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02/08/2018, 01:17 PM | #1 |
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Storing Water
I'm brand new to the hobby, I just bought a used 90 gallon tank from craigslist. Looking into buying an RO/DI unit and I have some questions about storing the water. I'm store the unit in the attic or something when I'm not using it. I'd like to make 55 gallons at once and store it until I run out. Looking into buying a 55 gallon drum that seals, and a bunch of 5 gallon buckets with lids. How long can I store the mixed saltwater in my garage? If it is in the shade in the garage, what could go wrong? If storing the saltwater is not an option, I assume I could store the RO/DI indefinitely and just mix salt 24 hours before I need to use the water? What if I ever have to do an emergency water change? It seems like if it doesn't go bad in a sealed container in the shade, having plenty of saltwater on hand ready to go would be a good idea.
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02/08/2018, 01:41 PM | #2 |
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Generally, you want to keep most of your storage water as RO/DI, mainly for the ease of storage. RO/DI water is inert, meaning less wear-and-tear on the container and any equipment. Also, in case of an emergency RO/DI can be used for any water needs while premixed saltwater is good only for your aquarium. It definitely doesn't hurt to have enough saltwater for a worst-case scenario, but keeping vast reserves isn't necessary.
With premixed saltwater, you're only limited by your ability to keep the salt evenly mixed in the water over time. In a container, salt mix can slowly precipitate back out of the water and settle to the bottom. As the salt settles out, lower salinity water sinks and lower salinity water rises, creating an imbalance in salinity throughout the container. In the shop, premixed saltwater in the big vat stirs 24/7 via a small powerhead to prevent this. In a smaller container, like a bucket or a deltang jug, you could simply use a powerhead to stir the water thoroughly before adding it to your system. |
02/08/2018, 04:49 PM | #3 | |
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02/08/2018, 05:51 PM | #4 |
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You want to store RODI in a food safe container. I use a Brute trash can. They are food safe, come in a variety of sizes and you can put them in wheels.
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02/08/2018, 06:04 PM | #5 |
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I like to keep enough salt water on hand where I can do 2 50% water changes over a 24-48 hour period.
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02/09/2018, 07:56 AM | #6 |
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Keep it aerated/circulating if it’s already mixed. With the lid on if possible
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02/09/2018, 11:14 AM | #7 |
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Thanks for the info everyone. So what happens if I store water in containers that are not food grade? ie. home depot 5 gallon buckets, as they are cheap.
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02/09/2018, 11:26 AM | #8 |
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Most non-disposable plastics are fine, but for long term use with saltwater you want "polyethylene", or PE, and specifically "HDPE", which is higher density and more resistant to most common chemicals, UV light etc..
Buckets, including Home Depot, are HDPE. "Food grade" is being misused in this thread. Brute trashcans are not designed for food processing... lol, but they are HDPE.
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02/09/2018, 11:27 AM | #9 | |
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300g custom acrylic from James 72x36x27, 4 Mitras Lx7 &6 a360, 2 Stream 3s, C2C beananimal. 100g sump, Jebao DCP- 8000 (Vectra M1 died) -> 114w aquauv -> SRO 5000ext , varios8 return Current Tank Info: Me v Dinos - I'm winning for now... |
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02/09/2018, 10:34 PM | #10 |
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I'll go against the grain with what some have said. I'll store RO/DI water long term but not NSW. The reason being is precipitation of various elements. I like to mix my salt and water and use it right away (well, as soon as it's completely mixed which happens quickly with ESV salt and when it's circulated and heated).
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02/10/2018, 09:30 AM | #11 |
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I use a 55 gal plastic "rain barrel" with a threaded screw on top, it's fitted with a hose bib to drain into my water buckets when needed, I placed the barrel on 3 inverted 5 gal buckets with a piece of ply wood on top to achieve the proper pouring height. I use a power head and heater [72 degrees] inside so that the water is always circulated and never too cold to add to any of my tanks, I've used this setup for 20+ years now, never any issues. I only keep RO/DI water ready, I mix the salt a few hours before using.
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02/14/2018, 09:37 AM | #12 |
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Thanks everyone. I went ahead and spent the money on a 55 gallon barrel that is rated food safe and HDPE and can seal tightly. So, it seems like the main reason people have to not mix salt in for long term storage is that the salt concentration will become not uniform if it is not constantly agitated. Would stirring vigorously for a few minutes before use not solve that problem?
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02/14/2018, 09:44 AM | #13 | |
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You can just open the top and drop in a mag or similar sturdy pump.
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300g custom acrylic from James 72x36x27, 4 Mitras Lx7 &6 a360, 2 Stream 3s, C2C beananimal. 100g sump, Jebao DCP- 8000 (Vectra M1 died) -> 114w aquauv -> SRO 5000ext , varios8 return Current Tank Info: Me v Dinos - I'm winning for now... |
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02/14/2018, 09:23 PM | #14 | |
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salt, storage, water |
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