How long can premixed SW last for

[Andy O]

I have some buckets of water that I mixed and they have been sitting for about 5 weeks or so. Will this be OK to use if I run a power head in each buck to oxygenate the water prior to using?

 

[zev]

I had a problem with some water that sat for 2 weeks, I had powerheads running but not with venturi, I would suggest you throw some airline on the powerheads to seriously airate it before you use it.

Assuming nothing fell into the water and decomposed I don't think there would be a problem.

 

[Andy O]

On the maxi jet what do you do -- do you put the airline tubing no the little nozzle on the top of the output? What could happen with bad water?

 

[NateHanson]

I'd keep it completely light-tight as well, or it will grow algaes

 

[zev]

yes the airline would go from outside the tank/water and attach to the nozzle by the mj output.

Good point nate, did not think about the algae.

As far as bad water, my situation was (i believe) I did a 30% water change with oxygen defficient water, everything got pissed off, my corals looked terrible and lucky nothing died. I could amagine that you could kill a bunch of stuff with non oxygenated water if you weren't lucky.

Also if something fell into the water and decomposed you would be doing a water change with amonia and nitrate filled water.....that would kinda defeat the water change. To be safe I would add airline to the mj's and do a quick nitrate test....but you should be okay

 

[Andy O]

Thanks for the advice. I have the water in HD orange buckets with lids on top. How long would you run the maxi jet for prior to use? Does it make sens to run an air stone in it as well?

 

[Chuck Spyropulos]

I have used old water with no problems. I store mine in a 50 gallon barrell with a tight lid on it. Two pumps keep the water aerated and moving constantly.