mixing up replacement water help for water changes

[Anonymous]

In the past, when I have done water changes, I used (2) 1 gallon jugs. Took a while! Mix up the water back and forth with the salt until well dissolved and clear and added it to the tank immediately. Temp was usually prety damn close, and my water source is awesome (well water tested very low alk, ph is only 7.2 though, no phosphates, no trates etc...) through a whole house filter and softener, then through a uv/ozone chamber and finally a .05 micron solid carbon filter. All tests were great.
Well, after learning more about alk relationship to co2 and I use instant ocean and it says best to let co2 and o2 reach equilibrium etc...I bought a 5 gallon container, a visatherm 150 watt heater, I'm swapping out my rio 800 that I'll use in the bucket for circulation (just bought a maxi jet 900 for the tank itself) and should I use an airstone?. Now does this sound right?:

Mix up salt in container to .025, then let sit overnight in bucket with the heater, powerhead and airstone?
Anything else I should do/add?

Any input would be great!

Thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

If you have a powerhead in there, I do not think you need an airstone, the powerhead will circulate the water and take care of the needed gas exchange.

 

[Anonymous]

ct, just attach an airline to the rio and let it go. I close my container when mixing because it's in the kitchen and I don't want any surprises.

 

[Anonymous]

thank for the replies! The rio does not have an airline tube...you both agree the circulation itself overnight is enough for proper gas exchange?

 

[Anonymous]

ps...i already have an air pump/airstone left over from years ago almost new...couldnt hurt to use it right?

Is this also a good time to add my calcium supplement to the mix?
Thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

Just a few comments.

It's important to add the salt to the water and not the other way around. The first minute of contact is important so it's best to stir like mad as you add the salt to the water.

I would seriously worry about copper in your well water from the NE. You might be fine but take a sample to the water authority to make sure. They'll test it for you.

The quality of well water can be very seasonal. I would suggest testing the PO4 and Silicates monthly to see if there is a bad time of year for well water in your area.

 

[Anonymous]

Guy, thank you, very informative points!

I will keep that in mind about the salt...I have actually been doing the opposite, so I thank you for that. I do mix it like mad as the water goes into the container in a violent swirling motion though, then pour from container into container a dozen times until it is clear. Now with the 5 gal bucket, I wil be sure to do what you said and stir it constantly as im adding.

Copper is fine, water was tested as part of purchasing the home and from what I remeber it was nil. I do have a copper test that I have used from time to time to be sure and still at nil. With a house built in 1955, I was worried about the copper with the old piping, but all is well.

I never thought about seasonal water quality. I had phosphates tested a year ago, but didnt think it can change like you said. I will buy a phosphate test kit next run to the LFS. Would my filter remove that anyway? It is a uv/ozone with .05 micron solid carbon filter.This is after going through a whole house 1 micron filter and water softener. uuugh another f'n test kit! lol...my wife already laughs at me...test for amm, trites, trates,ph, calcium, copper, iodine, etc and now phosphates! test tubes everywhere!
How do you test for silicates?

Thanks again for points I have overlooked. Every bit of info is a big help!

 

[Anonymous]

Guy, thank you, very informative points!

I will keep that in mind about the salt...I have actually been doing the opposite, so I thank you for that. I do mix it like mad as the water goes into the container in a violent swirling motion though, then pour from container into container a dozen times until it is clear. Now with the 5 gal bucket, I wil be sure to do what you said and stir it constantly as im adding.

Copper is fine, water was tested as part of purchasing the home and from what I remeber it was nil. I do have a copper test that I have used from time to time to be sure and still at nil. With a house built in 1955, I was worried about the copper with the old piping, but all is well.

I never thought about seasonal water quality. I had phosphates tested a year ago, but didnt think it can change like you said. I will buy a phosphate test kit next run to the LFS. Would my filter remove that anyway? It is a uv/ozone with .05 micron solid carbon filter.This is after going through a whole house 1 micron filter and water softener. uuugh another f'n test kit! lol...my wife already laughs at me...test for amm, trites, trates,ph, calcium, copper, iodine, etc and now phosphates! test tubes everywhere!
How do you test for silicates?

Thanks again for points I have overlooked. Every bit of info is a big help!

 

[Anonymous]

No, none of the filters you mentioned will remove phosphate or silicate. The only problem with silicate is extra diatoms. Not a big deal for me but some people hate 'em.

Even RO will only remove 70% or so of Phosphate so the only practical way is DI. Phosphate has a direct negative influence on coral growth so it's worth the trouble to check.

 

[reefmongrel]

I use a 30g and keep the r/o water same temp as tank. Once at temp, I add salt to the correct sp gr - then i know it is temp corrected from the beginning. I keep it mixed and moving w a pump and aerator for typically 3-5 days before using.
Craig