Water changes

[drewdog82]

I constantly read that u should aerate the water you are using for water changes. Normally I will just add salt mix to my RO water, stir a few times until I can't see any more salt and then let it sit for 4-5 days before use. Am I doing something wrong, should I have movement by air-stone or powerhead in my made up salt water????

 

[fedukeford]

its a lot easier to stir it with a powerhead with a air hose thing attached

 

[drewdog82]

Originally Posted by fedukeford
its a lot easier to stir it with a powerhead with a air hose thing attached
So just letting it sit is probably a bad idea............right???
I have a constant problem with hair algae and after doing much reading, I am starting to think that maybe the fact that I don't keep my changing water aerated is leading to a build-up of carbon dioxide and then when I put it into my main tank, the algae is thriving........... it seems to be the only explanation seeing how all my levels are fine and it keeps on growing

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by drewdog82
So just letting it sit is probably a bad idea............right???
I have a constant problem with hair algae and after doing much reading, I am starting to think that maybe the fact that I don't keep my changing water aerated is leading to a build-up of carbon dioxide and then when I put it into my main tank, the algae is thriving........... it seems to be the only explanation seeing how all my levels are fine and it keeps on growing
Yes, You are correct. That is most likely the cause of the algae. The new saltwater has to be aerated not only to mix well, but also for proper gas exchange.

 

[woolfe]

for how long? I buy my water at the lfs & keep it in 5 gal. buckets until I need it.

 

[lilchris]

I put the powerhead in the bucket for 24 hrs. I think thats plenty of time.

 

[woolfe]

well crap nobody told me that. I have bubble alge that I just asked about in another thread. Thanks I'll do that from now on.

 

[drewdog82]

Originally Posted by sepulatian
Yes, You are correct. That is most likely the cause of the algae. The new saltwater has to be aerated not only to mix well, but also for proper gas exchange.
Can I use an air-stone or should I use a powerhead.... Also if I use a powerhead, should I have it pointed upward towards the surface???

 

[acrylic51]

I mix and aerate at 24-48 hours....I even keep my plain RO water aerated at all times........What type of salt mix are you using? Are you using RO/DI water for your water changes? What are you TDS readings of your salt mix, and TDS reading of plain water?

 

[helpme74]

powerhead + heater for 24 hours ***)