I do keep an aging barrel. I only use the heater in the winter.
Thanks. I just added a heater.
I do keep an aging barrel. I only use the heater in the winter.
Have you ever checked the temp of the water when you are not using the heater?
Mama Bear
+1 to the heater. (And thanks for the kind words earlier.)
I used to also keep a temperature controller on the side of my barrel so I could try to temp match. (Unfortunately another one I had failed and I moved this one and haven't replaced it.) I still think this is a good idea if you are in a growout situation with a bunch of small fish and heavy feedings, especially if you're doing massive water changes. Even more moderate ones with a big temp difference could cause stress you don't need with them.
On the other hand, if you stick with adults, you have more leeway with temperature matching (though it's good to be in the ballpark), just like you have with most other things. But I'm with Liz about at least being around 80 most of the time.
I am still glad I set up the water aging. However, I just learned from my wife’s co-worker that she watered her plants while we were out of town. The plants died. She said that the utility company said that some type of chemical got into the water. I could not find the news report. I thought about calling the water department tomorrow.
That's very strange.
Mama Bear
That is weird. Personally, that's why I like the prefilter with carbon between my tap and barrel. Normally I would think it would help with some sort of chlorine dump they might do--and I still treat my tank with Safe with WCs--but I guess there's always a chance of something bad getting in, as unlikely as that would seem.
Just called the Water Dept. No news item because they have no record of anything unusual with the water. Good thing I checked. It did sound strange.
Is it necessary to run an air stone when aging water?
Hi Patrick. An air stone assists the gassing off process and speeds up the"aging" process, so i would say yes to your question. Myself and a few others here also aggressively jet the water we're putting into our aging barrels to promote and speed up the process, but I still use an air stone as well. My water is "aged" (equalized pH) within 3-4 hours the way I do it...
I'd call it necessary unless you're wanting to wait until the cows come home for the CO2 to gas off.
Mama Bear
do I need an air stone if I used RO water? Ed
I recently set up a water aging system. 2 Brute trash cans on wheels 44 gal each. Cleaned with dish detergent & water and left to dry. They have their own heater, lid and air stone. I fill with tap water, let age 24-36 hours. If I let age 36 hrs and test the water the ammonia is at "kill fish" levels, 5-7 ppm. My tap water has 1.0 ppm ammonia What the heck is up?
Ammonia tests are prone to interference but it's also possible for water to absorb ammonia from the air.