aerating water change water

[MadManMac]

My question is two fold. Is aerating the water for your changes necessary if you let the water mix for 48 hours with good surface currents and would using something like a needle wheel skimmer pump cause a problem by putting to much air in the water and thus changing the chemistry? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Serge]

I use two of those PH that have a connection for a air hose and lit run for 24/48 hours. One is sitting in the bottom of the container and the other one hangs from the edge. Been doing this since I started and I have not noticed anything wrong with my water. Note that I also have a heater in there. HTH

8)

 

[MadManMac]

I was using a mag7 but it started to chatter a lot so I am looking to switch. The funny thing to me is that over a two day period, the Mag7 will bring the water up to 80 degrees so I do not need a heater and can avoid the risk of melting through my conatiner. I will use the Sedra 5000 for now and see how chemistry turns out. Thanks.

 

[cmor1701d]

No need to add air to the water. The gas exchange takes place at the surface. As long as you use a ph that points up a bit and agitates the surface you'll be fine.

A properly working heater will not melt the plastic container as long as there is water surrounding it.

 

[tecwzrd]

A properly working heater will not melt the plastic container as long as there is water surrounding it.

True but still a little risky with some old heaters. I worry about it to much myself, especially since it’s usually mixing while I sleep. I keep two small pieces of base rock on the bottom of my mixing bucket to elevate the heater just in case. Have you ever tried to hold a heater when it's on in the water 8O

I like Serge's use of dual powerhead at top and bottom & do this as well but mostly because I mix in a 30 gal trashcan on wheels. I think if you are just mixing in a 5 gal bucket then one ph at the surface should do it IMO.

Also since I don’t use 30 gal each time I keep it covered until next time and just remix\heat it for about an hour or two before using again.

 

[MadManMac]

I was making 45 gallons, so I just used the big pump and it acted as the heater as well.

 

[tecwzrd]

I forgot you have a 175 gal A big pump works as well Bonus on the heat it puts out.