Minimum recommended time after mixing water?
- Thread starter blackdog
- Start date
salty rick
Member
I guess anyone can learn something new everyday. I have never heard of aging the water. I usually mix it up and pour it in. I haven't had any problems doing it this way. I guess I'll have to age mine and give it a try and see if there is a difference.
M
megabyte
Guest
I agree with Salty Rick. I make my water, add salt if I have to add buffer and possibly aragamilk. I give it a quick swirld and dump it right away. I just make sure the temp is pretty close. I add five gallons like this to a 220 gallon tank so I don't think it is the same as dumping 5 gallons of newly mixed water in to a 55 gallon tank. Then again I know someone who does it this way also and has no problems.
nm reef
Active Member
I don't see how it could hurt to set the temp & SG ... as well as ph & calcium... close to system levels then let it stabalise for 12-24 hours before using it.Sometimes I see small changes in my fresh water from when I first set it up until when I actually use it....couldn't hurt to let it get stable prior to doing a water change. 
blackdog
Member
Thanks, all. Imagine that: 15 responses and 15 different techniques, who would have thought? But looks like the consensus is to age the water for a day. I'm going to get a larger tub for doing water changes bc the 5-gal container I was using was a pain for a larger water change. Also I didn't know about aerating or adding buffer ahead of time. I didn't do either of those things, so I'll be checking params tomorrow. I did a 25% change on my 55-gal over the last two days. I was getting pH, kH, and Ca readings that I couldn't seem to bring in line using Kent ProBuffer and Liquid Calcium.
But looks like the consensus is to age the water for a day. I'm going to get a larger tub for doing water changes bc the 5-gal container I was using was a pain for a larger water change. Also I didn't know about aerating or adding buffer ahead of time. I didn't do either of those things, so I'll be checking params tomorrow. I did a 25% change on my 55-gal over the last two days. I was getting pH, kH, and Ca readings that I couldn't seem to bring in line using Kent ProBuffer and Liquid Calcium.
coraltrapper5020
Member
I was tought to pur the salt in to the tank and and water. I would be ok to mix in the tank as the fish swim in it. I never did this at home but when i work for a tank cleaning This what my boss told me. I'm lucky enough to get filtered sea water. Heat it over night and do my water change. I tought I'd share.
beecher
Member
I use my QT to mix my water. I always have it full of water with the parameters the same as my main tank. I always have a fresh supply of water for changes and emergency water changes, plus my QT is always up and running in case I get the bug to buy a fish. I found a easy way to mix the salt in the QT tank also, I use a hang on the back type filter without the filter cartridges in it. I fill the tank with water, then pour the salt in the filter reservoir where the cartridges normally go. Over time (usually a few hours) the constant flow of water through the filter reservoir mixes the salt and water into the tank. I've tried pouring the salt directly into the tank and I always have salt residue in the corners where the flow isnt so good.
javajoe
Member
i am reposting- giveing more details on how i do my water changes.
I use a 30 gallon storage tub and get about 14 gallons on RO water from our LFS. (we have not bought an RO unit yet- plus we can see the new crittesr )
I take 4 gallons out and put it in a coralife salt bucket, save this for replacing evaporated water. then i put in a heater and power head (for mixing and airating) that is used just for mixing water, and add coralife salt-- let it mix overnight. in the morning before work, i check the salinity- adding salt as needed. i do the same thing on lunch, and then again when i get home from work. then i do my water cahnge that evening while watching drew carey
I have not had to add buffer as the coralife salt with RO water gives just the right PH. (i do add buffrer calc, etc to the tank, usually the next day after a water change.)
The most important thing in my opinion is to make sure that the temperature and salinity amtch when doing a water change. and of course- make SURE to turn up Drew Carey so its loud enough to hear over the noise your'e making
I use a 30 gallon storage tub and get about 14 gallons on RO water from our LFS. (we have not bought an RO unit yet- plus we can see the new crittesr
)I take 4 gallons out and put it in a coralife salt bucket, save this for replacing evaporated water. then i put in a heater and power head (for mixing and airating) that is used just for mixing water, and add coralife salt-- let it mix overnight. in the morning before work, i check the salinity- adding salt as needed. i do the same thing on lunch, and then again when i get home from work. then i do my water cahnge that evening while watching drew carey
I have not had to add buffer as the coralife salt with RO water gives just the right PH. (i do add buffrer calc, etc to the tank, usually the next day after a water change.)
The most important thing in my opinion is to make sure that the temperature and salinity amtch when doing a water change. and of course- make SURE to turn up Drew Carey so its loud enough to hear over the noise your'e making
madd catt
Member
Salt does have to mix properly even though it may look clear it does not mean the salt has been throughly mixed.The components of the salt should be allowed to age or desolve a least 24 hours {depends on salt mix}But there is a product in liquid that is a 1 gallon jug thats makes 10gal synthetic seawater by fritz company manufactures of fritz zime it may dissolve even faster.
broomer5
Active Member
As most everyone already mentioned, once your mixed saltwater is at the same temp, salinity and pH of your display tank - you run far less chance of stressing out the living creatures in that tank upon doing the water change.
That's pretty much a fact - or at least just good old common sense.
Minimum time ?
Maximum time ?
Whatever works for each person is the "right" way for their tanks.
Personally - I like to let a batch of new saltwater run a day or two prior to adding to my tanks - but that includes a bit of built in "scheduled" procrastination.
That's pretty much a fact - or at least just good old common sense.
Minimum time ?
Maximum time ?
Whatever works for each person is the "right" way for their tanks.
Personally - I like to let a batch of new saltwater run a day or two prior to adding to my tanks - but that includes a bit of built in "scheduled" procrastination.