Polyethylene storage tank for RO/DI water..........Question

[NHMARINE]

I'm getting ready to set up my Kent Marine RO/DI unit this weekend.
For a storage tank I was thinking of using a 55 gal. Polyethylene storage drum "Food Grade" with lid and drain.
These drums have been throughly washed, but contained Apple Juice or Maple Syrup.
What is you're opinion of using this for the storage of my RO/DI water.
Thanks Keith

 

[Anonymous]

They are perfection fine. Just make sure you wash them throughly if you don't like apple cidar...

 

[comatose]

What additives does everyone use to get the ph back up to normal before adding to the tank?

 

[Len]

I don't add anything. The tank water has plenty of buffering capacity.

 

[comatose]

oh really? isn't it very stressful on the fish when you do a water change and your PH goes from 8.2 to 7.8? isn't this why we acclimate fish before adding to a tank so that changes in water chemisty aren't so widespread?

 

[krullulon]

oh really? isn't it very stressful on the fish when you do a water change and your PH goes from 8.2 to 7.8? isn't this why we acclimate fish before adding to a tank so that changes in water chemisty aren't so widespread?

it depends on the volume your changing compared to your tank size and the difference in the ph.

RO/DI water for topoffs is probably going to be lower ph than your tank water, but the volume you're adding compared to total tank size should make it a non-issue. if you're doing a water change, your salt mix will hopefully bring the ph up to close to where you want it -- if not, you might have an issue with your salt mix...

usually, if your tank's carbonate hardness is where it should be and your salt mix is doing its job, you shouldn't have anything to worry about when you do a water change.

 

[Anonymous]

FWIW, I agree with krullulon. However, never get carry with pH on ultrapure water like RO/DI.

 

[NHMARINE]

Thanks for you're input guys