How long can mixed saltwater be stored?

[Pazzoman]

Hey Everyone,

As I slowly get closer to chafing my 40 gallon to saltwater I was thinking of using 5 gallon water jugs for water changes. 2 of them to be exact so when I do a water change I know exactly how much to take out. So I was thinking of always having one jug ready with salt and water so when I do a water change I will have to just pour it in. Do I need air stones or anything like that?

If it lasts a while I might get a few jugs to store water...

Also have you guys used moving bed filters for saltwater?

 

[BioMan]

Saltwater gets better with age like wine. I put some water from the 80s in my tank and a starfish I had that lost a limb grew back the next day.
Usually though I mix 1/2 cup salt to 1 gal Ro/di water and use a small circulating pump and heater. My water the next day or a week later is always on point.
Haven't kept water longer than 2 weeks yet and when I mix the way I said I'll open a bucket and use a hydrometer to make sure there's salt in there!!!its that clear!!!

 

[Master Shake]

depends on the brand, they have suggested times for mixing, i use red sea pro salt and they suggest half hour to no longer than 4 hours max. other reef mixes im assuming would be around the same but wouldnt know because i have not used them. plain salt mixes, just salt no alk/cal etc... can probably sit for a day or so

 

[BioMan]

Why would there be an expiration window so short for saltwater if they sell jugs at every lfs I've ever been to even petsmart?

 

[rookie07]

The short answer to bioman is: PH levels will fluctuate based on how long since salt water was "made".

 

[bigcapct]

I always have a brute with salted RO ready to go. With a heater and power heads in it. Never had a problem even if I didn't use the water for a week later. IO ReefCrystals

 

[nycfishy]

I make 25 gallons at a time and use about 5 gallons every week or two for water changes, don't make more till I'm down to about 5 gallons. So my water sits around for a month or two with no problems. I use reef crystals or marin. No heater, have a power head going for about a day to mix it and then for a few minutes before I put it in a bucket. Used to have an air stone going for about 12 hours a day but don't do that any more.