Cleaning water storage containers

BigDave · 11/14/2016, 08:50 AM

The 55 Gallon drums I bought were previously used to store BBQ sauce.

While I love the smell of BBQ, I don't think it will benefit the aquarium much. What's the best way to clean sterilize the containers?

My thought is to fill them with water and add a couple of gallons of bleach. Let them sit a few days, empty them, then rinse with more fresh water.

scooter31707 · 11/14/2016, 10:49 AM

I would use a 10:2 water to bleach ration and let them sit for a couple of days. As you stated, rinse well, then I would fill back up with regular water and dose with some prime for around 2 days, then rinse well again, and let air dry for at 48 hours.

MrNurse · 11/14/2016, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooter31707

i would use a 10:2 water to bleach ration and let them sit for a couple of days. As you stated, rinse well, then i would fill back up with regular water and dose with some prime for around 2 days, then rinse well again, and let air dry for at 48 hours.

+1

BigDave · 11/14/2016, 11:06 AM

Unless my math is broken you're saying for my 110 gallons of water, I should use 25 gallons of bleach? That seems a bit excessive.

GimpyFin · 11/14/2016, 11:50 AM

20 ml of bleach per gallon of water is roughly the ratio you want for cleaning the containers. (About a quart of bleach total for each 55 gallon drum.)

Voodoojar · 11/14/2016, 12:58 PM

I'd fill them up water pour like half a bottle of bleach in it and agitate with a powerhead over night. then rinse it out a couple of times.

wildman926 · 11/14/2016, 01:33 PM

I use some blue 55g containers that held Maple Syrup. I just rinsed, cleaned with water and bleach, not much mind you, then rinsed again. I have been using them for 5 years without issue.

11/14/2016, 08:50 AM	#1
BigDave Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Wylie, TX Posts: 473	Cleaning water storage containers The 55 Gallon drums I bought were previously used to store BBQ sauce. While I love the smell of BBQ, I don't think it will benefit the aquarium much. What's the best way to clean sterilize the containers? My thought is to fill them with water and add a couple of gallons of bleach. Let them sit a few days, empty them, then rinse with more fresh water.

11/14/2016, 11:50 AM	#5
GimpyFin Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 2,032	20 ml of bleach per gallon of water is roughly the ratio you want for cleaning the containers. (About a quart of bleach total for each 55 gallon drum.) __________________ Brian Current Tank Info: 110 gallon

11/14/2016, 01:33 PM	#7
wildman926 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: CTX Posts: 2,904	I use some blue 55g containers that held Maple Syrup. I just rinsed, cleaned with water and bleach, not much mind you, then rinsed again. I have been using them for 5 years without issue. __________________ Beware of recommendations by those who don't actually use their recommendation!! The search function actually works quite well!! Tanks:Planet Aquarium 150g LPS, Planet Aquarium 90g Softie

11/14/2016, 10:49 AM	#2
scooter31707 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Virginia Posts: 4,971	I would use a 10:2 water to bleach ration and let them sit for a couple of days. As you stated, rinse well, then I would fill back up with regular water and dose with some prime for around 2 days, then rinse well again, and let air dry for at 48 hours.

11/14/2016, 11:06 AM	#4
BigDave Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Wylie, TX Posts: 473	Unless my math is broken you're saying for my 110 gallons of water, I should use 25 gallons of bleach? That seems a bit excessive.

11/14/2016, 12:58 PM	#6
Voodoojar Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 123	I'd fill them up water pour like half a bottle of bleach in it and agitate with a powerhead over night. then rinse it out a couple of times.