Plastic Jugs' Effect on Water Quality?

ChameleonNYSea · 09/28/2017, 08:58 PM

After adding water to my tank, sometimes I notice that the phosphate levels increase. Would long term storage (>72 hours) of water in plastic jugs result in an increased phosphate level in the water?

bertoni · 09/28/2017, 10:33 PM

Most likely, the issue is elsewhere, but a quick rinsing with some vinegar might help remove any buildup in the jugs. If you could wipe the surface a bit, that might help, too. I might check the phosphate level in the fresh water and in a sample of the saltwater if the problem persists. A TDS meter sometimes is helpful when measuring RO/DI, as well.

Ron Reefman · 10/01/2017, 04:56 AM

Is it possible, yes. Is it likely, probably not.

Test the water before, or as you put it in the jug and then again after whatever time frame you like. That should answer your question.

dkeller_nc · 10/01/2017, 09:00 AM

That somewhat depends on the plastic. Typically, food-grade high density polyethylene jugs that have vinegar, drinking water, etc... in them have very little in leachable plasticizers and other contaminants. Other plastics, particular colored ones, may or may not have mold release agents, plasticizers and other things that -might- include some organic phosphate.

A more likely source would be organic phosphates in the water itself that are subsequently metabolized by bacteria and released into the water as inorganic phosphates that a test will pick up.

bertoni · 10/01/2017, 03:51 PM

I agree that mold release agents can be an issue, but they can't linger very long. I was assuming (a bad idea) that the plastic was rated for food and water storage. I used the plastic 5g jugs made for aquariums, and they were fine.

09/28/2017, 08:58 PM	#1
ChameleonNYSea Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Posts: 55	Plastic Jugs' Effect on Water Quality? After adding water to my tank, sometimes I notice that the phosphate levels increase. Would long term storage (>72 hours) of water in plastic jugs result in an increased phosphate level in the water?

09/28/2017, 10:33 PM	#2
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	Most likely, the issue is elsewhere, but a quick rinsing with some vinegar might help remove any buildup in the jugs. If you could wipe the surface a bit, that might help, too. I might check the phosphate level in the fresh water and in a sample of the saltwater if the problem persists. A TDS meter sometimes is helpful when measuring RO/DI, as well. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

10/01/2017, 04:56 AM	#3
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	Is it possible, yes. Is it likely, probably not. Test the water before, or as you put it in the jug and then again after whatever time frame you like. That should answer your question. __________________ The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017

10/01/2017, 03:51 PM	#5
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	I agree that mold release agents can be an issue, but they can't linger very long. I was assuming (a bad idea) that the plastic was rated for food and water storage. I used the plastic 5g jugs made for aquariums, and they were fine. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

10/01/2017, 09:00 AM	#4
dkeller_nc Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Central NC Posts: 5,062	That somewhat depends on the plastic. Typically, food-grade high density polyethylene jugs that have vinegar, drinking water, etc... in them have very little in leachable plasticizers and other contaminants. Other plastics, particular colored ones, may or may not have mold release agents, plasticizers and other things that -might- include some organic phosphate. A more likely source would be organic phosphates in the water itself that are subsequently metabolized by bacteria and released into the water as inorganic phosphates that a test will pick up.