RO/DI Flow Question

BizMike · 03/30/2010, 07:22 PM

I recently got an RO/DI filter from thefilterguys (great so far). Now I have a 30 gallon trash can full of water, which will last me more than a month. Is RO/DI OK sitting stagnant for a month or should I keep some flow going through it?

Sisterlimonpot · 03/30/2010, 07:27 PM

you'll have to be able to seal it someway. if you leave it open you will start to grow unwanted bacteria in the stagnant water.

Saltcity · 03/30/2010, 09:22 PM

I would toss a small powerhead in it... especially if its sitting a month even if you do get it sealed.

Agu · 03/30/2010, 10:12 PM

I would store less water unless you have sealed and sterile containers. I find that about a week is as long as RO/DI water keeps before stray bacteria finds it and sets up a bacteria housing project.

ime ...

mcoomer · 03/30/2010, 11:15 PM

I run a Rio pump in my Brute. Been doing it that way for years.

Mike

terri_ann · 03/30/2010, 11:26 PM

I run a pump and heater in each of my Brutes as well as keep them covered...always be prepared is my motto ;-) !!

PRDubois · 03/31/2010, 01:25 AM

Heater and small powerhead is the way to go

Fizz71 · 03/31/2010, 07:53 AM

Are you just making the water once a month and tapping it for top-off? I agree with the others about power heads to keep the water both oxygenated (and moving) and a top/seal to keep particulates and light out...you need to avoid unwanted growth. Heating is optional depending on how much you top-off at once. Heat actually ACCELERATES bacteria growth which you don't want, but if the water is too cold when you top-off you might affect the tank's temp. I drip top-off so I don't bother heating.

My reserves would probably last me 3 or 4 weeks too, but I don't let it sit. I don't run a powerhead either... What I do with my system is top-off the RO daily filling at the top and draining at the bottom to drip into my tank so the water is constantly being cycled in the RO tub. I also use the water for water changes about bi-weekly which completely refreshes the supply. There is a pump in the container to move it from RO to salt mix that I could also use to mix the RO for a few minutes if I feel the need, but it uses way to much power for long term use that isn't really needed.

The only thing I DON'T have that I need is a cover...but since the tub is dark 95% of the day I only need a cover because I've seen dust accumulating in the water!

BizMike · 03/31/2010, 01:47 PM

I use about a half gallon a day for top off (not auto) and about 5 gallons a week for water changes.

It sounds like everyone agrees on two things: I don't want light getting to the water and I don't want it sitting without some kind of circulation. I've now got it covered and I'll throw in a small powerhead.

Thanks

Chiefsurfer · 03/31/2010, 02:33 PM

If you use 5-gallons for WC's, I would use the 30 gallon pale 75% full(probably 20 gallons or so) fill it with RO/DI, then mix my salt in, heat and aerate. DONE.

Then just use a 5-gallon pale with lid for top-off.

I use about 20 gallons a month wc's, and 4 gallons a week for top-off, this is my system, no problems.

trigger:) · 03/31/2010, 09:35 PM

Maybe store enough water for a 50% change if needed? You can always make 5-10 gallons in a few hours. I mix the salt the night b4 I do a change. Yes on the lid, and powerhead also! (I have a 180g fish only, and a 24 nano, and have been doing this for 6 months now with no trouble).

03/30/2010, 07:22 PM	#1
BizMike Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dumfries, VA Posts: 46	RO/DI Flow Question I recently got an RO/DI filter from thefilterguys (great so far). Now I have a 30 gallon trash can full of water, which will last me more than a month. Is RO/DI OK sitting stagnant for a month or should I keep some flow going through it?

