Saltwater mix?

[polarbear]

Just wondering how long is to long to keep saltwater mixing in a brute trash can? I have some water that has been mixing for almost a month. I tested the cal the other day and its still fine. Should I be worried using it?

[rrasco]

I leave mine for long periods of times. So long as it's got movement I don't think it matters.

[SABOB]

Shouldn't matter,circulate and test salinity,CA,Alk,pH.....if #s good, should be no issues


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[allan]

Question. What are the concerns of leaving it still for long periods of time? Is it an oxygenation issue? Would starting an agitated stirring process cause it to reintroduce oxygen?


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[glarior]

Question. What are the concerns of leaving it still for long periods of time? Is it an oxygenation issue? Would starting an agitated stirring process cause it to reintroduce oxygen?


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There was a article in a scientific journal I read regarding this. The brute trash cans, over time, can release a carbon source for bacteria to thrive thus rendering the water not ideal for aquarium use. However, keeping the water agitated/circulated the bacteria did not grow. Something about the plastics used in the trash can is the carbon source even though they are inert. Very good read.... really wish I could find it.

I am trying to google the journal but can't find it.

If anyone can find the abstract please let me know!

[rrasco]

There was a article in a scientific journal I read regarding this. The brute trash cans, over time, can release a carbon source for bacteria to thrive thus rendering the water not ideal for aquarium use. However, keeping the water agitated/circulated the bacteria did not grow. Something about the plastics used in the trash can is the carbon source even though they are inert. Very good read.... really wish I could find it.

I am trying to google the journal but can't find it.

If anyone can find the abstract please let me know!

I'd be interested in that article. Many people have made claims about the brute trash cans leaching into the water, mainly the named item is phosphates. However, Randy Holmes Farley, chemist and reef enthusiast, has made some pretty good arguments against these claims, and articles that have been published regarding them as well.

To answer Allan's question, I don't know why they said RO water is fine sitting but SW is not.

[SABOB]

My response was meant for "prior to using" Wouldn't recommend letting it sit,then pouring/pumping into tank.I would aerate before testing then using


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[ramsey]

I'd also note that the water will start to stink if you cover it (even with circulation). When I had water in a brute with the lid on, I'd stink within a week or so, without the lid on, it wouldn't start to stink. That's my experience anyway.

[polarbear]

What if it stinks? Does that hurt anything? Mine does stink a little until I leave the lid off and it airs out.

[FireWater]

I believe the stink comes from bacteria. Everything has some from of bacteria. When the mix is left sealed it has a chance to build up that bacteria.

[Big_Pun]

yup this happen to me when I left my new dry rick to start cycling I left pump off two days and it stank, lil yellow too. so I tossed on a CPR back pack skimmer and in 24 hours if was clear and no smell, not much in collection cup, but it was aerated so I guess cleaned up. I wouldn't use it if it smells maybe check for ammonia ?

[ramsey]

I don't know if the stink matters or not. I've used it before but stopped keeping a lid on the container because it made me nervous. Just a guess, but could it be anaerobic bacteria buildup due to lack of oxygen? If it is, wouldn't you want to avoid dosing your tank with anaerobic bacteria?

[Mike]

We have to keep the lid on our brutes of water as the stupid cat keeps jumping into them then they are full. Makes a real mess and the cat is P.O. too. :)

[allan]

Mine has never stunk, but it does get slimy in there. The walls and the hose that is submerged.


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[ramsey]

Allan - is that with or without a lid on it?

[allan]

Good question. I've done both, but I believe it gets slimy no matter what if enough time lapses before use.

I've run a stirring pump for a week before, then the water gets warm.


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[Richard]

I've use water that has been mixed for a very long time without any problems. The only problem I ever had was if the water was really heavily aerated/agitated the calcium & carbonates would sometimes precipitate out on the sides of the container...not sure why that happens sometimes.