Water storage for top off

[tdsapp]

So I have a Reef Angel and it came with float switches for the water top off feature. I have also built an adjustable float switch gadget so I can put them in the sump (http://www.dfwmas.org/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=124732).

Now I am looking for the container to put my top off water in that has a big enough opening that I can put a water pump into. Unfortunately when I built my stand I did it more off the size of the tank and not what I had to put under it. My sump is a 60 gallon tank that I made into a sump, and it takes up quite a bit of room in the stand. So the spot I have to put a top off water container is not that big. I can't get one of the 5 gallon containers that we all use for water changes, and I don't think I can get in a water container like the Ozarka water bottles either.

While doing a Google search on "5 Gallon Water Storage" I came across this http://www.walmart.com/ip/16537207?www=true&productRedirect=true. It's made as water storage for camping and such, holds 6 gallons, is heavy duty plastic, and BPH free. I think it comes with two caps, one being sealed and the other with the spout, if so, I could modify the sealed cap to allow the power line and the output hose to come through it.

Would it be safe to use a container like this for top off water or would it be a problem with the plastic leaching out something toxic? I am leaning towards it being safe as it's made for drinking water but sadly some of the things they say are safe for us are not really that safe and probably worse for the tank.


Tim

 

[Wes]

I'm sure it would be ok, but it's reLly up to you to risk it. I've seen people use wrapping paper storage containers for top off though with no issues. I didn't have much space for one either so I bought a custom acrylic one from melevsreef.com which works great.

 

[DetroitRodeo]

If it can be used for potable water you'll have no issues.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Grant]

@DetroitRodeo wrote:

I agree. I think this would work fine for top off water. You just have to get past the fact that it looks like it should be used as a gas can. [smilie=lol.gif]

 

[Tinyfish]

I'll just throw this out there. I went to Petsmart and got a dog food container. I like it because it comes with a lid and is tall like a kitchen trash can.

 

[jccaclimber]

Is there a concern of the drinking water containers having some sort of anti mildew component, or is that not used in most water containers? Just a question, I don't have any evidence to imply a concern.

 

[Grant]

@jccaclimber wrote:

I've never heard of anyone having issues from something like that. The material itself might be resistant to mildew but I don't think they'd include anything that could possibly leach out into a container made for drinking water.

 

[Spar]

@jccaclimber wrote:

if there is even the slightest concern, you could just give it a good bleach or vinegar solution bath, then rinse it out and let it dry before use.

i have a trio of 210g vats that i store RO/DI and mixed saltwater in. when I first got them it had a strong smell... nothing bad, but a smell nonetheless... i only rinsed it with a hose and never noticed anything bad happening. i was told it may be an anti-mildew residue.