RO Unit storage tank upgrade?

digi · #1 11-21-2010, 10:51 PM

Hey all,

I've bought myself a kenmore RO filter system about a year ago, and was using it for my 9 gallon nano system. It works great, but I've now sold off the nano tank and am thinking of going much bigger... probably around the 90 gallon area.

I'm wondering if the storage tank from my RO unit can be upgraded? Its only got a 4 gallon tank right now, which could be difficult to work with for a 90 gallon tank.

A link to the product I've got is here: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...2&blockType=G2

Any ideas anyone?? Has anyone done this?

sphelps · #2 11-21-2010, 11:41 PM

Get yourself a large rubbermaid or other container and install a mechanical float valve in it and simply hock it up to your RO unit.

digi · #3 11-21-2010, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphelps

Get yourself a large rubbermaid or other container and install a mechanical float valve in it and simply hock it up to your RO unit.

I don't understand how this would help... there's no electrical plug-in for my current RO system. Therefore I can not turn it off or on with a float switch.

hillegom · #4 11-22-2010, 12:50 AM

The float switch only turns off the physical pressure of water going into the tub through the hose. It is a mechanical shut off.

sphelps · #5 11-22-2010, 01:35 PM

Something like this, no power needed.

digi · #6 11-22-2010, 05:20 PM

[quote=sphelps;567060]Something like this, no power needed.

Crazy! I was under the impression that the tank was pressurized... was about 90% certain.

This setup with the float switch shown - Is this the case for most RO tanks?

mike31154 · #7 11-22-2010, 05:40 PM

The system you have with the pressure tank is primarily designed to conveniently provide relatively pure drinking water. This is accomplished through the pressurized tank and a dedicated faucet to dispense the water. Great little set up for your nano but if you're going bigger, you're better off using a larger, open, non pressurized container as illustrated by sphelps. A larger pressure tank would certainly work on your current set up, but you're still going to need a large container to mix your salt water.

In addition, depending on the quality of your tap water and the livestock you intend to keep in your new, large system, you may need to add a DI stage to the system to bring the TDS of the water you use down to 0. If you don't have a TDS meter on your current system, or a handheld TDS meter, it will be a good investment before you go buying more add ons for your RO system.

A final thought, with your current system you're pretty well limited to the 'Kenmore' filter cartridges. I think most of us in the hobby get RODI systems which use the more standard 10 inch filter housings which allow you to purchase more generic and less costly filters/pre-filters.

sphelps · #8 11-22-2010, 05:43 PM

The pressure tank that you have with your RO unit is different. The float valve and container method simply stores water just like you if you were filling an open container by hand but the float valve will turn off the water supply when the container is full so you do not need to watch it. Once the container is full you need some kind of system to get the water out and into your tank or other container. Most simply use a pump and some hose.