Stored RC saltwater aeration question

[firemountain]

I am currently using Reef Crystals and have read that due to the inorganics, the stored saltwater needs to be aerated.

Right now I have a very small powerhead (Aqueon 700) circulating the water 24/7 in my 32 gallon sealed Brute container. I personally feel that this is not enough for my satisfaction but just had it laying around and figured it couldn't hurt.

A few quick questions....

1. In terms of water aeration, is water movement that creates minimal surface agitation enough...or do I need something stronger like a decent sized powerhead...not that crappy Aqueon 700.

2. Am I better served putting in air pump/stone...and if so, what would be recommended?

3. I remember seeing a video of an Aerator that looked like a little orb. Does anyone know what that is called or can post a link?? It basically created such a fine mist of micro bubbles, that they were almost none existent. I was also figuring on using something like that in my sump to increase my tanks oxygen levels.

4. Also....I currently keep my RODI water in another 32g sealed Brute container
and keep it agitated 24/7. Is this recommended or is it just a waste? I am asking because I pulled out my dedicated Mag pump that I use to transfer water, and it felt like it had a slippery...almost slime coating on its surface. It doesn't smell, but just curious on what is causing this.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[garyinco]

Needing to aerate properly mixed saltwater is new to me. If its been adequately stirred previously the only thing I've worried about was temp an oxygen level. I turn off my powerheads after, at most, about two days time.

I don't know what an Aqueon 700 is but I'd bet it is enough if it suspends salt crystals while they dissolve.

On my freshwater storage (50 gallon and another 32 gallon) my emphasis has been keeping light from reaching the contents. I'm more worried about algae growth. I'm no chemist (Randy F, where are you...) but I've always considered that to be no different than the little sweaters that grow on my teeth overnight (just a normal bacterial process).

Just get your storage mixed well, and then be aware about oxygen level and temp. No need to run pumps all the time. I'm against orbs, don't waste your money...

[slief]

No need to agitate the RODI water. I store 100 gallons at a time and don't do a thing to it. As for my salt water storage, I keep 100 gallons of that as well and my mixing pump (Little Giant 4MDSC) comes on every 3 hours and runs for 15 minutes. I don't run air into the holding tank unless I plan on doing a major water change that would involve most if not all the contents and even then, I usually don't bother but my system volume is large enough that low O2 levels in that volume of water won't impact my system enough to raise concerns. I also go through 35 gallons of salt water a week for automated water changes and mix new water in every 5 or 6 days. I use about 30 gallons of RODI a week so when I transfer water to my mixing tank, my RODI turns on to replenish the 50-60 or so gallons used for top off and salt water mixing. As such I have fairly high turn over with my water but RODI in general will last a fairly long time without agitation in a properly sealed container that is shielded from light. Same holds true with salt water however occasional mixing or circulation is a good idea.

[firemountain]

Garyinco....

I had actually read a recent post from Randy indicated that the Reef Crystals ( plus a few others) that have inorganics and binders in them which need to be aerated and / or agitated otherwise the salt mixture can go anaerobic. I will have to find that post.

I normally mix my salt with an Eheim 1262 that is powerful enough to fully mix my batch in a few hours. At that point I turn it off, and let the Aqueon 700 Run continuously ( it's basically just a small powerhead.

Slief...

Thanks for your info. I think I may try the occasional on and off with a timer, as opposed to running that little powerhead continuously. Plus...it will do an overall better job of really circulating the water.

Both my RODI and Saltwater containers are shielded from the light, and are sealed ( Brute gray storage trash bins). At some point..I will make the switch over to an actual fully sealed container which is meant for water storage as an upgrade, but for now what I have will suffice.

[slief]

Originally Posted by firemountain

I had actually read a recent post from Randy indicated that the Reef Crystals ( plus a few others) that have inorganics and binders in them which need to be aerated and / or agitated otherwise the salt mixture can go anaerobic.

I normally mix my salt with an Eheim 1262 that is powerful enough to fully mix my batch in a few hours. At that point I turn it off, and let the Aqueon 700 Run continuously ( it's basically just a small powerhead.

That could make some sense. Running a mixing pump a few hours a day should aid in that. I used to run an air pump on my mixing container but stopped using it years ago because I saw no real benefit in using it since I run my mixing pump (about 700 GPH for 100G max water) every few hours. I don't however use Reef Crystals, I use the cheap Instant Ocean and no supplements, buffers, dosing etc. Just carbon and GFO with great results.

On the other hand, it never hurts to air on the side of caution in this hobby. i just know what works for me but I also use a fair amount of water and replenish my holding tanks weekly. Water never gets a chance to stagnate that's for sure and my water and tanks are always clean and never smell.

[garyinco]

Originally Posted by firemountain

Garyinco....

I had actually read a recent post from Randy indicated that the Reef Crystals ( plus a few others) that have inorganics and binders in them which need to be aerated and / or agitated otherwise the salt mixture can go anaerobic. I will have to find that post.

If you find that post, I'd be curious what brands were mentioned. I don't want to borrow trouble w/ the brand I'm using.