Remineralized RO storage

[JuJuFish]

How do you store your RO water after remineralizing it and/or front loading macros? Do you keep a pump running 24/7? Lid on/off? Do you let it mix for a day or two before using it? Does any of that matter? Just curious what everyone’s routine is.

 

[hypnogogia]

I don’t often use RO (typically use rainwater, except in very dry periods) but when I do, I buy it the day before, put in in a large storage container to reach room temperature. I remineralise it just before I use it. No filter, no pump.

 

[Art]

I used RODI water exclusively for many years. I'm fortunate to live in an area where tap is not bad so just using that now. However, I did have a process set back then.

The day before a water change, I would set up my RODI filter and make the water. This is because I had no dedicated place to store the water. I know @GreggZ does have such a place and I envy him.

I would remineralize and front load fertilizer and keep a pump running making sure the water was well aerated. I used a lid to make sure no ambient dust fell in but the pump was running for 24 hours and the surface was quite turbulent. After the 24 hours, pH was stable and the temperature had settled into the ambient temperature.

I would use the water within a day or two. I don't like storing water for longer periods of time. No real evidence but I didn't need to and I felt better using fresh water.

I think everyone has their own way of doing it that seems to work for them. I had designed this wonderful RODI filter caddy that I could roll around to fill the Rubbermaid tank (also on wheels). My wife loved it! NOT!

 

[JuJuFish]

Thanks guys. I usually make my RO water the day after a water change. Then remineralize it and add micros the following day. Then do the next water change 5 days or so later.

I run a pump for the first 24 hours after mixing it up. After that, I switch the pump to a timer that comes on for 30 minutes, several times a day. Just checking to see if my routine seems reasonable.

 

[Hanuman]

Thanks guys. I usually make my RO water the day after a water change. Then remineralize it and add micros the following day. Then do the next water change 5 days or so later.

I run a pump for the first 24 hours after mixing it up. After that, I switch the pump to a timer that comes on for 30 minutes, several times a day. Just checking to see if my routine seems reasonable.

I see no issues with that as long as those storage containers do not let any light through.

 

[Art]

@JuJuFish your routine seems just fine to me. How do you run the RO water to the tank?

 

[Joel Armstrong]

Deleted

 

[JuJuFish]

How do you run the RO water to the tank?

I have a 44g Brute can on a dolly in our laundry room. It sits behind the door so it isn’t in the way. At least not too much. The RO is attached to a sink just a few feet away. I had to get a booster pump as we have low water pressure. I can fill the can in 4-5 hours.

On water change day, I carefully roll the can around to the tanks. It’s all a bit clumsy and time consuming but it works. I would love to be able to use tap water but my fish/plants would hate me for it.

 

[Art]

Your method is exactly how I used to do it. It got to be too much of a pain for me and I was fortunate with the tap here.

I do miss starting with zero water and then mathing it back up to where I want.