Storing Water For Water Changes

I am in the unfortunate situation where I don't have a utility sink like I did at my last house and for the past 2 months have had to do my water changes using my kitchen sink. I can't fit a 5 gallon bucket in there so I am filling up a gallon pitcher and dumping it into the bucket 1 at a time. I'm doing 20 gallons worth of water changes every week and this is starting to get annoying.

If I were to buy a 20-30 gallon bucket and fill it up with my outside hose, add Prime to it, put a 50 watt heater in it and let it sit for a day or two and then use a water pump to add it to my tank would it be an issue.

Does water sitting in a bucket for a couple days lose its oxygen content at all?

 

I use three 30 gallon Brute trashcans ganged together with my RO/DI system. I heat the water in the last can to 78 degrees. If you are worried about O2 levels you could put a large air stone in.

 

Maybe get a python water change system? It screws onto your sink, and you could use that to fill up a bucket? Or maybe just buy an external filter/ extension? Or use the spray hose?

 

I use 3 Brute trash cans to store RODI; I only aerate if I've mixed up salt, and then, I put an 800gph pump at the bottom pointing up to circulate the water and mix the salt.

I use the Aqueon version of the Python with a 75 foot hose; I drain the water into the gutter outside, then pump the new stuff back in.

Years ago I carried around 5 gallon jugs, up and down the stairs... Quite a workout, it was - I've a LOT of BIG aquariums.

Were I you, I'd get some Rubbermaid Brute trash cans, a Python and an 800gph submersible pump - you'll save time and headache.

 

Definitely get a python. You’ll look forward to water changes.

 

I found a 30 gal brute with a dolly and lid for 40 bucks at a restaurant supply store. Probably gonna grab that, a heater, and a pump and just plug the heater in the morning I'm doing water changes to get the water where it needs to be and just pump right from the bucket.