I have a quick question for everyone using RODI water. I currently do not have any room to store RODI water in my house. Is there any reason why I can’t store the water in a trash can sitting outside of my house? I would keep it covered with only a hole large enough to fit the fill tube, and during the winter months, I could put a small water heating device of some sort in the water to keep it above freezing. I don’t necessarily mean something like an aquarium heater, but maybe something more along the lines of a birdbath heater or something like that. In time I could probably build a very small “shed” and insulate it to keep it just above freezing.
The only downfall I could see is that when I want to do my water changes, I would have to make sure the temperature is up before I add the water, but I have a separate bin that I plan on using for mixing the saltwater anyway, and I could just fill it using a cheap-o pond pump of some sort to move the water from one bin to the other, allow it to come to room temperature over a couple days, mix the salt and then add it to the tank.
For the mean time, would there be any detriment to the water sitting in the trash can, in the sunlight?
I would think outside its more likely to attract spores and w/e else from outside to contaminate the water. If you kept it shut tight I guess you could do it, but I would prefer to keep it inside. I only fill up 5 gallon jugs (like Deerpark) at a time. Of course I’ve got a whole basement to play with space wise.
I keep a 32 gallon trash can for RO in the kitchen pantry. I had to raise the lower shelf a little on blocks to fit it under. and of course 4 other trash cans, tubs in the kitchen by the window. plus the fish tanks, and salt, and chemistry kit, and supplies,… dang i got no kitchen left anymore. all tank stuff. annd then theres the dining room for the coral tanks.
There really is no need to have huge quantities of RO water stored. It’s nice, but not mandatory.
I fill up one 5 gallon bucket at a time, heat it while it’s filling and top off my tank. This is done maybe 2-3 times a week.
The day before I want to do a water change I make up a bucket of RO water, add salt and an airstone, mix for 24 hours then do my water change. This is the only time that a full bucket needs to be sitting out anywhere for any length of time.
I think that 5 gallons are the best way to store water. 4 5 gal buckets are only about 4x3. This can be stored anywhere. You could place two next to the tank for an emergency.
Instant Ocean Buckets are Air Tight FYI. If your set on doing it that way they have a o-ring under the lid that seals them instead of a surface to surface seal
I stored mine in a 44 gallon brute and use 5 gallon buckets to mix fresh saltwater. I don’t think I would put it outside. There are some cool and smaller alternatives.
This is a rubermaid Christmas wrap tupperware container. Logans-Daddy and may others use them because the have a small foot print and still hold about 10 gallons of water
