RO excess water usage

[DongShenYin]

Can the water that's been filtered out of a RO unit be used for freshwater tanks? Or are the impurities so concentrated that it would kill the FW fish? How about mixing the excess water with tap water? Or how about using the excess water on hardwater species, like African Rift Lake cichlids?

 

[Anonymous]

The water that comes out of the waste side of the RO filter has typically been through two or more pre-filters before it even reaches the RO membrane. Given that and the fact that most people drink and cook with their household water as it is, I would suggest, in my opinion, that the waste water from RO filters is pretty safe to use in a FW tank. I do. Just be sure to still use the de-chlorinator if you are on city water.

This is my opinion not a scientifically or even un-scientifically measured fact. I would love to hear others opinions here.

 

[Anonymous]

After filtered with sediment filter and carbon, it is a lot cleaner than tap water even it the hardness is 4X higher. Many use it for hardwater, but there is so much you can use for a freshwater tank unless you have a pond full of cichlids.

I use the water to water the lawn. That's ~50 gal of water saved everyday.

 

[DongShenYin]

What do you do with the water in winter when you can't use it on the lawn?

 

[Anonymous]

Water house plants.

 

[DongShenYin]

That's a lot of houseplants! LOL

 

[Anonymous]

What do you do with the water in winter when you can't use it on the lawn?

Did you see my 40 feet tall ice sculpture?

Seriously, if the outside temp. is below freezing, there is not much utility for the waste water. Some people use it to wash clothing, toilet flushing, but that is more work.

There are "zero-waste" setup that reroute the waste water to the hot water heater, but IMO, the extra cost does not justify for the saving in water.