Using rain water...

Using rain water for salt mix considered safe? last night collected rain water in 5 gallon bucket and tested TDS showing 0. so its OK to use?

 

I would assume so.

I would test it for everything else to be sure. If you live in a highly populated area you could have some ammonia or sulphates in the water.

 

I would check the pH as well. As long as that checks out you should be ok.

 

PH is based on room temperature right, so if water collected stays at room for two days it should have OK?

 

didn't check ammonia, but nitrates are zero

 

Yes, pH is temperature dependent. Try and check it as close to the same temp as your tank as you can.

Here is an interesting read on a study of collected rain water: Rainwater is it Safe :: The Online Rainwater Harvesting Community

The presence of coliform is not surprising in untreated raw water, but may be a concern. And note they did find some copper as well. I don't know what level of copper will adversely (i.e. kill) inverts, but be aware it could be present!

So now unless someone more knowledgeable pipes in, I may be more hesitant to use it!

 

Woah! I've never thought of that! Pretty cool! :.)

 

I would not use it without a thorough filtering since you do not know what pollutants are in the water.

 

Even after TDS shows zero?

 

Great article, thank you