RO/DI issue

[Bob Escher]

i make my RO/DI water in a 32 Gallon brute plastic can. Two weeks ago I saw some stuff in the can
And I asked what it was and was told it was probably precipitation. I figured I was running a circulation pump that was way too strong.
Now I only keep about five gallons in the can in a week as I do weekly water changes and the water I save in case
I got a much smaller GPH pump and I went and got the can to make more water
And although the water in the can is clear the pump looks like this ( yes it's covered)
Is this good or bad
Thanks

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Looks like bacterial buildup. Should be okay other than for potential pump damage.

 

[Bob Escher]

It has a sponge filter in it so I cleaned it out
But please explain bacterial buildup? And in one week?

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Bacteria can colonize just about anything, especially warm, salty water. It's likely that there were already bacteria in the tank, and conditions changed to create a bacterial bloom. It also could be build-up as mentioned before, especially if CO2 in air is reacting with the water to form carbonates. In either case, it's not likely a bad issue unless the pump overheats and you use that contaminated water in a water change.

 

[Bob Escher]

No it's a small pump and I don't run a heater in it maybe I'll just run it every other day

So I guess the next question would be I shouldn't keep extra water or not circulate the water AND clean the can out every week?
What do guys do that keep water all the time in large quantities

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

A lot of reefers don't clean the can at all, never mind weekly. You can keep both saltwater or freshwater. I keep freshwater as it doesn't take too long to dissolve salt for an emergency water change.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Agreed bacterial bloom or residue from the salt mix. Questions that come to mind is:

1) what's the TDS coming out of the RO/DI unit? I presume it's 0.

2) what salt mix are you using?

3) when was the last time you cleaned your salt mixing equipment, can, pump....etc?

4) do you keep a lid on the salt mixing can?

Even with clean RO/DI water, salt mixes with all of the added elements can "fuel" bacterial blooms or leave residues in mixing containers.

Depending on the frequency of these deposits or bacterial growth, warrants cleaning of all that touch mixed saltwater.

Say, once a month or once every two months, break down your salt mixing equipment and clean with vinegar or even diluted bleach. Rinse well and let dry before use.

This should keep this condition from happening.

 

[Bob Escher]

A lot of reefers don't clean the can at all, never mind weekly. You can keep both saltwater or freshwater. I keep freshwater as it doesn't take too long to dissolve salt for an emergency water change.

I do have have freshwater as well didn't think of that maybe I'll just keep fresh for now thanks

 

[Bob Escher]

Agreed bacterial bloom or residue from the salt mix. Questions that come to mind is:

1) what's the TDS coming out of the RO/DI unit? I presume it's 0.

Yes it is Under 10 or at zero i use the BRS. Six stages

2) what salt mix are you using?

Red Sea Coral Pro

3) when was the last time you cleaned your salt mixing equipment, can, pump....etc?
The pump is brand new just put it in two weeks ago and cleaned it With vinegar before using it

4) do you keep a lid on the salt mixing can?
Yes absolutely

Even with clean RO/DI water, salt mixes with all of the added elements can "fuel" bacterial blooms or leave residues in mixing containers.


Depending on the frequency of these deposits or bacterial growth, warrants cleaning of all that touch mixed saltwater.
I'll clean them weekly exceptbthe bucket

Say, once a month or once every two months, break down your salt mixing equipment and clean with vinegar or even diluted bleach. Rinse well and let dry before use.

This should keep this condition from happening.

Thanks will do

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Keep in mind that even in freshwater you can get a bacterial bloom, albeit in the form of a slimy coat rather than the deposits you're seeing. The bacteria will always be available for colonizing equipment when the conditions are ready, but that doesn't mean they are a threat or anything to worry about.

 

[Bob Escher]

Keep in mind that even in freshwater you can get a bacterial bloom, albeit in the form of a slimy coat rather than the deposits you're seeing. The bacteria will always be available for colonizing equipment when the conditions are ready, but that doesn't mean they are a threat or anything to worry about.

Thanks
Use to do everything in five gallon buckets just started the brute can a few months ago
And just started saving salt water a month ago
What amazes me is it happens so fast