Tank crashed

[silverado61]

Is there anything that would make a tank crash that makes the water smell like clorine or bleach? I only use R/O water, never tap, for everything. Could stored fresh saltwater become too old after a month and go bad?

 

[benny z]

storing fresh saltwater is a bad idea imo. unless it is completely sealed, it can easily pick up ammonia, and without biological filtration the ammonia can build to toxic levels.

doubt it would cause a chlorine/bleach smell, though. that doesn't sound right at all.

what exactly happened?

 

[MSD60178]

I would check your RO/DI unit and make sure everything is good there. as far as storing water goes I do it and have no issues but I do have it sealed and a powerhead in it to keep everything moving.

 

[mcarroll]

Storing wouldn't have anything to do with a chlorine smell.

Like others, I would start by suspecting your RODI system. Once your carbon stage has expired, chlorine will degrade your membrane, quickly exhaust your DI and easily make it to your RO vat.

If your water system uses chloramines, then even partly degraded filters can allow nasties through, including ammonia.

If not your filter, then I would suspect the reservoir wasn't pre-cleaned sufficiently.

If not that, then I would hope someone accidentally added bleach to your water and that it wasn't malicious.

-Matt

 

[JMSKI333]

What is your water smelling like out of the tap? If it isn't smelling like chlorine then I would learn more toward that something may have been added to your tank. Maybe leave a glass of water on the counter for a little bit and then give it a wiff.

When was the last time you did a water change?

Is it possible that you used a cleaning product and then worked on your tank?

 

[that Reef Guy]

Storing wouldn't have anything to do with a chlorine smell.

Like others, I would start by suspecting your RODI system. Once your carbon stage has expired, chlorine will degrade your membrane, quickly exhaust your DI and easily make it to your RO vat.

If your water system uses chloramines, then even partly degraded filters can allow nasties through, including ammonia.

If not your filter, then I would suspect the reservoir wasn't pre-cleaned sufficiently.

If not that, then I would hope someone accidentally added bleach to your water and that it wasn't malicious.

-Matt

How do you know when the Carbon has Expired?

TDS Level?
Time Since First Use?

 

[mcarroll]

How do you know when the Carbon has Expired?

TDS Level?
Time Since First Use?

Every filter module should have a max. gallons rating, for one thing. But for carbon life, it's probably best to have a chloring test kit on hand – and a good way to take a post-carbon-filter sample from your RODI system. (I hadn't thought about this back when I built mine.)