Stored NSW, parameter change over time.

[Scrubber_steve]

Hello;

I use natural seawater to calibrate my test kits.
I would like to keep a few gallons stored for this purpose.

Which parameters would change over a period of a year or two?

I'm thinking alk, cal, mag & potassium would be stable?

Not sure about po4, no3 & pH ?

Cheers
Steve

 

[clevername]

I would imaging you would have a TON of bacteria breakdown. IMO i would guess there would be a mini cycle in the storage contain you have and eventually have some deadstuff floating around. Cure what other experienced reefers have seen

 

[Scrubber_steve]

I would imaging you would have a TON of bacteria breakdown. IMO i would guess there would be a mini cycle in the storage contain you have and eventually have some deadstuff floating around. Cure what other experienced reefers have seen

Yes, how much this would affect pH, no3 & po4 I don't know,
but I'm more interested if that, or some other reaction may take place & change alk, cal, mag, pot readings?

 

[bertoni]

The calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels should be fine if the temperature remains in the safe zone. They would form a visible precipitate if there's a problem. Phosphate, nitrate, and pH could all shift. Bacteria would act on the dissolved nutrients, and carbon dioxide equilibration with the ambient air could change the pH.

 

[Scrubber_steve]

ok, thanks bertoni.

carbon dioxide equilibration with the ambient air could change the pH.

If the container is sealed, & only outside fresh air enters the container when seawater is intermittently removed, do you think that the pH would shift at all?

 

[bertoni]

There still would be decay going on in the water that would change the pH. I wouldn't seal it, personally. That will cause some amount of anaerobic decay.

 

[Scrubber_steve]

There still would be decay going on in the water that would change the pH. I wouldn't seal it, personally. That will cause some amount of anaerobic decay.

Very interesting, thanks. A cloth cover would be better suited.