Storing water

[Tazmaniancowboy]

I am getting ready to do a massive water change on my system. Will be making water for almost a week. When all is said and done, I may have my first 55g of water for 2 weeks. The water is in a covered 55g drum. My question is should I add the salt now or add the salt the day before I use it. Does it even matter?

Taz

 

[mnat]

I believe you should be fine for a week, just run a powerhead in there and watch the water and test the salinity. Watch for anything forming on top of the water or in it. You should be fine.

 

[duijver]

My understanding is that if the water is in a closed container and moving it should be fine indefinitely.

I just used the last of 45-50 gallons of salt water I made 3 months ago... It's been sitting in the garage in a 55g Brute trashcan capped with a 135gph pump. I pulled out about 5 and 10 gallon chunks every once in a rare occasion since I had an issue with my back that needed to heal.

I normally keep the water in there about a month and I've never had a problem, although I normally wash it out every two fill-ups to keep the white residue to a minimum.

 

[BobnKate]

I store RO water in garbage cans in my basement. The only issue I ever had is a little mold on the inside of the lid because the prolonged humidity. If I keep the lid open, it doesn’t happen or if I keep it closed, than I occasionally wash the inside of the LID with bleach.

Bob

 

[Baxreefs]

FWIW, I use Brute cans and the blue poly 35 gallon drums to store water. I make RODI in a Brute. When I make SW I stir it with an old skimmer pump, venturi & air tube in place, set on a timer so that it mixes and aerates the water a few times a day. I think aeration is the key to well made SW, I also try to allow at least 24 hours before use and I usually supplement the SW with Ca,Mg,andK so that the change water is maxed in capacity for all three. I occasionally check the Alk & pH of the new SW too especially if I crack open a new bucket of salt. I try to make the same amount of water each time so that I have a recipe for my salt mix and water and supplements that works for me and I don't have to fuss with testing. Any set up work that makes water mixing and changing easier for you is well worth your effort.