raising SG properly

[swenard]

I currently have my SG at 1.022 and want to raise it to 1.025. I am going to wait until I pick up a refractometer tomorrow that I ordered, because I am pretty sure my hydrometer is not too accurate.

But to raise it properly, I understand it should be done slowly. Is the best way to use 1.025 water when I do my weekly 10% water changes or to let the water evaporate until it is 1.025 and top it off with more water that is 1.025?

Also, I am planning on keeping enough water around to be able to do a full water change if I ever had to in an emergency. Does salt water go bad? It would be in sealed 5 gallon containers and in a fairly chilly basement(19 degrees C). I am lazy and I figured it would be easier to mix it all up in a big container I have, then store it in the 5 gallon jugs.


Thanks!

P.S. I belong to a lot of forums for various interests and I have to say... This website is the most helpful of any forums I have ever been on. Usually you tend to get the a**hole response of *use the search button*. Although, the search never works on this site anyway, LOL.

[romunov]

I just add salt to my top-off from time to time due to salt loss (skimmer for example).

Someone else is going to have to fill you in on storing water - I mix as I go...

[PoukieBear]

i asked this question a while back. The answer I got was that you can't keep the water for too long. maybe two weeks or so. I didn't realy get a clear answer as to why though...

[Moreta]

Originally posted by swenard

But to raise it properly, I understand it should be done slowly. Is the best way to use 1.025 water when I do my weekly 10% water changes or to let the water evaporate until it is 1.025 and top it off with more water that is 1.025?

If I had to, I'd top off with less freshwater than needed (say the tank evaporates 1 gallon a day I'd put in 3/4) as long as that doesn't cause problems with equipment running due to a lowered water level and do weekly water changes with 1.025.

If a lowered water level would be a problem or if it is a larger tank, say 75 gallons or more I'd have to try adding salt to the daily makeup water (like 1.10) just because ofthe sheer amount of time it would take to raise the SG the 'safe slow' way.

As far as storage, I keep 50 gallons in a covered trash can at all times with an airstone and a heater. Never had any problems, but the water is always used within two weeks.

[swenard]

I appreciate the responses. I think I will just top up with 1.023 water and do a water change with 1.023. then a week after move to 1.024 until I get to 1.025. I think it should only take about 4-5 weeks for it that way.

As for keeping water, how come it can't be kept for longer? Does it go stagnant?

[Paintbug]

wait until you get the refracometer. your water is probablly already at 1.025

[swenard]

Originally posted by Paintbug
wait until you get the refracometer. your water is probablly already at 1.025

LOL! That's what I was thinking! That's why I was waiting to raise it until I get the refractometer. I figured I was right in the middle this way to account for any variance.

[Scuba Oz]

Yeah, wait for the refractometer first. Then just use mixed saltwater for your top off until you get to where you want to be.