Stored NSW, parameter change over time.

Scrubber_steve · 02/18/2020, 07:44 AM

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 · 02/18/2020, 11:17 AM

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 · 02/18/2020, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clevername2000

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 · 02/18/2020, 06:28 PM

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 · 02/18/2020, 06:39 PM

ok, thanks bertoni.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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 · 02/18/2020, 07:01 PM

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 · 02/18/2020, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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

02/18/2020, 07:44 AM	#1
Scrubber_steve I'm really very likeable Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Down Under Posts: 676	Stored NSW, parameter change over time. 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 __________________ Create a Concept & Reality Leaves the Room. Current Tank Info: Algae scrubbed.

02/18/2020, 06:28 PM	#4
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	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. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

02/18/2020, 07:01 PM	#6
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	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. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

02/18/2020, 11:17 AM	#2
clevername Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Manchester, MO Posts: 1,125	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