms will grow on all the surfaces.

07/27/2008, 11:40 AM	#5
Marsht01 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Mi Posts: 61	I keep 30g brute full 24/7 typically. Be sure the lid is sealed well. I run a airstone just to add some water movement .