Pumping Dehumidifier Condensate Back Into ATO?

[Mono]

I will be installing a dehumidifier this week. I have also purchased a condensate pump.
For what it's worth, the links are below:

Frigidaire FFAD7033R1, 70 Pint, White Dehumidifier
Little Giant 554425 VCMA-20ULS Condensate Removal 1/30 HP Pump with Safety Switch

I was thinking of running the condensate back into my ATO. I mean ain't it just distilled water after all?

It would actually be the most convenient plumbing option (assuming of course the ATO does not overflow) and I won't have to refill my ATO quite as often.

Anyone else try this? Or is this just another one of my bonehead ideas?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Jon Fishman]

Test the condensate with a TDS meter...... I would think the water picks up all sorts of airborne particles and whatnot, but a TDS meter is the sure-fire way to know what is safe.

Obviously you get a TDS of 5-6 from it, it isn’t “copper or chlorine” etc. But it could be something normally fine (which enters the aquarium via the air in the room) which you have now concentrated and re-introduced


My money would be that the water is fine, but a cheapo-quickie TDS test would give me peace of mind.

 

[foxt]

Think of it this way, would you drink it?

 

[piranhaman00]

Absolutely not, its not just RO/DI water evaporating. Unless the room was sealed off, you are pulling in water from other rooms, outside ect.

 

[mcdrichj]

I wouldn't do this. You get all kinds of dust and other contaminants that get stuck in the coil and the collection tray. I think it would be fine for a short time then you would get buildup on the condenser coil and collection tray. Maybe you could run it through a sediment filter and or some carbon but then whats the point.

 

[Silent]

Look at the filters on your HVAC. Think about rinsing them off in you tank. Same concept. Bad idea.

 

[Mono]

OK, I am getting the feeling that it's a bonehead idea.

But what if I did pump them through a sediment filter and a carbon block?

That should be easy enough.

 

[Jon Fishman]

OK, I am getting the feeling that it's a bonehead idea.

But what if I did pump them through a sediment filter and a carbon block?

That should be easy enough.

comes back to TDS meter. Best way to know.....

 

[redfishbluefish]

In addition to pulling out particulates from the air, most likely have a copper coil for the cooling. Granted, the amount of copper is likely negligible, but still there. No go for me!

 

[WVNed]

The real problem is if the condensate pick ups metals from the unit coils

 

[Mono]

I will check with a TDS.

I guess I could also send a sample in with my next ATI water check.

You can send in a sample of your RO/DI water for a check.

I can send in my condensate.

And thanks everyone for all of your input.

 

[Silent]

That water would better be used for houseplants, flowers and such if you want to be water responsible.

 

[Tft12]

OK, I am getting the feeling that it's a bonehead idea.

But what if I did pump them through a sediment filter and a carbon block?

That should be easy enough.

Most of the comments here are focused on dust from the air. Dust isn’t really the main problem. The real problem is that the water is full of minerals from the condenser. You would get lots of iron, probably copper, and who know what else. That water isn’t acceptable for drinking or fish in any way.

 

[Mono]

I guess I could toss my ChaetoGrow then.