How long is too long to Store Pre Mixed Salt Water

[lunchie]

I usually make my water up a few days before my scheduled water change. I store it in a Food Grade Brute Trash Can and I put the lid on. Last week I had some things come up and couldn't get to my water change. The water sat for a week with the lid on and a powerhead in it. It was already mixed with Salt. It is RO/DI water. When I removed the lid there was really nasty smelling. So "how long can you store pre mixed water"????? Also, I must note that on the power head is felt slimy...but there was no color to it when I removed it and wiped it with a paper towel...Any input in greatly appreciated!

Premixed Salt Water How long???

RO/DI Water only How Long????

Thanks

 

[wrightme43]

My rodi is in a 44 gal. brute container as well. It has the clear slime you talk about. It tests 0tds after a week or just out the float valve. I have not a clue what that stuff is, if its alive, what the heck is it living on? I have used rodi that I put into 5 gallon gas cans that has been stored at least two weeks probley more like three. I dont think it can just go bad, I mean the stuff, doesnt have anything in it to rot or decay. I dont know that for a fact though. Saltwater mixed as long as it gets air and circulates I cant see how it would go bad either. I mean the bacteria are going to colonise it, but aren't those the same as are colonising your reef tank? Again I dont know for sure, I am not a biologist or chemist. Just my thoughts on the matter. Steve

 

[snobanker]

I've left salt mix in my brute container (circulating with a PH) for two weeks...no ill effects. And ditto what Steve said on the RODI storage...no problems there either that I can tell.