RODI Reservoirs?

VicD81 · Dec 19, 2013

Good morning. I had the brilliant idea the other day while strolling down the isles of HomeDepot, Saw a 27 gallon tote and thought it would make a great reservoir and mixing container. When I was setting it up I noticed a distinct smell from the plastic. I know some people use brute trash cans so I don't think there is much of a difference. Just worried about the plastic leaching undesirables into the water? Is anyone else using random containers as reservoirs?

AZDesertRat · Dec 19, 2013

I use a blue 23 gallon Rubbermaid recycling can. I rinsed it with vinegar water 5+ years ago before using it, have cleaned it out exactly twice since and the TDS is still 0 in it.

Many plastic containers are made from the same plastic compunds, in the same molds and factories as their more expensive NSF food safe cousins but have never been tested and certified as food safe since their intended purpose was never to store food. Doesn't mean they are not safe, only that the manufacturer didn't spend tens of thousands of $$ and wait years to have them certified for a market he doesn't even sell them to.

Give it a shot. Watch the TDS though as this will be your indicator.

Ward9320 · Dec 19, 2013

I picked these up on ebay. I use one to store my RO water and the other is for saltwater. The only smell I have ever smelt out of them was from the plumbing glue and it that smell took some time to go away.

I also use used 5 gallon buckets that at one point had pickles in them to take water to my tank in my office at work. I have been using these buckets for about 6 months now they still smell like pickles. Even though the smell is there I have never seen any ill effect with my water quality.

VicD81 · Dec 19, 2013

AZDesertRat said:
I use a blue 23 gallon Rubbermaid recycling can. I rinsed it with vinegar water 5+ years ago before using it, have cleaned it out exactly twice since and the TDS is still 0 in it.

Give it a shot. Watch the TDS though as this will be your indicator.

Is TDS the only thing I have to look out for? I was more concerned with some other hidden contaminant that I would not be able to test for.

Ward9320 said:
I picked these up on ebay. I use one to store my RO water and the other is for saltwater. The only smell I have ever smelt out of them was from the plumbing glue and it that smell took some time to go away.

I did see your setup in another thread. I asked you about it there. Inspired me to make my own separate holding and mixing container setup thingy.

AZDesertRat · Dec 19, 2013

Most contaminants will register as TDS with a good handheld TDS meter. Test kits and pocket type testers are not accurate in pure water so are of little value.

VicD81 · Dec 19, 2013

Awesome! So do I "HAVE" to soak it in vinegar water cause all i really did is let it sit for 2 days in reg water. It is new afterall.

AZDesertRat · Dec 19, 2013

The pH of the vinegar wil clean the oils off from the molding process. They are probably not water soluable by itself. Or you can do a good hot water and soap wash then use the vinegar water.

VicD81 · Dec 19, 2013

Sounds good Ill do a good Vinegar bath today!

JMSKI333 · Dec 22, 2013

Ward9320 said:

May I say your salt water set up it pretty slick. I love how you plumbed it. It makes a lot of sense and only one pump does so many things.

Jlobes · Dec 22, 2013

the quality of plastics if a tough one to cover. Im not the plastic answer man, but generally I try to use containers intended for food storage or potable water. I use the norwesco vertical storage tanks, like the units above, as well. HTH.

Jlobes · Dec 22, 2013

JMSKI333 · Dec 22, 2013

Jlobes said:
the quality of plastics if a tough one to cover. Im not the plastic answer man, but generally I try to use containers intended for food storage or potable water. I use the norwesco vertical storage tanks, like the units above, as well. HTH.

Where is the best place to buy these? I have been using Brute cans for awhile but I am looking for something better like you guys have.

Jlobes · Dec 22, 2013

I couldnt find them locally, you may be able. ill try to dig up where i got mine...but I sucked it up and ordered them online and paid the shipping. I see you are on the east cost, here is the distro list from norwesco for your area.
Norwesco

JMSKI333 · Dec 22, 2013

Jlobes said:
I couldnt find them locally, you may be able. ill try to dig up where i got mine...but I sucked it up and ordered them online and paid the shipping. I see you are on the east cost, here is the distro list from norwesco for your area.
Norwesco

I appreciate the info. I will go on my journey to find the best price on these tanks.

Jlobes · Dec 22, 2013

LOL. thats what i was gonna suggest.

when i bought mine, i journeyed through most of the west coast sites, the prices all seemed fairly close...its the service and shipping that changes the game.