outdoor, unheated water storage - bad idea?

[bored4long]

Wanted to run this idea past the pros:

The wall I'll be placing my 120 against is an exterior wall. My water heater is one room removed, about 10 feet away.

I'm considering setting up my filter at the water heater to tap into the cold water input, and then run the 1/4" tube to my new 55g storage drum OUTSIDE. From there I will have a smaller reservoir that will be used for topoff (using a top off from the 55 to the 7g reservoir and from 7g to sump). Both of these would be located outside directly on the opposite side of the tank. Put a hole in the wall and run the 1/4" tube to refugium (via auto top off) and call it done.

I don't want to run a heater outside in the reservoir so I was thinking of using my garden tool shed and insulating it with regular home insulation. Will this have any affect on keeping the water temp higher than the ambient outside temp or is it a waste of time?

My other option would be to have the reservoir inside the house in the stand (still connected to the outside 55 through the wall), but I really don't want to take up the room (plus the flood risk).

Another question: What do you guys do with your RO waste water?

Thoughts?

 

[P.Kelly]

I just picked up a 300 gallon storage container that I'm going to use to store my RO/DI waste water to feed the dog, water plants, etc.

 

[jtarmitage]

On a 120, the small amount of top off water entering the system, even at near freezing temps should have an insignificant impact, but one idea would be to use some form of housing to store the ro containers in. Either build a small structure, mini shed, etc. or use a rubbermaid type storage unit similar to those used to store outdoor furniture cushions. This will keep the temps a little bit more stable. You could even use insulation around the containers in the storage box or shed to help even more. But again, the impact should be minimal, and any impact should be handled quickly by your main tank heater or chiller(or house AC) if needed. We are only talking about a few gallons spread throughout the day.

 

[bored4long]

I have a garden tool shed (approx 4x2x6high) that I was thinking I'd line with r-39 insulation and put the water inside this shed. I guess if this doesn't work, it won't be too much trouble to move the 7g reservoir inside the stand.

 

[P.Kelly]

7 gallons would last maybe 3 days on my 92 gallon, I'm personally looking for something more around the 15 to 20 gallon size for top off water that way I can go about a week and take care of all my maintenance on the same day each week.

 

[Reefugee]

If you are setting up an autotopoff system, I would not worry about keeping the water warm during the winter. Our winter is usually not cold enough to make a difference. If you do have a long freeze spell, then just temporarily run an extension cord and heater out to the storage container.


My RO waste water is used to water my walnut tree.

 

[bored4long]

great info guys. I'll look for a larger reservoir, too.