Mixing it up

[stumpdog]

I get my water from the LFS in the normal 5 gallon jugs. What is the easiest way to mix the salt in? I have read past posts about people using large rubbermade containers, is this the general idea? I live in an apartment so space is limited. If I mixed the water in the rubbermade tubs could I then syphon it back into the jugs? How long would the water keep in the jugs? This water is just used for top offs. Thanks for any help.
Jeremy

 

[smarls]

Stumpdog,
When I am doing a water change, I mix the water in big 20 gallon rubbermaid container, and leave it for about a day with a powerhead in it. I then pump it into the tank when I am ready.
I guess you could siphon it back into the jugs...I don't really see a problem with that, except i have no idea if the water would "spoil" after a while.
Also, if you are using the water for top offs (for evaporation etc.) then you do not probably need to mix salt at all. When I top off I just add straight DI water...the salt does not evaporate, only the water portion. Hope this helps.
Stewart

 

[stumpdog]

Smarls-
Thanks for the reply. Sometimes I don't think before I speak or type. I know that I shouldn't used mix water for top offs, my bad. I was wondering though how long it would keep in the jugs and if people had easier ways of doing it. Thanks for the getting me back on track and for the suggestion.
Jeremy

 

[jim672]

stumpdog,
I buy my slat in by the 5 gallon buckets so I have bunch of empyt ones of those around. I put the RO/DI water in the 5 gallon bucket and mix my salt in there. I put the powerhead in and let that run for a day them use the slatwater for water changes.
I would think , if you keep it airated, circulating and covered the new saltwater should be good for a number of weeks.
Jim