Why age newly mixed saltwater?
- Thread starter RCKY
- Start date
It makes sure all the salt and minerals are dissolved into the water do that when you test it's all accurate. It might look like everything is dissolved but that's not always the case. Letting it stand for a few days insures it's properly dissolved and evenly dispersed threw the whole volume of water and will not cause any problems when adding it to the system.
phillrodrigo
New member
Ive seen a test done to this and it doesnt really matter to a point. It does need to mix for a few hours overnight is best. No changes happened after 2 hours I believe ph was stable. Some salts like red sea coral pro have to be used within 4 hours
jdaniels175
New member
i don't mix more than 10 mins, and add directly without adjusting the temp. Don't think it makes any difference in real life. I tested the temp change with a digital thermometer while adding 5gal cool saltwater to my 50B, and it made basically 0 impact. But this is on my tank, I don't know how it would effect yours.
Beefy_Reefy
New member
100% wrong about Red Sea Coral Pro. Why would it have to be used within 4 hours? Makes no sense.. I can mix it for days, even a week and it's perfectly fine.
Ptyochromis
Member
Test the pH after you first mix your water. The pH is often sky high.
Not true about RS CP. The directions used to say mix for 4 hours before use. They now say you can use it immediately. I have to let my salt sit for 2 days minimum before I can use it (I wait for it to become clear and the pH to go down to 8.4).
I never see any precipitate collecting on the jug with RS CP.
Not true about RS CP. The directions used to say mix for 4 hours before use. They now say you can use it immediately. I have to let my salt sit for 2 days minimum before I can use it (I wait for it to become clear and the pH to go down to 8.4).
I never see any precipitate collecting on the jug with RS CP.
D-Nak
Active member
I think everyone's experience will vary, so let's just make sure we test our water parameters periodically to make sure it's usable either immediately or after "aging" for an extended period of time.
For me, I can use the same water both days, I just need to set my expectations. If I uses immediately, my pH may be higher, as will Alk and CA. If I let it sit, it's definitely still usable, I just need to adjust the parameters to my liking.
I've started "cutting" my aquavitro with normal IO, to cut costs and also to help with the clouding of the aquavitro. As I mentioned, aquavitro can supposedly be used immediately, but according to the IO site, it says "Always allow newly mixed salt water to circulate with a powerhead or airstone at least overnight before use." We'll see how it goes.
For me, I can use the same water both days, I just need to set my expectations. If I uses immediately, my pH may be higher, as will Alk and CA. If I let it sit, it's definitely still usable, I just need to adjust the parameters to my liking.
I've started "cutting" my aquavitro with normal IO, to cut costs and also to help with the clouding of the aquavitro. As I mentioned, aquavitro can supposedly be used immediately, but according to the IO site, it says "Always allow newly mixed salt water to circulate with a powerhead or airstone at least overnight before use." We'll see how it goes.
D-Nak
Active member
On a side note, I also think the "use immediately" approach is a way to protect companies who boast that their salt meets or exceeds certain parameters. Some people may not be able to use the water immediately because something is out of whack such as pH (let's say the RO/DI water used has a high pH -- mine does) but all other parameters meet the manufacturers claims. Now people can't complain that the company has false advertising.
) I've never bothered to let new saltwater age. If you want to fine but I certainly wouldn't hesitate to do a 30% - 50% water change with new saltwater.phillrodrigo
New member
I dont have the mixing instructions anymore but heres another person saying the same thing on this forum
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2343082
phillrodrigo
New member
So before you say 100% wrong I would atleasy do the research
evolutionZ
New member
For the past one year of reef keeping. I do 10% wc weekly with RSCP salt. Dump salt in bucket and a 2000l/hr pump aerates the salt for about 30mins and I use it immediately. (I don't need to heat my water because I come from a tropical country)
I've tested both newly mixed. And water that is areated overnight and it turns out all parameters are totally the same. No point in aging.
I've tested both newly mixed. And water that is areated overnight and it turns out all parameters are totally the same. No point in aging.
Beefy_Reefy
New member
Just pointing out what you said about NEEDING to use RSCP within 4 hours is not true. No where does it say that. No way that is true is all.
It's one of the most popular salts in the hobby and tests just fine after a week of mixing. I usually use it after a day but have gone a week with same test results. Soooo.
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