I have heard more than once on this site that saltwater should be mixed and prepared 24 hours before being poured into the tank, heated, and aerated with a powerhead.
I am curious though...I intend to do either weekly or 3 times a month 10-gallon water changes on my 46-gallon. That means 2 5-gallon buckets. Do I really need to have 2 powerheads and 2 heaters for no other purpose than water changes?
Could I try this instead? Mix the 2 buckets of saltwater, heat 1 bucket and aerate for 12 hours, then switch it over to other bucket for 12 hours? At this point, you'd think both buckets would be properly mixed and aerated. As far as the heat, one bucket would be the perfect temperature, and the worst the other bucket would have done is fall a few degrees to room temperature. 5 gallons at a few degrees lower wouldn't even cause a 1/2 degree fluctuation in the aquarium. I just have a hard time justifying spending $60 just to prepare water changes!
Paul
I am curious though...I intend to do either weekly or 3 times a month 10-gallon water changes on my 46-gallon. That means 2 5-gallon buckets. Do I really need to have 2 powerheads and 2 heaters for no other purpose than water changes?
Could I try this instead? Mix the 2 buckets of saltwater, heat 1 bucket and aerate for 12 hours, then switch it over to other bucket for 12 hours? At this point, you'd think both buckets would be properly mixed and aerated. As far as the heat, one bucket would be the perfect temperature, and the worst the other bucket would have done is fall a few degrees to room temperature. 5 gallons at a few degrees lower wouldn't even cause a 1/2 degree fluctuation in the aquarium. I just have a hard time justifying spending $60 just to prepare water changes!
Paul