Salt Water Storage

[rinconmike]

I typically mix around 30 to 40 gallons of salt water in a 55 gallon drum the day before I use it. I initially mix it with a Mag1800 that i use to pump upstairs (I leave it in the drum). I then run a MJ1200 that I have sitting in the bottom and then a 1/2" tube that runs up to the lid and back down.

If I want to store it for a week or so, is just running the MJ1200 enough or should I throw an airstone in there as well or instead of the MJ1200? I have had times where I had 5 0 10 gallons left and ran the MJ1200 and a week later there was a little odor so I am wondering if the MJ1200 is not aerating it enough and I should run an airstone as well.

thanks,

Mike

 

[downbeach]

Mixed artificial seawater can be stored for as long as needed without continuous stirring or heating when made from adequately pure freshwater.

 

[rinconmike]

thanks. I have been mixing with RO/DI water with 0 TDS and there have been times where if I leave the mixed water sit with the lid on (and the MJ1200 running), I open it and I have a smell. This has happened with both Coral Life and Instant Ocean. I just started using Instant Ocean Reef Crystals and assume the same will happen.

over time my drum does get a brown residue that I have to clean my drum every month or two.

Maybe I am smelling something that is not there :spin1:.

Mike

 

[bertoni]

As long as the salt product doesn't have added organics, I agree that a pump isn't needed. I kept saltwater for months without any pump. I'd leave the top off, though, to add a bit of oxygen. The smell might be from the trace amounts of nutrients that are in any salt mix. Typically, there's not enough to be a problem, though.

 

[rinconmike]

thanks again guys.

Mike

 

[bertoni]

You're welcome!

 

[Swimwiththefish]

As long as the salt product doesn't have added organics, I agree that a pump isn't needed. I kept saltwater for months without any pump. I'd leave the top off, though, to add a bit of oxygen. The smell might be from the trace amounts of nutrients that are in any salt mix. Typically, there's not enough to be a problem, though.

Jumping in on this, Sorry to hyjack, so if i use the TM bio-actif salt mix, i probably should be keeping my SW in a mixing station for a week? Or as long as i have a pump going it will be ok?

 

[bertoni]

If the salt product has organics that you want to make it into the tank, I'd mix it shortly before using it. You can use the pH as a guide to safety in using the water. Otherwise, I'd keep a pump in it.

 

[rinconmike]

Well, I mixed around 35 to 40 gallons of Reef Crystals on Sunday. I was going to do an added water change on Monday but did not. I went out of Town on Tuesday and came back today. There was a slight odor in the drum. I had the lid 1/3 open and ran a MJ1200. The odor could be coming from the water or the 3/4" tube hooked up to my Mag1800. I did not smell before I turned it on so maybe when I turned it on, anything in the tub that created an odor blew out.

After a few minutes, the odor was gone.

Anyway, should i dump the water or is it safe?

thanks,

Mike

 

[MellowReefer]

I think it's safe. I previously worried about this myself. I often notice a strange smell, and I keep a powerhead running continuously. I have brown slime too. But I have read posts about it before, with experienced reefers saying its normal.

 

[rinconmike]

I was mistaken. The smell did not go away after a few minutes. I went back in the room and it was there. I am dumping the salt and will clean the drum and mix a new batch.

Maybe it is running the pump and keeping the lid open that is allowing some organics to breakdown or something?

thanks,

Mike

 

[bertoni]

The organics will break down with or without running a pump. The pump prevents the water from going anoxic, which can produce more toxic decay byproducts. I don't know how much organic content the salt product has, but I suspect the water is safe to use if a pump is kept going. The tank might product an odor for a while, though. If you want to remove the odor, some carbon should help.

 

[rinconmike]

thanks. I have had the same experience with Coral Live, Instant Ocean, and Instant Ocean Reef Crystals.

How often do people clean out their mixing drums/cans? I need to clean my every 2 to 3 months. I usually do with a power washer. Should I use some vinegar in the drum?

 

[tmz]

Several salt mixes incorporate organics with a stated prupose to help bind any free metals. Some count them as vitamins. Coralife and Reef Crystals contain them. I use Coral Life .The water is stored indefinitley in a covered but unsealed bin with a small power head running. No troubles or smells over the years.

 

[bertoni]

I probably wouldn't bother with vinegar in the drum unless I wanted to reduce any odors, but it wouldn't hurt. The vinegar might help remove any metals that are building up, I suppose.

 

[rogergolf66]

My water sits in my drum for a month at a time some times. I leave a loose lid on it with small seio pump moving water. Never a problem