Life of Saltwater mix

I buy RO water from my LFS and then mix with Reef Crystals because they use basic IO as there salt. So instead I just buy plain RO and mix it myself. How long can I store water in containers after I mix the salt in it. I have like 4 5gl jugs I get filled up and I just want to mix it all in one day and store it for when I'm ready to use it for water changes.
I was also thinkin of gettin like a 40gl garbage container putting a power head and heater and storing the water in there but I'm wondering if I'm going to lose all the additives by keeping the water in a container long enough.

 

IMO - if they are covered to prevent air borne contaminants getting in, then the water can be stored for weeks - I often make 20 gallons at a time and use less than 10 gallons each week , so mine last 2 - 3 weeks , my 20 gallon buckets have snap on lids.

Steve

 

I don't see why you can't store it indefinitely. There's nothing in there that will really degrade. The only concern may be compounds from the container leeching in, but I really don't think that will affect the overall water quality to any level to be concerned about. Just before you use it, heat it up and mix it up with a powerhead.

 

I keep mine in a rubbermaid commercial grade 55g trash can. I bought it specifically for this. I've got the wheel kit so moving full isn't an issue. I run a submersible pump in it until I use it up.

Matt;D

 

I have 4 5g buckets with snug lids and the only thing I've noticed is the lid itself, around the inside rim, smells a little like mildew after a few days. The water itself smells fine and tests out fine, I've tested it for phosphates, nitrite, nitrate, magnesium, calcium, pH, SG, alk. and TDS. so far so good