How Long Can Prepared Saltwater Sit?

[DBlackman]

Hey Guys,

Another FAQ and Opinion inquiry.

I'm confident that I can find my own answers by 'Trial & Testing', but interested in hearing a 'Reefer's' response to these questions, starting with... How long can prepared saltwater sit?

Knowing that temperature, evaporation, and aeration are factors, what about the other parameters, i.e. ALK, CA, pH, etc?

[princer7]

Been wondering this too. :)

[SoLiD]

The main thing is to keep the container totally sterile prior to filling. You don't want anything to fall in there and start decomposing and therefore starting a cycle which would be bad. If your water has been sitting for over 2 weeks then I would test for Ammonia and Nitrites before adding it to the tank.

-David