Storing RO/DI Water

[marjimbo]

This site is wonderful. I find just reading the threads once or twice a week has given me more insite than all my books and LFS discussions combined.

My question today is how long can I store RO/DI water and mixed salt water. I have a system set-up with a 20 gal rubbermaid tank for each. Each tank is covered with the hinged lid that comes with the bin and they are in my basement, normally in the dark. The RO/DI water is close to zero TDS. I plan to draw from the stored water as I need it with the RO/DI system refilling the 1st tank on an automatic float shutoff.

Do I need to worry about nasty things growing in the water. Do I need to dump them and refill with fresh ocassionally.

Thanks

 

[tangir1]

Bacterial growth will be inavoidable, even in RO/DI. Rather you clean it everytime is up to you. I don't, FWIW. The bacteria is harmless to livestock, AFAIK.

 

[DOGMAI]

You should keep the water moving. If it just sits it will become stagnant.

Shane

 

[kim]

I "sort of" agree with Shane. I find that after a few days of sitting still, my RO/DI water acquires an acrid smell. But if I keep it moving....much nicer.

My reservation is that I may just be choosing whether to cultivate anaerobic or aerobic bacteria, rather than cutting them down altogether. After all, there's a reason why my water utility chlorinates water....

kim

 

[Snorkel in my tank]

I have clear water jugs, five gallons each. Will algae grow in them becuase they are clear, so getting light? Also, I can't my power heads in the nosel, its only a few inches wide on each jug.... how long can they sit with DI water in them.... anyone have a guess? A couple weeks is okay? Thanks.

 

[Mogo]

I have a 50 gal reservoir for ro/di (sealed). The water sits in there for up to a month before I purge it and refill again. FWIW I have never had any problems introducing this "aged" water into my tanks.

 

[Anonymous]

Yes, in addition to keeping the water turbulent, using a storage container that blocks light is the other major factor in keeping bacterias down.

My RO collection bin is a (non-leeching) 35g plastic barrel with a lid. I poked a hole in the top and the output line from my RO filter goes right in there. I have a powerhead in there (MJ1200) that comes on 3 times a day for 20 minutes each time.

Happy water