Expired premade saltwater

[Reeferer]

My friend gave me an unopened 5 gallons of saltwater that he had in his basement for 2 years. It says that it has a shelf life of 12 months so it is about 12 months expired. I wanted to add this to my 30 gallons or so of saltwater that I have for water changes. Or should I just dump it? I hate to waste the stuff if it is still ok. Any suggestions on why premixed saltwater has a "12 month shelf life"?

 

[wilfx]

II have to much invested to take a chance. So personally, I would not do it.

 

[spaceship]

When in doubt...Toss it out... +1 i also have to much invested to lose when trying to save 11 dollars. I do my water changes on my nano with these they are cheap...

 

[ReeferMedic]

I'm not sure what you are worried about. As long as it isn't a brick, I don't see a problem.

 

[DoctaQ]

is it one of those natural seawater jugs that are supposed to be alive?
if it is, i would toss it

 

[ReeferMedic]

I misread the first post. As long as it doesn't have anything settled out on the bottom of the container, I don't see a problem. If you are going to lose sleep over it though, just toss it.

 

[Bobbofin]

When in doubt toss it out!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

What brand? The answer matters, IMO.

Anything with vitamins or bacteria in it can go bad. If not, and it is pure salt water with no organic matter, it is fine.

 

[Miller]

I'd pour it down the drain. Not worth the risk IMO over 5 gallons of water.

 

[emabie]

Look at and smell it. If like Randy stated above and it does not have any additives like "live bacteria" and it looks clear and smells ok then it should be fine.

Some types do say "live Water' and that may be bad by now.

 

[mak3mydae]

Couldnt you always just skim it?

 

[emabie]

Couldnt you always just skim it?

I suppose you could, but I would think that would defeat the point of a water change.::

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

If it has become anaerobic and has hydrogen sulfide in it, it may take more than skimming to fix it.