How long can water sit in an ATO reservoir?

[GDawson]

I’m looking to place an external reservoir for the ATO (external to the stand) sitting next to the tank. Hopefully something large (basket? decorative trunk? suggestions welcome) that will hold several days water (10 to 15 gals, more?). Right now with the weather not to hot it’s losing approx 1 to 1 ½ gal a day (up from a quart before the glass came off)

Question: How long can the water sit before being used? Or if the waters covered is there a time issue?

-Gregory

 

[Gomer]

should be no time issue.

 

[GreshamH]

Just keep it covered so dust doesn't get in it. Mine is hooked to 4x 35g Brutes and I have not emptied that all the way in like 5 years.

 

[sfsuphysics]

One thing that might be something to worry about is bacterial growth. In fact if you have an RO system with a tank they specifically tell you to flush the storage tank with chlorinated tap water occasionally to kill the bacteria. I do notice that hoses inside the RO/DI water do seem somewhat "slimy". I'm unsure if that has any bearing on what it'll do to your tank though, mixed with salt water whether its for top off or for water change water might cause enough of a shock to kill any bacteria in it.