storing salt mixed water?

How long can I store mixed saltwater? I have a 6 gal tank and plan on doing a half gallon to gallon change weekly to every other week. I would like to just mix up 3-5 gallons in a bucket instead of only making a small amount. Can I make the 3-5 gallons, use what I need then store it in a covered bucket until the rest is used as long as I use a powerhead to remix it before each use?

 

I have a mixing station and i store it for weeks...

 

I'm assuming if you had an old pump or something to throw in the bucket you'd be okay!

 

Just make sure you have a good tight fitting lid, added flow and aeration and your good to go for at least 8 weeks if not more. Make sure you check your salinity before using

 

It depends on what salt you are using. Some have added vitamins and organics that can breakdown and cycle your water making it fowl and stink. If you want long term storage make sure you are using a synthetic mix not a dried type like red sea.

I have found that IO (instant ocean) keeps very well.

 

I am using instant ocean so sounds like I should be ok. The bucket is dark and has a watertight lid. Do I need to keep it aerated the whole time or just for a few hours before I use it?

 

A few hours before you use it will be fine.

FWIW, NSW gets shipped and stored in the same manner with no problems.

 

IO stores really well. If you plan to use it way off, like weeks I would mix it up overnight then top it and seal it. And don't open again till the evening before you want to use it. Then let it mix and heat over night and use it. (this is probably overkill, but it's safe)

 

perfect! thanks for all the responses!

 

Here is my setup. I remix stored water the night before using again. I always retest salinity as well...

It is running now in fact for wc manana.