Looking for portable ideas for RO/DI storage

[otterbuff]

I am looking to replace my existing stock of 5 gallon jugs that all came from the LFS over the years. I have already gotten rid of some because they started to leak. The current stock are filthy on the inside from their years of service. To purchase the equivalent would be about $13/piece for maybe 4 or 5 of them.

Currently, I have my RO/DI filter that I put into the utility sink with a 5 gallon bucket that I mix the salt in with. Once that is complete, I transfer it to one of the 5 gallon jugs that are stored for a week or 2 and I make 1-2 batches a weekend. I would prefer to make a larger batch so I am mixing less often. Both tanks are in relative close proximity to utility sink, but I cannot keep the jugs (or other solution) in the same area. I do have an unfinished basement in close proximity. Therefore, what 'portable' solutions are there where I could make a larger batch of water, but then transfer water out of the container when needed? Oh, by the way, all of this on e budget!

 

[Sonyardo]

I would store the water in a food grade trash can and set up a smaller ato container at the tank. Then pump the water to the ato container as needed.

 

[BrettDS]

Looking for portable ideas for RO/DI storage

Moving water really sucks. Forget about trying to set up something portable, you should set up a system that prevents you from having to move water at all. Like Somyardo said, you can use a large trash can in your unfinished basement and run a tube from your RO/DI to that so you can fill it without moving water in buckets. When you want to do a water change you can use a small pump with a tube to pump water out of your tanks and down the drain, then use the same pump and hose to pump water from the reservoir into the tanks.

If you want to spend a bit more you can get a couple of pumps to leave permanently installed in the tanks and reservoirs so you can do water changes just by turning the pumps on and off.

 

[fity2pounder]

Brett hit it good. Personally I would look for a used barrel though rather than a trash bucket which would be more likely to crack or break sooner.

 

[mfaso24]

Brute can on a dolly is probably the easiest way to have "portable" ro or salt water

 

[mntbiker2008]

Brute can on a dolly is probably the easiest way to have "portable" ro or salt water

This is similar to what I do only I have one of those 50 gallon blue barrels and that works great. I just ratchet strapped it to a furniture dolly I picked up from harbor freight.

I will eventually be looking for a way to make it so that I never have to lift a bucket again.

 

[mfaso24]

This is similar to what I do only I have one of those 50 gallon blue barrels and that works great. I just ratchet strapped it to a furniture dolly I picked up from harbor freight.



I will eventually be looking for a way to make it so that I never have to lift a bucket again.

You don't even need to strap it in. They make dollies specifically for the cans. Just pop it on and twist and it's locked on [emoji1360][emoji1360]

 

[otterbuff]

Well, the math checks out! 5x$14 = $70. Right about what it would cost for a brute with dolly. What that would mean is longer to fill the trash can, but more water and less hassle over time. Concerned about being clumsy and dumping water on carpet between utility sink and unfinished basement. However, there are cold water lines near where I would store the trash can.... So, I can probably get a vampire tap for the RO/DI and mount it in the unfinished basement and fill straight into trash can. Sometime later, I could buy a pump and pump the water out of can into buck or jug to transport. Having a way to direct line it into the existing tanks is not doable. Someone day when I get my BIIGGG tank, maybe ! Are all the Brute cans "food grade" I only took a minute to look at them. Is there one better than another? THANK YOU!!!!

EDIT: Well a 30 second Google search... "All colors are USDA Meat & Poultry Equipment Group Listed and assist in complying with HACCP guidelines."

 

[BrettDS]

For what it's worth, vampire taps/saddle valves are against code in a lot of locations. You might be better off cutting the pipe and plumbing in a proper valve. But that said, I used a saddle valve for a couple of years without any problems.

Also, even if you can't run a permanent line to the tank I would just get a long 1/2 inch or so vinyl tube that you can store near the reservoir and just run it out to the tank whenever you want to do a water change, then coil it up again when you are done.

 

[otterbuff]

Brett, thanks for info. Interesting about code (I will look that up) there is a one of them in my basement now heading to the dysfunctional humidifier I could reuse. I will look in to how to add a proper valve inline. Plumbing only scares me a little, electricity scares me a LOT !. I was thinking about the long line to the tank. I would definitely need a pump, but I think it is doable in the long run. Plus, once I get my BIIIGGGG tank, it would go in the place my main tank is anyway. I would need a bump for it though.

 

[otterbuff]

Trashcan showed up today! Not wrapped or anything, so it is going to need a good cleaning! I think I will initially use the waste water from the next couple of batches of RODI. However, is there anything to use to clean it that won't come back to haunt me? Obviously no detergent. What about a teaspoon of bleach? Or is that pretty much worthless?

 

[mfaso24]

Trashcan showed up today! Not wrapped or anything, so it is going to need a good cleaning! I think I will initially use the waste water from the next couple of batches of RODI. However, is there anything to use to clean it that won't come back to haunt me? Obviously no detergent. What about a teaspoon of bleach? Or is that pretty much worthless?

You could use vinegar. But you should be fine just rinsing it and wiping down with tap water.