Storing water change water

[EDJFA]

Over the weekend I had to dump about 40g of saltwater that I was going to use for a water change. The pest control people came by the office last week and sprayed. That's not why I dumped it. The two silverfish that I found floating dead in it were the reason. I'm assuming the exterminator's magic potion killed them.

I didn't want to risk doing something bad to the tank, so I dumped it.

But that made me wonder about my water change system. I bought a 40g breeder at Petco a while back that I use to store my water change water in. But there have been times that the water sits in there for a really long time. long enough that I get that bacteria/slime layer on the glass that I have to clean off.

So, my question is how long do you guys store saltwater for water changes? Do you always have some ready, just in case?

Other than situations like mine, is there a reason why you wouldn't want to keep some extra saltwater around?

 

[Nanook]

Circulated SW can keep for a long time

 

[chamjack]

Mine sits in a 55 gal drum with a lid on it, for up to a month sometimes. I have a small tunze power head in the barrel that runs 24/7 to keep it churning. I have been doing it this way for years and never had a problem with the water sitting till it was water change time.

 

[EDJFA]

Good to know. Sounds like I just need to get a lid for my tank that keeps stuff out of it until I use it.

 

[Bugboy2020]

What you need in there is a pump. I put a cheap one from Amazon in mine, and it's fine for weeks.

 

[kegogut]

I keep an MJ1200 in my drum for circulation.

 

[Tradewinds]

I'm late to the party, but FWIW, I've been using Aquaforest Probiotic Reef Salt lately and mix it up an hour or two before I use it.

 

[kegogut]

I'm late to the party, but FWIW, I've been using Aquaforest Probiotic Reef Salt lately and mix it up an hour or two before I use it.

How long have you been using the Probiotic? Have you noticed any benefits? Ive been thinking of changing from IO .

 

[Tradewinds]

How long have you been using the Probiotic? Have you noticed any benefits? Ive been thinking of changing from IO .

I have been using it since March and have been dosing Aquaforest Component 1, 2 and 3 as well.

I've seen better polyp extension, better colors, and perhaps a bit faster growth.

With that being said a lot of the results one sees with additives, lights, etc. may be due to the fact that he or she "wants to see" a return for the money spent.