Question about Rain Water

[zn30]

My rainwater tank is filled off a roof that is only 4 years old, no large trees around and any bird droppings are at the other end of the house when birds sit on the ariel, however not much. The only debris that enters is dust that has settled on our roof. I was using filter media placed on the inlet of the tank however this proved to not be needed due to using the first flush system. 

As I stated earlier I have a first flush system that catches up to 7-9 litres of the first rain that enters the system however you need to empty this before the next rain I have a hose connected to the base and use this to water our plants. It actually has a slow drip system in the base however I opted to add a hose and discarded the slow drip washers. 

[kizshrimp]

First flush diverters are a great idea too for any rainwater collection. Tanks for adding that @zn30

[jayc]

On 23/07/2016 at 0:23 PM, kizshrimp said:

Tanks for adding that

I see what you did there. ?

[newbreed]

Sorry to hijack this thread but question is on rainwater.

Looks like we will have a new roof installed next week, my other half only just told me lol, it will be colour bond. 

Should I expect this will now mean I need to actively filter my tank water going forward? Don't want to risk my shrimps. 

Or maybe I will have to bite the bullet and switch to ro? 

[revolutionhope]

LOL...

Oh by the way honey.. I forgot to mention. We're getting a new roof next week

[zn30]

1 hour ago, newbreed said:

Sorry to hijack this thread but question is on rainwater.

Looks like we will have a new roof installed next week, my other half only just told me lol, it will be colour bond. 

Should I expect this will now mean I need to actively filter my tank water going forward? Don't want to risk my shrimps. 

Or maybe I will have to bite the bullet and switch to ro? 

I've been using rain water from both tiles and colour bond roofs over the years, both safe for fish currently have tiles using the rainwater for both fish and shrimp. The water whilst your tank is full should be right as its diluted from your previous haul off the old roof. I think you'll actually see an improvement in water quality, if you don't have a first flush diverted system I recommend one and drain it off after each rainfall, I use the water from the first flush on the indoor plants and orchids. 

If your not sure I would try it out on some of your culls and complete your regular tests. Additionally I store my rainwater for our shrimp in litre glass bottles so anything that may be in the water can settle to the bottom of the bottle and do not use the last few drops in the bottle, probably not needed however that's what I have been doing. I haven't seen any sediments in the remaining water. 

How exciting a new roof and gutters, the things we do for our shrimp!

[ineke]

I have used water from our colour bond roof with out a problem. I don't have a rainwater tank so I was catching it once the roof had been cleaned with heavy showers- we have one drain pipe that just drops onto the garden -will fix that one year -it's only been like that for 16 years!. 

[newbreed]

10 hours ago, ineke said:

I have used water from our colour bond roof with out a problem. I don't have a rainwater tank so I was catching it once the roof had been cleaned with heavy showers- we have one drain pipe that just drops onto the garden -will fix that one year -it's only been like that for 16 years!. 

All things in good time. Lol. 

 

Thanks for for the feedback. Best thing about a new roof is we have been putting off installing solar. Looks like I may need to do some investigating now.  

[jayc]

@newbreed +1 to colour bond roof being ok. 

It's new, so it's unlikely to have problems.

 

Just make sure you use a plastic rain water tank for storage. Less chances of metals leaking into the water.

 

First flush systems are the best. Pair that with a "Leaf Eater" and you're laughing.

Large debris like leaf and twigs gets filtered out by the Lead Eater. And the first flush system gets rid of all the finer dirt and dust.

What you will be left with will be crystal clear rain water.

 

Edited September 3, 2016 by jayc

[newbreed]

I have a 3000 litre poly tank and has a leaf strainer thingy on it. No discolouration to water coming from it so far. 

 

Will do heaps of waterchanges today and also put some in ro canisters as backup. Then do test refills on cull tanks first once new roof is up. 

Thanks everyone. 

[ineke]

Definitely go solar Jamie. I have had free electricity for 4 years plus money back. We were lucky and got the higher feedin tariff but paid more for our system but even if you don't get money back the bigger systems - ours is 4.5 KW - can really help with those electricity bills = more tanks.

[jayc]

7 hours ago, newbreed said:

 

I have a 3000 litre poly tank and has a leaf strainer thingy on it

 

You will be fine then.