How to clean correctly your reservoir

[David Barrientos]

Hello every one,

How can I correctly clean my reservoir? Mi DI water comes out 0 TDS, but when y check mi reservoir mi TDS levels are 1..... I'm worried that my phosphate levels can build up in my tank... my reservoir is a glass cube with my auto top of pump in it......

What can I do ?
And is it possible that my phosphate levels can build up in my display tank because os 1 TDS?

 

[Peace River]

#WelcometoR2R!!! Tell us more about your tank - what size is it? how long has it been set up? do you have live rock in it? where did the live rock come from? etc.

#reefsquad

 

[andrewkw]

Is it slimy? I actually just cleaned my 55 gallon drum the past couple of days for the first time in 3 years. I only have an in line TDS meter so I did not check the TDS, however I was pleasantly surprised there was no film at all in my barrel. My ato containers are 5 gallon buckets and they need to be washed out about every other month or so or biofilm will collect in them.

The most important thing is to keep it completely sealed so nothing can get in. When I cleaned mine I first wiped it down with water then I wiped it down with bleach. This is why it took a couple of days. I put it in the sun, then brought it back inside and stuck a fan inside it for a day. Once I was confident it was 100% dry started filling it up again.

Vinegar and citric acid are other good options for cleaning but since I don't plan on doing mine again for years I used bleach.

 

[saltyhog]

First you must realize that TDS measurements are intended to confirm the proper function of your RO/DI unit not to measure the fitness of your finished water for use. I NEVER check the TDS of my RO/DI reservoir. A speck of dust or a touch of your finger will cause a TDS of one. Don't fret it for a moment. I would almost guarantee that mine would be greater than that.....as would everyone else's . I'm going to say your reservoir is exquisitely clean.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

I will follow that up with a big welcome to the family.

 

[Retro Reefer]

Welcome to R2R! A TDS of 1 in your reservior is completely normal and wouldn’t be contributing to phosphate levels in your tank.

 

[nereefpat]

First you must realize that TDS measurements are intended to confirm the proper function of your RO/DI unit not to measure the fitness of your finished water for use. I NEVER check the TDS our of my RO/DI reservoir. A speck of dust or a touch of your finger will cause a TDS of one. Don't fret it for a moment. I would almost guarantee that mine would be greater than that.....as would everyone else's . I'm going to say your reservoir is exquisitely clean.

Yes, RODI water is a sponge. Dust, co2, etc will make the TDS in a barrel read more than zero.