Garage too hot for RODI/Water Change Station? (1 Viewer)

[rlpardue]

Will a semi-detached garage in Houston be too hot to run a RODI? I've read somewhere that high temperatures can interfere with RODI performance. I was also going to put my water station (105g and 55g tanks) in there, but will the water be hotter than 84 in the summer?


I've been a little distracted with work but the new tank is coming a week from tomorrow!

 

[Reefahholic]

I think you'll be fine. As long as it's not open to direct sunlight.

Most people prefer a pool temp of about 85 degrees for swimming. I'm a surfer and temps in the Gulf of Mexico during July and August reached the low 90's. Highest reef temp im comfortable running is 82-83 degrees. So your looking at a 10 degrees difference and there's no coral in water change stations. So just keep it out of sunlight and you'll be fine. You can also plumb in a chiller if you wanted or add a fan in the garage during those months.

 

[nvy]

Mine is in the garage. I also mix in the garage at night and wc in the morning. No issues


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[Clownfish Chris]

Mine is in the garage. No issues.

Jared, What does comfortable swimming temperatures have anything to do with RODI performance?

 

[steveb]

Ambient air temp doesn't really matter...

What is important is the water temp entering the RO membrane.

warmer water temps increase your RO production and cooler temps decrease it.

IRC RO membrane damage occurs at 95°F + water temp.


I wouldn't be concerned with top off water being warm from sitting in a reservoir in your garage...

I might be a little concerned with stored saltwater...
1 - warmer temps lead to more formation and precipitation of CaCO3 from water if you are agitating via pump
2 - depending on volume of water change you might spike the tank temp a couple of degrees (either way depending on time of year) -- not sure this is a real issue... dependent on volumes and temp difference.. should be easy enough to calculate though..

 

[Mark L.]

Ambient air temp doesn't really matter...

What is important is the water temp entering the RO membrane.

warmer water temps increase your RO production and cooler temps decrease it.

IRC RO membrane damage occurs at 95°F + water temp.


I wouldn't be concerned with top off water being warm from sitting in a reservoir in your garage...

I might be a little concerned with stored saltwater...
1 - warmer temps lead to more formation and precipitation of CaCO3 from water if you are agitating via pump
2 - depending on volume of water change you might spike the tank temp a couple of degrees (either way depending on time of year) -- not sure this is a real issue... dependent on volumes and temp difference.. should be easy enough to calculate though..

My worry was always damaging the membranes from the water inside them heating up to 100+ degrees daily while not in use. I wonder if it matters that much?

 

[steveb]

hmmm dunno.. that would be a question for one of our RO/DI specialist sponsors

 

[RR-MAN]

Mine is in the garage. I also mix in the garage at night and wc in the morning. No issues


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Exactly what I do! I also stick the controller temp probe in the new saltwater just to make sure but it's always perfect except winter time when a heater is needed.

 

[RR-MAN]

My worry was always damaging the membranes from the water inside them heating up to 100+ degrees daily while not in use. I wonder if it matters that much?

I don't think it matters. I have been using the same vertex puratek unit for 5 yrs. without any issue

By the way, who built your tank? And congrats on the new tank!

 

[cliner]

I ran mine for several years in the garage, and on the front porch for about a year with no issues.

 

[Mark L.]

I don't think it matters. I have been using the same vertex puratek unit for 5 yrs. without any issue

By the way, who built your tank? And congrats on the new tank!

No new tank here. Same 240 gal I've always had. You may be thinking of someone else?

 

[rlpardue]

Wonderful discussion. Thank you guys. I think I will follow the consensus here and keep the RODI (and maybe the SW tank) inside, and the FW tank in the garage with pump and hose.Planet is building the tank. It will be here on Saturday

 

[RR-MAN]

No new tank here. Same 240 gal I've always had. You may be thinking of someone else?

I was asking Lee (OP) since he's got a new tank

Well post your review once you get the planet tank. I'm thinking 8 footer by 36 wide

 

[Tangs]

What is the Nitrate level of your water just after it is converted to RODI water? please and thanks .. I learned today that is is much better to feed your fish twice a day rather than once in order to reduce nitrate levels .... makes sense cus fish will be able to get to more of it and less will rot at the bottom of the tank.

 

[rlpardue]

Thanks everyone, it sounds like a conservative approach would be to place the FW reservoir in the garage (which is good, since it's the only place a 105g tank will fit) and place the RODI unit and the SW reservoir in the air-conditioned fishroom. I can run the output hose of the RODI out to the garage while keeping the membrane nice and comfortable at 72 degrees.Hey RR-Man, you live in the Energy Corridor? I just moved out here myself. Where is the closest LFS? I'm not really sure what's west of Eldridge yet

 

[RR-MAN]

Hey RR-Man, you live in the Energy Corridor? I just moved out here myself. Where is the closest LFS? I'm not really sure what's west of Eldridge yet

Yes I have been living in the Energy Corridor for the last two years since I sold my Katy house but moving to Pearland beginning of next month since wife is in the medical center. I will miss this area though. It's awesome. It's so central you can go any direction.

The only LFS I go to is Oceanlife. I swing by FJW once in a while but I have been traveling too much lately so have not seen Dennis for a long time.

 

[TooSalty]

Mine is in the garage too.

 

[Buckeye Hydro]

113F is max temp for membranes. Expect damage over that. I'd be concerned re microbial issues with hot water in the unit.

Russ

 

[Bigfishy]

I have been running mine in the garage for 10 years and no problem. I have everything in the garage. Fresh water, saltwater mixing and Rodin system.


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[RR-MAN]

I have been running mine in the garage for 10 years and no problem. I have everything in the garage. Fresh water, saltwater mixing and Rodin system.


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Me too