How long can you store water?

[motorslave]

So when I get rolling here, how long can you store make up water in a trash can? My garage gets very warm. Should I just mix and use, or can it be kept safely for any amount of time?

Robert

[kwjones]

I mix mine a week in advance. I usually have enough to do a 10-20% water change. The hard part is keeping enough RO/DI on hand for water top off and thawing out frozen food.

[Dingo]

Until it dries up. Some people like to add a little circulation in the can, but I don't bother. You may want to let a new can ferment with a batch or two of new RO water just to let it leech a bit, but after that, it's fine.

[motorslave]

So would the heat in the garage be a factor? Or would it be fine as long as it was at the correct temp for the tank when I do a change?


Robert

[kwjones]

As long as you match the temp, pH and salinity before you do the water change you're golden. I don't know how many people try to match alk in their change water, I adjust it after the water change. If your garage is hot, you'll have to let the water cool down. If you wanted to use a large trash can, just for storing water, drop in a powerhead and a heater and call it good.

I would definately let some RO/DI, at least RO, sit in the bucket and leach out as much of the plastisizer and/or molding release agents as possible.

[Dingo]

I would imagine that the warmer the can, the more leeching you would have, but after all the easy surface stuff dissolves, that level would be low. That's why I suggested cooking a couple of cans worth before using. IMO, Pure water getting warm does not turn bad in a seasoned container. I make my water up in about a 1 month supply in an ordinary plastic trash can, and I have no trouble.

[kwjones]

Just keep a lid over it to keep anything from getting into the water. I keep the lid on mine cracked...don't know why, it just makes me feel better thinking the water can "breathe."

[salt creepette]

I did some research on this a while back. I took notes on a post-it and here's what it looks like:

*moist salt mix dissolves at a ph of 8.4-9.0
*if makeup water has high dissolved co2, initial ph could be as low as 7.5
*12-24 hrs. with sufficient aeration is sufficient to bring carbonate/bicarbonate buffer into equilibrium
*or, if ph is correct shortly after mixing, use the water right away.
*dont let mixed saltwater sit without aeration or low ph will ensue.

in other words, if you do let your premixed water sit, be sure and test the temp, salinity and ph before you add it to your tank. hope this helps