Water Change

[Aqualung]

How long should I wait after mixing up water before I do a water change?? Thanxx Joey

 

[fuzzyClam]

I only wait until temp is the same as the temp in my main tank, and water is clear, no more cloudiness, and obviously if salinity is in check with main tank.

 

[JoeV]

I usually put a small pump in and wait a couple of hours to airate .. also help with mixing salt, buffer etc.

 

[JHOV2324]

wait one day.....

 

[jim63dt]

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-11/nftt/index.php
I was waiting for deanos to post this lol

Mixing saltwater for 24 hours or longer is called "aging" saltwater. This is a good practice because it allows the salt to fully dissolve and the water to stabilize. At times we are in a hurry, and in those cases if the new saltwater is clear (not cloudy), and matches temperature, salinity and pH, it is ready to use. Letting it age, however, is best whenever possible. Keeping the container covered with a loose fitting lid will prevent anything from accidentally contaminating the water, such as in-home aerosols, dust or, worse yet, items being carried a little too closely to the mixing container.

 

[h20 freak]

I'm bad with it, I just mix the amount of salt I see fit(to lower or raise salinity) and wait for it to get clear and throw it in:shhh:

 

[Wes]

I wait 1-2 days usually

 

[NYreefNoob]

i mix a few days ahead, makes sure all is mixed and able to get a correct salinity. alot depends on salt you use, some dissolve faster then other's also red on rc somewhere about tropic marin salt leaching phos, so it needed to mix for a few day's. let me see if i can find it before someone says something

 

[KathyC]

Unless you are having an emergency situation where you need to use the water immediatley, it is best to let it sit at least for a day..for 2 reasons...
to allow it to aerate and to allow the salt mix to fully dissolve.

I keep a hose attached to the pump in my storage bucket so the water is pumped from the bottom to above the surface of the water and then drops back in. Aside from our skimmers and p/h's that break the surface water in our tanks, we have no other way of aerating the water. I feel this is an important step in the health of our tanks.

 

[ZANYMASTER]

Bad enough I store RO/DI and then storing mixed salt water?Sorry,no space for it.I usaully let it mix with a pump for 30 minutes.Some salts dissolve faster than others.We all don't live in Mansions like Kathy C does:lol:

 

[KathyC]

We all don't live in Mansions like Kathy C does:lol:

I call it Chateau Hell...lol
I've made peace with the garbage can full of water...the top of it makes a nice table to fold laundry...

 

[ZANYMASTER]

I couldn't even phantom the thought keeping one of those in my apartment.My wife is a true ball buster.

 

[KathyC]

I couldn't even phantom the thought keeping one of those in my apartment.My wife is a true ball buster.

Hey! She lets you keep the tank!! It could be worse...

Sorry about the hijack there Lung...

 

[ZANYMASTER]

She's always hinting for me to get rid of it.She knows how much I love the hobby .Now back to the subject.Sorry guys.

 

[Awibrandy]

I mix my salt in to temp. correct ro/di until it dissolves completely, and the water is totally clear. I add the water in to my sump, never the display tank.

 

[midtownman]

so the make up water should be the same salinty as the display tank?

 

[Awibrandy]

so the make up water should be the same salinty as the display tank?

Absolutely!! And calc., alk, PH & temp. I only check for sg., ph, & temp.:shhh:

 

[NavyNano212]

What are thoughts on pre-mixed saltwater(from Petco for example)...especially for small nanos. One container is 5 gal, perfect amount and it is very stable and cost efficient. Especially if you live in NYC and have little room for all the gadgets...

Any comments?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

What are thoughts on pre-mixed saltwater(from Petco for example)...especially for small nanos. One container is 5 gal, perfect amount and it is very stable and cost efficient. Especially if you live in NYC and have little room for all the gadgets...

Any comments?

It's all I use, just check the salinity before you add it to your tank.

 

[NavyNano212]

Cool. Yes, I do check the salinity before adding it to the tank. Sometimes, I even test the water, just to see if it really is as good as they say. It always tests good.