Can I Get A Trashcan For Topoff Water???

[anthony17]

OK, im getting tired of making topoff water EVERYDAY for my tank and was wondering if i could go get a 32gal trashcan and fill that up and if so what do i need to get so that the water doesnt deoxenginize or whatever???

 

[jumpfrog]

I've used them for years. I do have pumps keeping the water moving and thermometers to keep the water at a good temp. Most recommend rubbermaid.

 

[lion_crazz]

Originally Posted by jumpfrog
I've used them for years. I do have pumps keeping the water moving and thermometers to keep the water at a good temp. Most recommend rubbermaid.
agreed.

 

[anthony17]

ok why do i need water movement??? and would i need an airstone or something

 

[1journeyman]

You want to keep the water from going stagnant and losing it's oxygen content. But, yes, many of us use plastic trash cans for water storage.

 

[anthony17]

ok but can i just use an airstone and not a powerhead

 

[weberian]

I just ran my RO filter to make 30-gal in a rubbermaid last Sunday. But 3 days after running my wimpy little airstone through it, the pH is lower than normal freshwater (I think it was 6.0). At one time I had a power head in there with the venturi air tubing hooked up and the pH tested at least 7. So I think it makes a difference. I don't have an extra power head either because this is only an issue when I'm doing a water change (which is not often

) and then I use my extra PH in the mixing tank. When using the airstone, at least I weigh it down with something so the air has to travel the entire height of the trash barrel to make it to the surface. Of course a larger air pump would work much better, but I'm using one of the smallest kind there is, so it's no wonder it doesn't do that good a job. That's an upgrade for another day.