View Full Version : ro/di water storage
tranceFusion
12-08-2007, 3:29 PM
how can I store water, both unmixed for topping off and mixed w/ salt for changes..? do i need to do anything special, or just use a bucket/jug/etc?
thanks
I have 2 25 litre containers with screw lids on the spout that I keep my RO in
I store mixed sw in the buckets the salt mix came in after I've used up the mix.
RO/DI gets stored in two 7 gallon drinking water jugs I bought in the camping section at W-M.
tranceFusion
12-08-2007, 3:53 PM
do i need to keep the mixed water moving?
Some people do, I don't. I'll mix if for a few hours with a powerhead, then store it for up to 3 weeks before using it -- never had a problem doing it this way.
tranceFusion
12-08-2007, 4:06 PM
so should i use a powerhead to mix the salt? i can't just stir it up with my arm or a kitchen spoon?
clown-lover
12-08-2007, 4:11 PM
I use old salt buckets for the makeup water and a 40 gallon trashcan for the salt mix container.
kjbrat
12-08-2007, 4:40 PM
I use a kitchen spoon (solely devoted to my tanks) to mix the salt in until it dissolves, then put a powerhead in to help aerate the water.
Almondsaz
12-08-2007, 4:53 PM
I use some 5 gallon containers I got for $6 at my LFS that I keep my RO in, I try to keep 2 5 gallon containers of RO and 1 5 gallon of RO I use each week for my automatic top off.
I use a large rubermaid trash container that is new...to mix salt water. I start the mix on Thursday evening and do my water change on Sunday. I know that many don't do that, but now it is habit.....and habits are hard to break. I do believe that you need to mix the saltwater 24 hours before you use it. I use 2 powerheads to keep the water moving and mixing. You only need one.
Grins
12-08-2007, 11:32 PM
I keep a Rubbermaid Brute can for my salt mix. Has a heater and a pump in it.
Dustin83
12-11-2007, 3:14 AM
I keep a Rubbermaid Brute can for my salt mix. Has a heater and a pump in it.
Question Grins.
Do you have a heater in there so that when you add water, it wouldn't cause a sudden temp change in your tank? Or is there another reason why reserve saltwater should be kept heated? My rubbermaid sits in the backyard so it drops to about 60 degrees (I know... So Cal...). To make sure it doesn't cause temp change, I add gallon every 5 minutes into the sump when I do water change... I was just curious if that's the reason why you had a heater in there or if there is another reason. Thanks.
Reefscape
12-11-2007, 6:28 AM
Question Grins.
Do you have a heater in there so that when you add water, it wouldn't cause a sudden temp change in your tank? Or is there another reason why reserve saltwater should be kept heated? My rubbermaid sits in the backyard so it drops to about 60 degrees (I know... So Cal...). To make sure it doesn't cause temp change, I add gallon every 5 minutes into the sump when I do water change... I was just curious if that's the reason why you had a heater in there or if there is another reason. Thanks.
Saltwater storage only really needs to be heated and aeriated 24 - 48 hours prior to it being used in the aquarium in my opinion...This helps the water and salt to be correctly mixed, pH to balance out, temp to be correct....By doing this, we get it as close as we can to the display tanks parameters...
Niko
I do it because I make a new salt batch on the weekends after doing a water change. This water isn't going to be used until the next WC and I want it to remain the same temp and such so it will match the display when it is time to use it.