RODI System Outdoors

[Archibald J McLauchlin]

I got my BRS 6 Stage RODI system and I have not yet inatalled it. Right now it looks like the water station I am going to setup is just going to be in the rear corner of my backyard. Are there any cons to setting up the system out in the elements or anything specific to an RODI I should take note of before operating this way? Thank you in advance.

 

[Camaro Show Corals]

Well not many people install rodi outside but I see you are in Sunny Florida. Is there a reason you want it outside? The only thing I can see is the heat and sun taking a toll on the plastic. As for the filtration it should last the same as it would be inside with the only factor being your incoming water quality.

 

[Tastee]

Mine is outside but in a custom built cabinet so that it is protected from sun and rain. I would recommend at least a small hood be built to mount over it for protection from UV.

 

[AZMSGT]

RO membranes are degraded by heat. If the sun beats down on it could have a negative effect on how long the membrane lasts. Also none of the equipment is UV protected. All these issues can be eliminated buy covering or installing indoors.

 

[cgdcinc]

Mine is out under a covered porch in Florida. No direct sunlight on it. Works great. I would keep it out of the sun.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

I have mine in a Brute trash can with a lid on it, never in the sun. It is cooler outside than in the garage.

 

[Eggs]

Following along, facing the same issue setting up a 300g in Florida. Have a few ideas, we can figure this out.
Person that I bought the tank off of had his RODI outside and said he had no issues with the water, unit or membrane.

 

[Archibald J McLauchlin]

I am looking at putting it outside because it seems to be the best place for most requirements that will be needed. UV is my main concern, fairly decent tree canopy but out in the elements I suspect life of most membranes and such will be shorter. I have 2 Brute 55 gallon cans for storage. This is the area I am looking at converting for my mixing/storage and water processing.

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

Heat and cold both will have effect on the unit like mentioned above.
If temps are freezing then water will expand inside the chambers and some may burst as well.
If you were to install is outside, I would cover it or place it inside a cabinet which is insulated to protect it from elements.

 

[Gareth elliott]

You could build something to cover it. Paint it white and use plain unpainted aluminum flashing for the “roofing” material. Some kind of vents could be as simple as a gap created at the top and bottom of the construction.

 

[JoshH]

Any chance you could purchase a Shed of some kind?It would look nice and contain/protect all of your mixing containers and RODI setup. If you get a really good quality plastic shed you would never have to worry about corrosion either.

 

[Eggs]

This is another R2R reefers; would like to give him credit and will do so when I can locate.

 

[Eggs]

This was @d2mini thread. Nice and clean outdoor setup, although I think he had to tear apart the deck since this picture.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/d2minis-essential-focus-mixed-reef-build.241805/

 

[JoshH]

This is another R2R reefers; would like to give him credit and will do so when I can locate.

Exactly my thoughts lol good reference

 

[dowsetts101]

I’m in a similar situation...have done my water change station outside. Have my chiller out there as well, which I run in summer.

Plenty of ventilation in the timber cladding, and a lightweight roof to keep the weather off and shade the equipment.

I’ve only had it up for 12 months but is working nicely so far.

 

[Eggs]

I’m in a similar situation...have done my water change station outside. Have my chiller out there as well, which I run in summer.

Plenty of ventilation in the timber cladding, and a lightweight roof to keep the weather off and shade the equipment.

I’ve only had it up for 12 months but is working nicely so far.

I remember reading your thread when I was searching for outdoor water stations, I think I even saved your pictures that you posted for some ideas.