another newbie question

[craqerjaq]

everyone talks about having sw premade for water changes. is there anything special that needs to be done with the extra sw? any special procedures or steps that need to be taken to maintain the water quality or is it just as simple as mix in the salt to the right levels and then let sit in a closed container?

[Ninong]

The saltwater should be made up in advance. I usually let mine rest for at least three days but Fossa & Nielson recommend seven days.

You should use R.O./D.I. water. You should raise the temperature of the R.O./D.I. water to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, or whatever your aquarium's temperature is. Make sure that the heater does not touch the Rubbermaid (or other brand) container. You don't want to burn a hole in the container.

Choose a container that will not leach nasty chemicals into your water. Some plastic containers will definitely leach chemicals into water, especially R.O./D.I. water.

All Rubbermaid Brute containers in any size, as long as they are gray, white or yellow, are USDA Meat & Poultry Equipment Group Listed and certified to NSF International Std. #2 (gray, white and yellow).

Just remember: It must be a Brute and it must be gray, white or yellow. I haven't bothered to check any other manufacturers to see if they offer anything comparable.

After your freshwater is warmed up to 80 F, or whatever your tank's operating temperature is, gradually add 1/2 cup of salt mix for every gallon of freshwater. That's what the manufacturers all recommend but it is never enough. You can add that much first and then check your salinity an hour later and adjust if necessary. You will almost certainly have to add a little more salt mix to bring your saltwater up to 35 ppt salinity. If you should ever have the problem that your saltwater is too strong (salinity too high), then you will have to remove a little and replace with freshwater (R.O./D.I. water) unless there is room in your container to add more freshwater.

When adding the salt mix to the freshwater, stir vigorously with a very large spoon (plastic or wooden spoon) for about 10 seconds after each addition. After you have finished adding the salt mix, stir for about 30 seconds. Then use either an airstone in the bottom of the container or a powerhead in the bottom to keep the saltwater in motion. Check salinity about an hour later and adjust with more salt if necessary. Do NOT place a tight cover on the container. Leave a little bit of space so that air can get in... at least for the first two or three hours.

Let your saltwater rest for three to seven days with the airstone or powerhead running. I like to use the tubing from the airstone or the electrical cord from the powerhead to keep the cover on the container just slightly open. I have always used my saltwater after it has aged and then discarded any leftover saltwater. You could store it, probably with the lid on tight, and then use it later. Be sure to aerate it for a couple of hours before using it. I have always left the lid just slightly ajar while aging saltwater and I have always used it between three to seven days later.

You can also store R.O./D.I. water for future use. Store it in an approved container (see above) with the lid on tight. With R.O./D.I. water it is especially important that you use only an approved container.

[craqerjaq]

that's exactly what I needed to know thanks.