Is it ok to keep my backup saltwater heated?

[Liam's tank]

I keep my mixed saltwater in a 32 gal brute with a pump for circulation and a heater set to match my DT temp of 78. Is this ok? I just read that keeping the water heated may present problems. I make and store the water in my basement that is not heated, so I would be concerned doing a 10% water change with water that is in the 40 degree range in the winter & in the 50s in the summer.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It’s best to not heat a high alk mix, especially if the pH is normal to high. A lower alk mix at lower pH is fine.

 

[lapin]

What I do
Mix water for few hours until it’s dissolved and ready for use.
24 hours before I want to change water I drop in my heater. 2 hours before I change water I turn on my circulation pump.

 

[Quietman]

I don't heat my water, used to but stopped for some reason lost to time and never started again. There's a small temp drop when changing water but a couple degrees has never hurt anything in my tank and it quickly recovers. The issue would be if there's ever an emergency where you'd need to do a 50% or a series of WC to reduce some contaminant. That's a risk you may wish to address and take appropriate steps.

 

[Liam's tank]

It’s best to not heat a high alk mix, especially if the pH is normal to high. A lower alk mix at lower pH is fine.

I use Tropic Marin Pro Reef salt

 

[Devisissy]

Huh. I heat mine. 77 degrees with a pump. Its for water changes on my little tank. So I shouldn't?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Huh. I heat mine. 77 degrees with a pump. Its for water changes on my little tank. So I shouldn't?

The only concern with heating is calcium carbonate precipitation. If that is not happening, or you do not care about it, then heating is no concern.

Every reefer can see for themselves if it is significant in their own situation.

Even with no heating, I experienced lots of precipitate from normal IO, but I just ignored it.