Use of central air conditioning water in reef system

[carver]

I get a lot of water from our furnace and central aircoditioner that I believe is similar to distilled water. Does anyone know if this water would substitute for buying distilled water or use of RO/DI systems. I could run some tests on the water if there are no responses to this post. I didn't find any reference in the archives.

 

[srbayless]

Howdy,

It's probably OK, but I sure wouldn't use it unless you could thoroughly test it. Just ask yourself this, "Would you drink that water on a regular basis ?". If not, then don't put it into your tank.

Good luck,

Scott.

 

[carver]

Thanks,Scott, that's a given. I don't want to put the RO/DI people out of business but it seems like this could be an unlimited supply of (free) water if the phosphates, silicates, etc. are not present in this water.

 

[reefmister]

I would be a little more worried about the copper content and other heavy metals.


MIke

 

[Chucker]

carver, I'd suspect that water colelcted from your A/C or furnace would have similar quality to that collected by a dehumidifer. Dehumidifer water is a definite no-go. Copper and heavy metals are in constant contact with the water, and they are a breeding ground for bacteria. Better safe than sorry.

 

[carver]

Chucker and Bodine: I thought this idea was too good to be true. (or someone else would have thought of it by now) I have been using tap (well) water for the past 20 years but I always have diatom dust which is not too bad but enough to keep the water and glass from looking crystal clear. I have been watching the posts on RO/DI systems and I guess that wouldn't be too expensive considering all the equipment I already have. Just not sure how much work to install the system.

 

[esmithiii]

I worked in the HVAC industry (for Carrier) for a number of years and I have worked in the shops that make the coils. You do not want to use that water. The coils are made of copper and aluminum and are coated w/ anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agents that last for a certain period of time. You do not want that stuff in your water, nor the bacteria and fungi that grows after it is gone.

Ernie

 

[esmithiii]

Also, the braze joints of the return-bends are lead.

Ernie

 

[carver]

Thanks Ernie, I'm convinced. I know there are a lot of posts regarding RO/DI systems. I'll have to look and see if I need to be a plumber to install one.

 

[EmilyB]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by carver:
<strong>Thanks Ernie, I'm convinced. I know there are a lot of posts regarding RO/DI systems. I'll have to look and see if I need to be a plumber to install one.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Damn near....

 

[aakks]

My RODI just screws right on my sink. It takes a 6 year old to install.

Peter

 

[carver]

Peter: I take it you mean that it screws on the faucet. P.S. I have been embarrassed by six year olds in the past.

 

[reefworm]

carver,
To the faucet is correct. Mine is mounted the wall next to the deep sink in the garage. All I need do is remove the mesh cap on the faucet and screw on the line to the RO unit. Piece of cake.

 

[carver]

Mike: Since this is basically air moisture condensation I wouldn't expect metals but who knows. Maybe I will have someone run multiple tests.

 

[Bodine]

AC coils can be really nasty.....why chance this?

 

[sMARTY]

I found that the best option, for me, was to install my RO/DI in my laundry room. I mounted it on the wall. I used a "Y" joint hose with an open/close valve between the Water faucet and the Washing Machine for the water input. I ran the waste water down the Washing machine drain. This way, I can turn it on and off by turning one lever (nothing to connect), and I can also use the waste water for drinking water, whenever I am so inclined. total cost from Home Depot < $3.00

 

[JohnD]

carver,

The answer is (as always) "It depends." I bought a RO unit from AquaFX over a year ago. I told the fellow that I was going to use the unit in the basement near my slop sink. The sink has a threaded faucet, so he put the threaded faucet doo-hickey on the unit. While it has been a long time since I was 6, when I need RO water I just screw on the hose to my faucet and turn on the water.

Now, if you do not have one of those threaded faucets....

, you may need a plumber.

HTH