Why age saltwater?

[louti]

Well, I'm not a new hobbyist, but i figured this would be a good spot for this discussion. I have seen many people on this site talking about aging saltwater at least 24-48 hours. I would like to know why. I know that caustic agents are released and reactions occur when the salt is mixed. But I have always found the mix to completely dissolve in an hour or two. Is there a scientific reason for letting it sit for a day or longer? Thank you for your input.

 

[abeandlulu]

I dont know if it is the right way to do it but, I have a 300 gallon fresh water vat in the garage some water goes to the vat and some goes to my 265 reef for auto top offs. and a 65 gallon salt water vat in a closet in the house. I mix salt water about once a week for water changes on my tanks and my cousins tank. So my salt water sits for a couple days. I also like to have some extra in case of an emergency. I have maxi jets keepng it well circulated. Is this wrong? does any body know?

 

[nycbob]

most people do it so the salt is totally dissolved. i mix my water 2 hours b4 hand, and havent had any issue.

 

[louti]

Thanks for the responses. Yeah, I have never had an issue either. I'm kinda just wondering if there's a real reason or if it just gets repeated over and over.

 

[bang guy]

Reactions continue to take place long after the salt dissolves. Especially anything pertaining to CO2 consumption such as Alkalinity additives in the salt. 2 hours is marginal but doable, 24 hours is ideal IMO. The salt shoud dissolve completely in less than a minute if you're mixing it correctly.

 

[truperc]

Here are the reasons I have heard:
- The obvious to disolve all of the salt
- Freshly prepared saltwater is caustic and capable of burning and corroding
- To balance oxygen/CO2 levels within the water

 

[louti]

Thanks BangGuy,
I value your input because I have read many of your posts and I know you know what you are talking about. I'm glad I know the reason behind it now.

 

[jetskiking]

Originally Posted by louti
http:///forum/post/3133426
Well, I'm not a new hobbyist, but i figured this would be a good spot for this discussion. I have seen many people on this site talking about aging saltwater at least 24-48 hours. I would like to know why. I know that caustic agents are released and reactions occur when the salt is mixed. But I have always found the mix to completely dissolve in an hour or two. Is there a scientific reason for letting it sit for a day or longer? Thank you for your input.
Just because the salt looks mixed its not. There are still chemical reactions and gas exchange going on.