Tips for storing NSW and RODI?

[dianapickles]

Hi all

So I'm starting a new shallow cube reef tank! (Super excited).

My plan is to store about 1000L (260g?) of NSW water in a container and when water changes come around just empty what I need into a bucket, heat and then top off.

Does anyone do this? Do I need to aerate the container or should I just keep it sealed to avoid evaporation. I'm guessing I'll be changing it every 5 months.

Also, in terms of ATO and RODI. Does anyone have an RODI unit hooked right up to their sump? So their ATO basically just switches on the RODI? Or do you keep a container of RODI next to your sump and it tops off from there.

Cheers

 

[d-man]

I store 275g in a container. Top sealed, no aeration, no heating. Just drain some DT water, throw my pump into the container and pump NSW into my sump. Done!

DO NOT DIRECTLY PUT RODI TOP OFF TO TANK!!!
This is how crashes happen. Ato gets stuck on RODI continues to pump in and dilute tank or overflow and boom....death and mess

 

[soulpatch]

I keep salt water in a container. I have a pump and heater in there at all times running to keep things mixed and the water up to temp so I can use it as needed without needing to heat first

 

[username in use]

I just set up exactly what you are talking about. I keep 23 gallons of salt water circulating and heated and 23 gallons of RO water ready to go.

 

[fity2pounder]

I agree with d-man...rodi unit as a direct ato is asking for problems. Not only could all of your aquarium items die but you could also have a HUGE water mess which could cause lots of money in house damage.

 

[dianapickles]

Thanks so much guys. Especially for the photo too.

I like the idea of keeping a heater and movement in there for it to be ready to go but at the same time in worried about evaporation.

If I just keep the container sealed with no heating/aeration etc could I just put that straight into the sump? I mean %10-20 of cold water wouldn't affect much right?

Also as for the RODI, woops! I definitely never want to clean a flooded room again... x10. (Thank god for tiles and concrete foundation.) Losing my livestock would be devastating too. I guess I'll just keep a small container of RODI under the tank for ATO.

 

[soulpatch]

Why not heated and sealed? I put rubber grommet on my lid to surround the power plugs and the PVC pipe. Works well though honestly when I dont put it on with the heater and water movement I dont really have that much evaporation in the holding tank. Not enough to move the salinity over the course of a month anyway.

 

[heathlindner25]

Mixed salt water needs to be circulating. Rodi does not. I wouldn't heat either.

 

[username in use]

The only reason I keep my salt water heated is the tanks that I run are only 14 gallons and I tend to do 5-10g water changes.

 

[soulpatch]

I heat since I swap out 35-40 gallons or so at a time when time permits with the toddler. Waiting the time to heat the water for the change would be a pain... I woul rather a small power bill increase for the lack of hassle when I find time during the week..

 

[dianapickles]

Well I think I'll be changing about 30 gallons a week.

So does NSW have to be circulated and heated? I am keeping like 269g or so contained so I'm worried about that going... "Stale?" I'm still not sure which is okay to do or is it really just a matter of preference?

 

[soulpatch]

If I do not keep my water ciculated I get settling and participation in the container to a degree. I think heating is a personal preference though you have to account for evap if unsealed. I prefer the water to always be ready to use and as such I keep it heated.

 

[ghatter]

If I do not keep my water ciculated I get settling and participation in the container to a degree. I think heating is a personal preference though you have to account for evap if unsealed. I prefer the water to always be ready to use and as such I keep it heated.

+1. I keep 30g of each. The NSW I keep heated and circulating. The heater is only set to about 70 degrees, though, and this is primarily because the containers are stored in my garage (directly behind the wall where the tank sits). I pump the water for my changes directly from the storage container and in the winter this could easily be way too cold for me to feel comfortable putting it directly into my sump. In the summer the heater never even comes on.

 

[illjoshlli]

It depends on your salt mix. Some you can continually circulate and heat, others you should not. Red Sea Coral Pro should not be circulated and should not be mixed for more than 4 hours. Some salts like aquaforest Probiotic state that you should use immediately and never store.

 

[dianapickles]

It depends on your salt mix. Some you can continually circulate and heat, others you should not. Red Sea Coral Pro should not be circulated and should not be mixed for more than 4 hours. Some salts like aquaforest Probiotic state that you should use immediately and never store.

I don't use salt mix I just use NSW.

 

[dianapickles]

Darn who knew deciding how to store water would be such a challenge! Even with all the helpful info I really still am not sure which to go with.

Both options seem like great options and I can't decide which one has more pros or cons than the other. I guess I'm leaning a little towards wanting not to heat the water at all and just changing it like that. Would a cold %10 wc really affect temperature much?

 

[soulpatch]

It depends on your salt mix. Some you can continually circulate and heat, others you should not. Red Sea Coral Pro should not be circulated and should not be mixed for more than 4 hours. Some salts like aquaforest Probiotic state that you should use immediately and never store.

And what do you expect to happen? I have used Red Sea in my containers with no issues. Red Sea has posted on their forum (you can find links via searching) that stored water can be circulated. The issue with many salts is the air exchange can cause precipitation of the heightened calc/alk of the mix. Seal container and you are good.

If unsealed be prepared to have some gunk and lose some of the added benefits you are paying for in the salt.

 

[illjoshlli]

And what do you expect to happen? I have used Red Sea in my containers with no issues. Red Sea has posted on their forum (you can find links via searching) that stored water can be circulated. The issue with many salts is the air exchange can cause precipitation of the heightened calc/alk of the mix. Seal container and you are good.

If unsealed be prepared to have some gunk and lose some of the added benefits you are paying for in the salt.

There are many posts( by redSea) and documentation stating not to mix more than 4 hours. I'm on my phone so I can't post links, maybe tonight. I don't think it's too detrimental. I am FAR from being an expert but I think it has something to do with piciptation and reducing alk levels. I just spent a few weeks researching as I just completed my AWC set up. The main point is that salts can be very different so research the one your going to use and what are the requirements for long term storage.

 

[MikeyAl]

I store 275g in a container. Top sealed, no aeration, no heating. Just drain some DT water, throw my pump into the container and pump NSW into my sump. Done!

DO NOT DIRECTLY PUT RODI TOP OFF TO TANK!!!
This is how crashes happen. Ato gets stuck on RODI continues to pump in and dilute tank or overflow and boom....death and mess

That's why I keep a 3 gal bucket. Worst case only 3 gallons goes in.

 

[dianapickles]

Well I use NSW only so being that's it's not a salt mix can I just store it sealed for up to 5 months and use it without heating? Being that it'll only be %10 water changes.