Saltwater and mold

[tthemadd1]

All,
I am looking to setup a 45 gallon trash can to distill water. Problem we have mold growing on our outdoor covered porch.
I have read that saltwater will minimize mold growth. Thoughts? Has anyone else experienced this? Instead of putting the can outside with fresh water I am thinking about mixing in the salt to keep the mold from growing.
Alternatively if I put some bleach in the water and let it sit for a week or two would the bleach remain at the end? I definitely do not want to contaminate the tank water. I the chlorine would dissipate from the water over a period of time that would be fine.
So thoughts?

 

[snakeblitz33]

It may kill mold, but it would completely rust your nails and screws that is holding the wood together...
I recommend using or renting a power washer and wash your deck off one day and let it dry up in the sun the next when you know it's not going to rain. Then, apply a sealer such as a deck stain or an exterior paint or deck paint to the surface. They make mold and mildew resistant exterior deck paints that work wonders.
Once again, I wouldn't do what you are planning on doing.

 

[tthemadd1]

Not a deck it's a concrete slab under a screened in porch. Outside the kitchen. I'm thinking I may scrub out the can and lid. This water would be for the tank. I may mix up ten gallons and let it sit for a week. See if I get any smell or mold growth. Guess I'm just concerned it could affect the tank. Although I don't see anyone posting on here about a mold issue in their tanks. More research and until then I guess buying RO from my LFS is pretty cheap for the effect

 

[geoj]

If you put Bleach in saltwater or use water that has had Bleach added to it read the Ingredients below first.
http://www.clorox.com/products/clorox-regular-bleach/ingredients-and-safety
When dissolved in water it will slowly decompose, releasing chlorine, oxygen and sodium and hydroxide ions.
With nitrogen waste in the water, Sodium hypochlorite reacts with most nitrogen compounds to form volatile chloramines, dichloramines, and nitrogen trichloride
This would mean you would likely need to dechlorinate the water or at minimum test it for pH, chloramines, calcium, and alkalinity...
Of course testing would depend on the type of water (salt or fresh) and amount of Bleach

 

[snakeblitz33]

If it's on a concrete slab under a porch, I would still power wash it with some bleach and then turn a fan on and get some better ventilation under there. A little wind and your problem would be solved as far as the mold goes.
Maybe your asking about mold buildup in the container? I have used RO containers extensively, and every now and then you will have to take down the container and scrub it with an unused, chemical free scrub brush or wash cloth and set it back up. Not really any mold growth that I have ever really noticed. I have kept RO containers outside before, and not really a whole lot of success, especially when the weather gets really, really cold.
RO Units should never operate in cold temperatures or be put outside of the home. Just FYI.

 

[tthemadd1]

So this kind of answers the question. At least part of it. The other portion is whether or not anyone has seen mold growth in saltwater. My thinking to distill saltwater versus fresh water. I can put a small pump in the trash can to keep it aerobic as well as an air stone maybe.
Again, not an immediate need just trying to get my cost down slightly. I used to live on a property with a spring so the water was excellent. 0 harmful contaminants we usually test for as well as a long list of toxins. Water was as pure as it gets.
Now with city water I am disgusted with the levels of EVERYTHING. I had a test done and you wouldn't believe the levels. The sad part is if I went back to RO filter system. Ran one years ago I would be paying out the *** for wasted water.
Next property we buy will have a spring with nothing less. I was also thinking about setting off a rain containment system with filtration. Maybe a 1,000 gallon tank off the roof, we can use for watering our gardens and then test it for toxins.
You know as technology has increased our standards have decreased in terms of quality. Get it to the masses anyway possible is a horrible mentality we have taken as a society.