Questions about water crystal storage.

[TimTarantula]

I buy water crystals (dry) and add water to them to give to my roaches. The question I have is, can you mix the water crystals and keep them stored either in the fridge or room temperature. Or, do they mold after awhile?

 

[Rigor Mortis]

I don't have experience with these specifically but if they're made out of the same stuff that gel feeder cubes are made of, I have no problem keeping that refrigerated.

 

[draconisj4]

I add water to them and keep them in a covered plastic tub in the fridge. I haven't ever had them mold but I only do a fairly small amount at a time, maybe 2 cups after water has been added.

 

[jrh3]

I make it by the gallon and store it in the fridge. 1 gallon water jug and you can just pour it out.

 

[TimTarantula]

Thank you all for the help!

 

[Theneil]

Gallon jug sits in my T room 24/7 for weeks at a time. ZERO issues. If it is only water crystals and not some supplemented concoction there is no nutritional value for anything to live off of so no need to worry IME.

 

[The Grym Reaper]

The question I have is, can you mix the water crystals and keep them stored either in the fridge or room temperature. Or, do they mold after awhile?

I mix up a litre at a time and it just sits in a jar in the cupboard under my snake's vivarium until I use it up, never had any issues.

 

[Aquarimax]

I keep mine at room temps, mix up small jars full of the stuff. I use it up within a few weeks, but I think it could last longer.

 

[Introvertebrate]

What’s the benefit to preparing it in advance? Does it take some time for the crystals to absorb the water?

 

[Theneil]

What’s the benefit to preparing it in advance? Does it take some time for the crystals to absorb the water?

I think it takes a couple hours or more to fully absorb. I make a gallon at a time just because an old milk jug is a convenient container and i see no major downfall of prepping extra.

 

[The Grym Reaper]

I keep mine at room temps, mix up small jars full of the stuff. I use it up within a few weeks, but I think it could last longer.

IIRC, the original stuff I purchased (I just reuse the jar and buy the cheap crystals from eBay) said to use it within 6 months of mixing.

 

[Aquarimax]

What’s the benefit to preparing it in advance? Does it take some time for the crystals to absorb the water?

I read somewhere, though I cannot currently recall where, that you should wait 6 hours after mixing before use, but a rationale was not given.