How long can sw sit stagnant for?

[AydenLincoln]

I have sw from Hewbie’s tank sitting in bins how long can it sit there before it goes bad? It’s not heated and aerated. I forget the answer to this lol.

 

[Miami Reef]

I have sw from Hewbie’s tank sitting in bins how long can it sit there before it goes bad? It’s not heated and aerated. I forget the answer to this lol.

Not sure, but it’s best to keep it unheated and unaerated.

If there’s no precipitation, it’s good. The saltwater should last a long time as long as precipitation isn’t excessive.

Edit: I thought this was for new water. Disregard.

 

[BubbaBobba]

I would definitely recommend adding a heater to the water so the good bacteria doesn't die off and make the ammonia spike. How long has it been sitting for?

 

[AydenLincoln]

I would definitely recommend adding a heater to the water so the good bacteria doesn't die off and make the ammonia spike. How long has it been sitting for?

4 days. And it was always my conclusion/undersranding that as long as the rock stays in water/wet it will stay alive and is resilient towards swings in temp. Am I wrong? @Randy Holmes-Farley You probably have a better explanation for me?

 

[KrisReef]

4 days. And it was always my conclusion/undersranding that as long as the rock stays in water/wet it will stay alive and is resilient towards swings in temp. Am I wrong? @Randy Holmes-Farley You probably have a better explanation for me?

I always taste mine to know when it is time to do a water change or to figure out if it is still good after sitting in a bucket. Works every time.

 

[aSaltyKlown]

I've gone three weeks without heat and movement in my WC bin. I'll turn the heater on, get it up to temp and check salinity just in case of any evaporation and then proceed to add to my tank. If there is no precipitation, you should be good to go. BRS did a study on this to see how much parameters changed after so many weeks.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/cont...ore-saltwater-after-mixing-brstv-investigates

 

[Science/G]

I have a reservoir that sits for months until used up in water changes.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I had 30+ gallons of mixed SW sit for 5 or so years before using it.

That said, you are talking about his tank water? I assume a lot of organics in it. Not sure how they will react, but lack of heat is not an issue. My only concern without aeration or movement would be oxygen depletion and or bacterial bloom of some type.

 

[Miami Reef]

I didn’t read the part that it was used water. I’m not sure the answer.

If it was brand new, unheated and unmixed after the salt was dissolved is good to do.

 

[AydenLincoln]

I had 30+ gallons of mixed SW sit for 5 or so years before using it.

That said, you are talking about his tank water? I assume a lot of organics in it. Not sure how they will react, but lack of heat is not an issue. My only concern without aeration or movement would be oxygen depletion and or bacterial bloom of some type.

Yes it is used. I don’t think I’ll reuse it. At least not a lot of it and am making new water. My most important issue is that the rock stays alive and that’s why I kept it in water.

 

[Reefering1]

I would just drop a powerhead in there to keep the water circulating. The rocks will be fine... how hewbie doing today?

 

[AydenLincoln]

I would just drop a powerhead in there to keep the water circulating. The rocks will be fine... how hewbie doing today?

He’s good! Very excited for his new home and happy there’s no more ammonia in the water.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Old salt water should be kept aerated. I wouldn't bother heating it if there's no creatures in it. New salt water that does not contain organic matter can sit unheated and unaerated for months.