Water Changes

[KimPossible]

Well, i've run into a couple people that say you should mix your salt water and then wait 24 hrs before adding to your tank to determine the actual specific gravity because it will usually test higher than your test right after mixing.

Also, is it important to have constant water movement in water being stored

I keep mine in covered 5 gal bottles since I go to water and ice for water...

 

[RamJet]

I dont wait, but I know many do. I have never had a problem with it. As long as your container is air tight it is fine, If it is an open container you will need to keep a pump in it to keep it from going stag.

 

[Navarre]

i dont wait either. i do use a refractometer which is far more accurate though so if there are any fluctuations they are very very tiny


edit: Word of warning though. If you are using RO water and do a large water change then its wise to wait a few hours or even the next day. RO water carries much less oxygen so its possible to stress the fish and starve them of oxygen during a large water change.

 

[DJGonzo69]

Navarre,
Do you have a link where I can get a refractometer.
Can I use this one... http/www.refractometer.com/digirefrac.html
Thx.

 

[The Reefer]

I got my refractometer from drsfostersmith.com

 

[Salt Freak]

HERES ONE FROM DOCTORS FOSTER SMITH

http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...4&N=2004+113074

 

[Opcn]

Useing a refractometer or a hygrometer won't work.

the thing is that the salt takes a while to discosiate so you have some water thats 1.020 and some thats 1.025 and some thats 1.032 and some thats 1.007 all in one container. if it sits overnight (it wont go stagnant with out any organic matter in there to decay). if you tossa powerhead in there as you mix it will even it all out faster. Or you can use a constant salt to water ratio and mix well and add without testing.

 

[jimdogg187]

Navarre, I know that RO water is low on oxygen, but is this also true with DI water that has not passed through an RO unit? Jim

 

[leon]

i mix mine in a 35 gal tank, i fill it with RO water, add salt then leave it with a heater and pump going till i need to use it, its in my garage so its dark in there, and cool, saves time!, and i can have 35 gallons of heated, salted water ready in case i need to do a large water change if something goes wrong (hopefully it wont! ), or for just normal water changes, when i can be arsed that is!

 

[lillibirdy]

How do you haul that heavy thing into the house? Do you use a pump to get it into the tank?

 

[Salt Freak]

Useing a refractometer or a hygrometer won't work.

the thing is that the salt takes a while to discosiate so you have some water thats 1.020 and some thats 1.025 and some thats 1.032 and some thats 1.007 all in one container. if it sits overnight (it wont go stagnant with out any organic matter in there to decay). if you tossa powerhead in there as you mix it will even it all out faster. Or you can use a constant salt to water ratio and mix well and add without testing.

I use a powerhead this could stir things upand make it all one salinity I have never waited never saw any problems with it.

 

[Navarre]

Navarre, I know that RO water is low on oxygen, but is this also true with DI water that has not passed through an RO unit? Jim

Sorry Kimmdog, i am afraid i dont know the answer to that question.