Water Change / storage container (3 Viewers)

[guy9smiley2]

Looking for every way i can simplify my setup. the easier it is to do the more often its likely to get done on time always ( i have a crazy schedule ) I am planning on adding a mixing station container in my stand and just curious for any other people that have a similar setup. i was planning on putting the utility lift pump from brs and hard plumbing it to a T valve above the storage tank. the T would lead back into the storage tank for recirc when mixing and turn valve to go back to tank hard plumbed for refill. with this setup i have 3 ideas or options as it will likely have a small amount left over. My main question is i likely will do option 2 unless any one sees anything really negative with this but does it need to be aerated because of the VERY SMALL trace amount of saltwater left over?

1- Should i wipe it clean after every use and just let it sit empty? or will it be ok with some trace amount sitting in there. it will likely be a pain to clean out a container that size 100% everytime and i worry about the residule getting the calc build up and smell.

2- the option i like best would be just to top it back off with fresh ro water so its ready to add salt mix and do a water change the following month. would i need to aerate it being it would have a VERY small amount of salt in it? were talking maybe a quart of mixed sw vs almost 10 gallons of resh ro water.

3- Do i just put a small pump and heater in it and keep 10g mixed saltwater in it at all times so its jus tready to go and shoot in the tank? or is it more ideal to not have it sit a month at a time before being used.

Im liking the bashea tank for the price and the 10g. unless anyone has any other they recommend for a 10g acrylic tank in this price range?

Also i apologize for my amazing drawing skills on the picture below but it should desribe what im looking for lol.

 

[Reefer Oz]

Your perspective of trying to simplify maintenance tasks is spot on. Cause you are absolutely right about them getting done more regularly if that’s the case.

Option #2 seems your best bet. And I don’t see any reason a very diluted SW solution would foul if left stagnant. By the time you get it mixed up and “aged” (some salt mixes want more time to achieve pH and ionic balance), it should stabilize. And I reckon if you had a small pump keeping it circulating while it sits, it would be even better for maintaining pH and oxygen saturation. A heater in SW storage isn’t ideal though, as it can promote bacteria growth and precipitation.

 

[Varig]

What salt do you use? Some are better suited to longer term storage. I agree with Josh though, option 2 makes the most sense. Or just mix up the new saltwater asap (if you’re using a stable salt mix) and then you’re ready ready.

I also agree about the heater. Don’t heat it until you’re ready. And if you’re doing smaller water changes, it may not be necessary to heat it at all.

I have found that if I try to mix my Red Sea blue bucket with 55 degree fresh rodi, it takes forever. So I turn the heaters to 65 when mixing, then I turn them off again until the day of my water change. But if you’re storing under the tank, there is a good chance your water would be sitting there at 68-70 degrees. You could probably do 10% water changes without bothering heating. I’d just confirm how much it swings tank temp. I ALWAYS heat the water if I’m doing 20-30% changes to prevent a temp swing.

 

[guy9smiley2]

Makes sense appreciate the feedback!!

I use Reef Crystals ( Tank will be softies and some Lps and maybe 1-2 easy sps ) ive just always used reef crystals so i kind of stuck to it. but open to using other brandds in the future if i woul dhave better results.

Pretty much same page then with #2 and just heat it before i use it. maybe keep a small powerhead in it for citculation but likely wouldnt need it ( i like to be safe and just temp to temp when doing changes ) even though i know i dont " have " to so id likely heat it the day i mix it and add to tank, then top back off with fresh ro/di.

10 gallon changes with be 28% based off a 40g tank minus 5 gallons for rock and sand and equipment ( guess ). so 10/35 is 28% roughly.

I'll likely do it on a sunday and add the salt, turn heater and pump on ( if off ) and then add it tot he tank int he afternoon once it has some time to balance.

Appreciate the help!!