Sitting RO water

[Hallowhead]

Howdy,

I'm curious if what I've been doing actually could be bad.

When I mix salt water I have my circulation pump running to continuously turn the water over and mix. When I'm done with my water change there is usually not enough water to keep the pump running nor do I find it beneficial since I do a change a month. When I come at it next time there is a musty smell - almost like a gym shoe or something similar. I've used this water for a bit similarly but I'm curious to know if it's not a good idea ? I think it may be a result from not getting proper airflow. How could I vent the brute without getting dirt / dust / debris ? Should I just let the circulation pump always run?

Yes I know the proper solution is to plumb the bin so no water remains but that's not an option right now...

 

[homer1475]

What salt mix? I store IO for about a month with no smell.

 

[Hallowhead]

It's instant ocean as well. I clean the bucket quarterly

 

[KorD]

What type of bucket are you using?
Is it food grade safe?

Reason I’m asking is because it could be leaching out something to make the water smell.

I’ll mix up 20 gal extra and store in water cooler jugs with screw caps. Held it that way for months without an odor or issues.

 

[Hallowhead]

What type of bucket are you using?
Is it food grade safe?

Reason I’m asking is because it could be leaching out something to make the water smell.

I’ll mix up 20 gal extra and store in water cooler jugs with screw caps. Held it that way for months without an odor or issues.

It's a brute which is deemed food grade.

My ro storage is a food grade 55 gallon blue drum..

I'm looking into replumbing just to eliminate the odor.. or running circ all the time

 

[Peace River]

An air pump with an air stone is another option.

 

[Hallowhead]

An air pump with an air stone is another option.

I love this solution... Super cheap and not power hungry even tho circ is DC.

 

[KorD]

It's a brute which is deemed food grade.

My ro storage is a food grade 55 gallon blue drum..

I'm looking into replumbing just to eliminate the odor.. or running circ all the time

Good to know.. I love brute cans and tubs.
Are you keeping the containers where there is/could be a temp swing (cool/warm/cool) ?

This is an interesting puzzle

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

If I have any remaining water I keep it in a bucket and typically don't have an issue. Lately I have started doing a small WC the day after using a 1L cup just to not waste it. Better yet, try to nail down exactly how much you are removing by marking your storage containers and tank with tape or markers.

 

[Hallowhead]

If I have any remaining water I keep it in a bucket and typically don't have an issue. Lately I have started doing a small WC the day after using a 1L cup just to not waste it. Better yet, try to nail down exactly how much you are removing by marking your storage containers and tank with tape or markers.

Problem is the bulkhead in bucket isn't at the bottom so ~ 5 inches of water remain. I didn't plumb to bottom for whatever reason... Might just redo it

 

[wonroc]

With a lid on thr can it will be fine.

 

[Pistol Peet]

This is kind of interesting as I don't have any mix saltwater for any longer than a couple of days interested to see if anybody comes in on here stating that the parameters can swing change dilute or anything else

 

[mike550]

@Hallowhead I know what you're talking about and there have been other threads that raise the same question. But I haven't seen a "right" answer on this -- just lots of ideas, thoughts, experiences, etc.

I use TM Pro, mix it in a Brute, and then pretty much use all of the water during a water change -- so usually my water doesn't sit for more than 24 hours. There were a couple of times where I didn't drain the Brute completely, and noticed a smell after a few days. Since then I've always turned off the heater and mixing pump after I'm done with the water change, kept the lid on tight, and haven't had an issue.

That said -- just my experience. No "scientific" reasoning behind it.

 

[gray808]

I have something similar.
I mix and store mine in a 44g dark grey Brute can, with lid.
If it sits for a month or so, I'll get a thin film of brown, I assume algae, on the inside, and the slightly musty smell, like forgotten wet laundry.

It hasn't seemed to be a problem.

I also have a white square Brute that I have been thinking about changing to, since it will easily wheel under a cutout that is in our laundry room (where the salt water is mixed, and RO/DO station is), which would open up some space. But I worry that the white container will let light in, and make more algae grow.

I could paint the outside to prevent light getting in.
Or I could drape a towel or blanket over it.

--Gray