Qualitypure (same as Kent) RO unit

[MarkW19]

I've got a QP (QualityPure) unit, which is the same as the Kent full-size 24gal/day RO unit.

In the instructions, it says I have to store the membrane (the top white canister) submerged in water while it's not in use, and was just wondering how important the quality of water to store it in is?

If I store it in my garage, which I'm planning to do, the water will be far from fresh a week or two later when I go to use my RO unit again. Or does it not really matter, as long as it's just wet?

And on the same note, how long can mixed RO/saltwater be stored for in a plastic container, with a loose lid on, ready for water changes? And how about normal RO water (for top-ups) in a plastic bottle?

Cheers!

Mark

 

[reefrunner69]

In the instructions, it says I have to store the membrane (the top white canister) submerged in water while it's not in use, and was just wondering how important the quality of water to store it in is?

Just leave it in the unit, there are check valves to keep water in the RO unit at all times, it will be fine.

And on the same note, how long can mixed RO/saltwater be stored for in a plastic container, with a loose lid on, ready for water changes? And how about normal RO water (for top-ups) in a plastic bottle?

Depends on the conditions, if the water is sealed, it should be fine indefinitely, if it just has a loose lid, it will pick up dust and possibly fumes or toxins from the area. Water is a sponge and picks up lots of airborne stuff.

 

[MarkW19]

OK, so I dont need to keep the membrane housing stored in water when it's not being used? That's what the instructions say that's all...

I plan to store mixed saltwater for up to two weeks, for my waterchanges. It will have a loose lid, but be in a clean, dry room.

Will this be ok?

Thanks for your help

 

[reefrunner69]

OK, so I dont need to keep the membrane housing stored in water when it's not being used? That's what the instructions say that's all...

That is not what I said You MUST keep the membrane wet, if it drys, it's ruined. The RO membran housing should have check valves from the lines, to prevent water from leaving the membrane housing without being under pressure, therefore, if you leave the unit off and leave the membrane in the housing...it is being stored in water. Wouldn't hurt to keep the ends of the lines above the membrane housing either, but IME, it's not necessary.

I plan to store mixed saltwater for up to two weeks, for my waterchanges. It will have a loose lid, but be in a clean, dry room.

Will this be ok?

Provided there are not any airborne contaminants around the storage container...should be fine. DO NOT keep the water aerated, leave it without aeration and aerate a day or two before use, this will help prevent introduction to the water of contaminants.

 

[MarkW19]

OK, I'll never be taking the membrane out of the housing (unless changing it when it's run out), so therefore I don't need to store the membrane housing in a bucket (as I am doing now), because there's water actually inside the housing all the time anyway, so it can be kept dry on the outside?

Is that definite?

Thanks.

 

[MarkW19]

Not sure about the check valves by the way!

 

[reefrunner69]

My unit has the checkvalves, and I have used units in the past and have never removed the membrane or the membrane housing and stored them in a bucket of water, and water quality has not suffered. They mention this, incase you need to break down the unit, or the membrane housing were to crack (from being dropped) the membrane should be stored moist, I would not put it in a bucket of water, simply seal it in a zip lock baggie and add some water as needed to keep it moist.

Even without checkvalves, if you keep the output of the unit above the membrane housing while being stored...it will be fine.

 

[MarkW19]

OK, thanks.

So, I take the membrane housing off the top of the other two canisters, and make sure all piping is above the membrane housing, so water can't drip out of it?

 

[reefrunner69]

Your making it harder than it has to be. Do not remove anything, simply raise the ends of the lines and put them above the RO unit, you do not need to remove anything, simply hang them higher than the unit.

 

[MarkW19]

lol, got it.

Thanks for being patient

Just want to make sure I don't break my £200 unit