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- Jun 14, 2020
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I pre-made several weeks worth of water change water using TM classic salt. I use an ro/di filter for source water. DI side is reading 0 TDS. RO side reads about 3 TDS. I have the made saltwater stored in a 40ish gallon brute trash can in my backyard patio where it gets direct sunlight for a few hours per day. The water is being mixed constantly with a hydor powerhead. I do not heat the water as I live in northern california - outdoor temp is usually close enough to keep the water at a suitable temperature. The trash can lid is kept on pretty much at all times. The current batch was made probably 4 weeks ago and there are about 10-15 gallons left in the trash can. I haven't tested recently but I have tested in past - my made saltwater reads 0 ppm nitrate via salifert. I haven't tested phosphate but I can with a hanna checker if there is reason to.
I went to check on the water today in anticipation of doing a water change tomorrow. It looks like there is something blooming in the water as it has a brown tinge now. So, some questions:
I went to check on the water today in anticipation of doing a water change tomorrow. It looks like there is something blooming in the water as it has a brown tinge now. So, some questions:
- Any idea what is blooming in the water?
- Any idea of how long water change change water like this can sit outside before this bloom becomes likely?
- Since the water itself doesn't get any direct sunlight, I assume that whatever is blooming is not being driven by sunlight. So I further assume that storing the trash can (and its contents) inside a shed would not help. Agree?
- Any other tips or suggestions for long term storage of saltwater? I do not intend on going back to making batches of water change water every week. That just absolutely sucks the life out of me.