03/30/2010, 07:27 PM	#2
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	you'll have to be able to seal it someway. if you leave it open you will start to grow unwanted bacteria in the stagnant water. __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

03/30/2010, 10:12 PM	#4
Agu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Sarasota, Florida Posts: 30,279	I would store less water unless you have sealed and sterile containers. I find that about a week is as long as RO/DI water keeps before stray bacteria finds it and sets up a bacteria housing project. ime ... __________________ Less technology , more biology . Current Tank Info: 30 gallon half cube and 5.5, both reef tanks

03/30/2010, 11:15 PM	#5
mcoomer Rat Bastard! Join Date: May 2007 Location: Sammamish, WA Posts: 1,487	I run a Rio pump in my Brute. Been doing it that way for years. Mike __________________ Spending exorbitant amounts of money on this hobby since 1998! My wife thought the tank would be cheaper and easier to keep than a dog...no seriously! Current Tank Info: 180 gallon mixed reef; Reeflo Barracuda, Tunze 6105 (X3), 250W Radiums with dual HQI Blue Wave 7, Reefkeeper Elite controller, custom sump with ASM G4, carbon and GFO reactors

03/30/2010, 11:26 PM	#6
terri_ann Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Marshalltown, IA Posts: 841	I run a pump and heater in each of my Brutes as well as keep them covered...always be prepared is my motto ;-) !! __________________ Happy Reefing!! :) Current Tank Info: 180g mixed 40B Anemone 5' raceway frag tank

03/30/2010, 09:22 PM	#3
Saltcity Moved On Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 4,297	I would toss a small powerhead in it... especially if its sitting a month even if you do get it sealed.

03/31/2010, 01:25 AM	#7
PRDubois Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chester, VA Posts: 3,626	Heater and small powerhead is the way to go __________________ http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2534403 Current Tank Info: 225 gal Reef, 60 gal reef & 40b frag tank

03/31/2010, 07:53 AM	#8
Fizz71 FragSwapper Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Lawn, PA Posts: 5,800	Are you just making the water once a month and tapping it for top-off? I agree with the others about power heads to keep the water both oxygenated (and moving) and a top/seal to keep particulates and light out...you need to avoid unwanted growth. Heating is optional depending on how much you top-off at once. Heat actually ACCELERATES bacteria growth which you don't want, but if the water is too cold when you top-off you might affect the tank's temp. I drip top-off so I don't bother heating. My reserves would probably last me 3 or 4 weeks too, but I don't let it sit. I don't run a powerhead either... What I do with my system is top-off the RO daily filling at the top and draining at the bottom to drip into my tank so the water is constantly being cycled in the RO tub. I also use the water for water changes about bi-weekly which completely refreshes the supply. There is a pump in the container to move it from RO to salt mix that I could also use to mix the RO for a few minutes if I feel the need, but it uses way to much power for long term use that isn't really needed. The only thing I DON'T have that I need is a cover...but since the tub is dark 95% of the day I only need a cover because I've seen dust accumulating in the water!

03/31/2010, 01:47 PM	#9
BizMike Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dumfries, VA Posts: 46	I use about a half gallon a day for top off (not auto) and about 5 gallons a week for water changes. It sounds like everyone agrees on two things: I don't want light getting to the water and I don't want it sitting without some kind of circulation. I've now got it covered and I'll throw in a small powerhead. Thanks

03/31/2010, 02:33 PM	#10
Chiefsurfer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Seaside Park, NJ Posts: 2,138	If you use 5-gallons for WC's, I would use the 30 gallon pale 75% full(probably 20 gallons or so) fill it with RO/DI, then mix my salt in, heat and aerate. DONE. Then just use a 5-gallon pale with lid for top-off. I use about 20 gallons a month wc's, and 4 gallons a week for top-off, this is my system, no problems. __________________ Chief Current Tank: 20 Gallon tall, 4-bulb t5 HO, Eshopps psk75H, ac-70 fuge. So far, green clown goby, striped goby, more gorillas than I wish I had, 5 SPS frags, 3 LPS Frags, 1 Softee, Turkey Wing Clam. Plan for the future: 120 gallon 4ft glass tank. Current Tank Info: 20 gallon tall Reef Tank

03/31/2010, 09:35 PM	#11
trigger:) Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: ct Posts: 69	Maybe store enough water for a 50% change if needed? You can always make 5-10 gallons in a few hours. I mix the salt the night b4 I do a change. Yes on the lid, and powerhead also! (I have a 180g fish only, and a 24 nano, and have been doing this for 6 months now with no trouble).