Water Storage Tank

[jrossjr79]

Ok, so I am entertaining an idea in my head. Wont be anytime soon, would have to make room somewhere for it. But am interested in getting a tank to hold RO water in. Thinking 100Gallon Reservoir. But while I was researching cheapest place (that is new, somewhat scared to get it used since it may be contaminated with something I do not want in my tank), I came across rain tanks. So was thinking, what is wrong with collecting rain water to put in the tanks, since overall it is natural water.

Only thing I dont know, is would I get trace amounts of pollution from the air doing it this way? If I am getting trace amounts of pollution or other toxins from rain water, would it be visible to collect the water in one tank, process through RO/DI unit, and run it to an additional tank?

[CoryDude]

I knew some discus breeders who used rainwater, but not any reefers. With this drought your in for some slim pickens. You may want to check Craig's list for well water reservoirs. My dad picked up two 100 gallon storage containers for pretty cheap.

[jrossjr79]

Thats the thing though, I dont want to get a used one, for any price. TO scared it may be contaminated. If and when I do go this route, with storing water in a reservoir, I will be going for this 100 G tanks:

http://www.plastic-mart.com/category/385/chemtainer-water-tanks

Price is the cheapest I seen for 100G, also like the idea about it stating that it will reduce the amount of algae growth due to its color, not sure if this is true or not though.

Just have not made up my mind if I will collect rain water or not, kinda depends on what everyone says about it here.

[CoryDude]

Rainwater typically will have a neutral ph of 7, and maybe even slightly acidic. That's why my discuss friends loved it. You may have a problem using it for saltwater applications since you want a higher ph. I think that's why the consistency of ro water is better suited for reef applications.

But if you ever raise tetras or most other freshwater fish, rainwater would be a benefit.

[jrossjr79]

Then it probable wont be a good idea for me to collect rain water for my tank then. As is my PH is a lil low, 8.0.

Not a fan of freshwater fish, never have been. Although wife loves freshwater fish.

[CoryDude]

It's more about stability with reef tanks. I know a long time member on here who's ph is below 8 and his sps growth is amazing. It the fluctuations on your parameters that cause more problems than anything else.

Fyi I use a 48 gallon brute trash can for my water storage and it works great.

[jrossjr79]

Ya i was also thinking about going that route, it would please my wife for since its cheaper and not as big, lol

[ramsey]

The other bad thing about rainwater is that you would t be able to protect it from other contaminants, apart from what it catches in the air. For example, your neighbor spraying for weeds.

[Bill S]

I've measured rainwater quite often. The biggest deal is getting runoff sometime AFTER it starts raining - you don't want to get the first parts of the rain.

Rainwater is pretty close to RO/DI. Dissolved solids generally less than 10ppm, neutral pH (as you would expect).

[Bill S]

I forgot the other part:

I found R/V water tanks very affordable, and they are rectangular so they fit under tanks very well.

[jrossjr79]

Thanks Bill for both those informative post. But I dont think I will go rain collecting route. I may look into the R/V water tanks though.

[ramsey]

Good advice! I'll have to check out the RV tanks as well!