Water

[Maplewood20]

This may be a dumb question, but I am wondering how long saltwater lasts.

Since I don't have a good place to permanently install my RO/DI system, I have to lug it up from the basement, connect it to the sink in the bathroom and then monitor it all day so the bucket does not overflow. This is a bit of a PITA so I try to make as much as I can once I set it up.

I keep plain RO/DI water in gallon jugs for topping off the tank. I have about 6 of those that am rotating which means the oldest will be about 3 weeks old by the time I use it.

I also make saltwater in 5 gallon buckets. I have two, so that water will sit around for two weeks before being used since one of them is good for the week's water change.

Is it possible that my water can become stale while it is sitting around waiting for me to use it?

 

[saltkreep88]

It will not go bad, ph might lower so i would add a powerhead to the container for a little before you use it.

 

[TanksNStuff]

The saltmix should not "go stale". If the container is not sealed, water may evaporate and thereby raising the salinity a bit. So I would check salinity again before using just to be sure. There are plenty of people that make up saltwater a week or two in advance with no ill effects.

I agree that a powerhead should be used for a while to aerate it and get the pH up to normal before using for a WC too.

 

[firemountain]

Depending on the salt mix...I would keep it small powerhead on it for movement. IORC has organics in it...which is what I use.....it needs to be periodically stirred or it can go anaerobic. I keep my salt mix stirred on a timer...1 hour on...3 hours off. The regular IO doesn't have any binders in it, so it should be fine stored in a airtight container.