What is "aged" saltwater?

[1911_guy]

Okay, I've looked and looked through archives for the answer to this question. All I've found is people talking about it but never defined it. One member asked the question a few years back and there was no replies.
I see you're supposed to mix the salt with RO water for water changes and what not and leave it for 24 hours with a heater and maybe a powerhead. Why?
What is the purpose of "aging" the water?

 

[n_sarno]

I've never heard of doing that..
I just mix mine up and heat it to the temp of the tank and do the change..
I guess the purpose of it might be to make sure it is all mixed very well and everything is good with it.. but other then that it seems kind of pointless.
I wouldnt worry about it

 

[kadella]

The purpose is to properly aerate your saltwater - this promotes better oxygen exchange, thus better water for your tank. I aerate & age my water for at least 72 hours before I put it in my tank. If you have the Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Fenner, it goes into detail about the benefits of aging & aerating your new water. I have read at minimum you should aerate for 24 hrs for good benefits. This is not absolutely necessary, but there are far better benefits by aerating the water first.

 

[salt phish]

aerating helps with the ph of the water as well....... with out adding buffers

 

[1911_guy]

Thanks, I might as well get that book...I keep hearing that title over and over again.
The longer I stay in this hobby the more I find SWA equipment and parts all over my house. I'm running out of room.

 

[alyssia]

It also allows the chlorine to evaporate if you are using tap water.

 

[thomas712]

BECAUSE ~ the gills of fish are sensitive, just dumping salt or new salt water into your tank would be like pouring salt on a wound, stings like a some beach. Allowing it to mix well at the proper temp, give you a more accurate reading on refractometer or hydrometer. How can one mix it up, then heat it and get an accurate reading?

And as kadella points out oxygenating the water is beneficial for pH readings as well as oxygenating the water. Giving the mix 24-48 hours allows all the mixing and ion exchange needed for a stable water change to occur without shocking the fish.
Thomas

 

[1911_guy]

Thanks all, Thomas.
I wish I could let my water "age" in my garage but it's 48 F in there. My heater would be working double time. It will be much easier in the summer. I know better than to add salt directly to the tank but had no idea what the effects have been by me pouring in freshly mixed saltwater. There is an art to this hobby, I'm fingerpainting!