Heating the water

[joejoe]

So I have finally made around 40 gallons of ro/di water in a rubbermaid trash can. I am getting ready to heat the water up, and a question came to mind. Should I throw a powerhead into the trashcan while the heater is on so that the water can be circulated and evenly heated??

 

[squidd]

Yes, plus the powerhead will help aerate the water bringing the O2/CO2 in line which will help in getting the "most" (Calcium and Alkalinity wise) from your salt mix...
Actually to optimize the mixing proceedure you should areate for a couple hrs then add salt slowly to avoid an overly concentrated mix which could cause your calcium and alk to precipatate out, andthen add the heater to bring it up to temp ...areate for 24hrs before adding to tank to allow salt/water/chemicals to stabilize.

 

[joejoe]

I am planning on adding a ph to the fresh water, heating it up to around 79-80 degrees, and then adding salt to get the needed sg and then allowing the water to mix for a day or two to evenly distribute everything. After that, I am gonna put it in the aquarium. How does that sound?? Also, am I correct to say that when I do water changes, that all I do is add fresh water to the aquarium, and no salt (the water will be heated to aquarium water parameters)?

 

[squidd]

Water changes are... Salt water out...Saltwater back in
Top off (I think you ment)... relpace "evaporated" water with fresh only...only "water" evaporated the salt remained in the tank...
Remember to check/adjust salinity when doing WC or top off.

 

[joejoe]

That's what I meant. Thanks for the help!!