Ro/DI container salvage

[Underwater Passion]

So I cannot find answers anywhere to my issue. I bought two 250 gallon vertical tanks that were previously used for wine fermentation. They had a very strong smell of wine ferment in them. I have rinsed them out with a high pressure washer, used a bleach solution well above the disinfectant range (8 gallons of bleach in 75 gallons on water), and I then rinsed heavily before sanitizing with Star-San.

I completed a reef water test and attached the results below. My main concern is that after all this the rodi water still smells like wine ferment. And I don’t know if it is safe to use this water for water changes in my reef tank.

My concern is that a petri dish test was not completed so I do not know how much yeast and bacteria is leaching into the water.

Has anyone had any experience with converting storage containers used in wine making to make them reef safe? Did I just waste money on these? I appreciate any help.

Thank you.

 

[KrisReef]

If that test was supposed to be RODI, then I think you need to replace the RO membrane?

You might need a new DI filter, but filling the wine container with fresh water and filter that over carbon and polyfilter should get you closer to “clean” for a storage tank.

Some “contamination” might not be a problem for use in a reef system. Sea water and reefs are not sterile.

 

[Underwater Passion]

If that test was supposed to be RODI, then I think you need to replace the RO membrane?

You might need a new DI filter, but filling the wine container with fresh water and filter that over carbon and polyfilter should get you closer to “clean” for a storage tank.

Some “contamination” might not be a problem for use in a reef system. Sea water and reefs are not sterile.

Thank you for your reply @KrisReef ! I can definitely change out the RO membrane, it was due to be changed in the next month . That water was tested after sitting in the storage container for 2 weeks.

Would you be concerned about the moderate wine ferment smell?

 

[KrisReef]

Thank you for your reply @KrisReef ! I can definitely change out the RO membrane, it was due to be changed in the next month . That water was tested after sitting in the storage container for 2 weeks.

Would you be concerned about the moderate wine ferment smell?

I would not worry about the smell unless it bothered my wife. :)

For the container, you need to test the water when it is added and then again at two weeks to see what is seeping out of the container. For plastic containers I would expect smells to linger but not to much seepage of elements, I suspect your ro membrane and/ or di resin is not working, and confounding the results.

If Randy (RHM) posts an disputes that claim well then we will both learn something?

I don’t think a wine smell is anything to worry about. You have cleaned the container and any bacteria growth is likely going to be eaten by the coral for lunch.

 

[Underwater Passion]

I would not worry about the smell unless it bothered my wife. :)

For the container, you need to test the water when it is added and then again at two weeks to see what is seeping out of the container. For plastic containers I would expect smells to linger but not to much seepage of elements, I suspect your ro membrane and/ or di resin is not working, and confounding the results.

If Randy (RHM) posts an disputes that claim well then we will both learn something?

I don’t think a wine smell is anything to worry about. You have cleaned the container and any bacteria growth is likely going to be eaten by the coral for lunch.

That makes me feel more comfortable. I appreciate the feedback.

 

[firechild]

Highly unlikely that anything in the barrel is going to be problematic. Potentially a very small amount of residual organics but these will be utilised by microorganisms in the aquarium anyway. I am using old pickling barrels, there was a smell for a short time but that has mostly gone after about 6 months, I've used these for RODI and salt water without issue.

 

[Liftoff]

Can you send some pictures of the two tanks you bought? Any more info about them that would help?

 

[theatrus]

I wouldn't be too concerned about levels of organics - consider it free carbon dosing or likewise.