How often do you clean out your SW storage tank?

rkb · 03/18/2010, 07:49 AM

Like the vast majority I keep a couple Brute containers that are fed by a RO/DI unit, one for top off water and the other for mixed up saltwater. The SW tank is heated and circulated by a large powerhead.

This last water change I had reached the bottom of the SW container and used this opportunity to clean it out. There was the usual amount of precipitate at the bottom but there was also a fair amount of brownish film on the sides of the Brute.

FWIW- this SW Brute has been set up for a few months and I use ReefCrystals. I don't think what I have experienced is anything out of the norm, just curious how often you all clean yours out?

peace
Russell

Eric the half-bee · 03/18/2010, 07:54 AM

Russell, I have a 44 gal Brute as well and use Instant Ocean. I cleaned mine for the 1st time last year after 3 years of use. Mine gets a light brown film/ crust on the sides as well.

lotusstar · 03/18/2010, 08:14 AM

I don't have a real set time frame either. I use reef crystals as well and get the film. It's probably cleaned every 2 to 3 months though. Just whenever I drain it.

patsfan1130 · 03/18/2010, 08:16 AM

once a year probably

mcrist · 03/18/2010, 08:49 AM

I clean my mixing container when I clean my skimmer, twice a year.

JeF4y · 03/18/2010, 08:52 AM

Every few months.

I generally brew 30 gal at a time and do 15 gal water changes every 2-3 weeks. So after I pull 15 gal out, I will wipe down the top 1/2 of the container using paper towels to pull out the brown gunk before I add 15 gal of RO/DI and "top off" my mix.

Every few months I use all 30 gal and wipe out the bottom of the container.

rkb · 03/18/2010, 08:56 AM

thanks for the posts!

Powdermonkey · 03/18/2010, 09:02 AM

I feel like an overachiever

I clean mine at least once a month! It is emptied after every water change which is done every week.

03/18/2010, 07:49 AM	#1
rkb Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Western Hemisphere Posts: 578	How often do you clean out your SW storage tank? Like the vast majority I keep a couple Brute containers that are fed by a RO/DI unit, one for top off water and the other for mixed up saltwater. The SW tank is heated and circulated by a large powerhead. This last water change I had reached the bottom of the SW container and used this opportunity to clean it out. There was the usual amount of precipitate at the bottom but there was also a fair amount of brownish film on the sides of the Brute. FWIW- this SW Brute has been set up for a few months and I use ReefCrystals. I don't think what I have experienced is anything out of the norm, just curious how often you all clean yours out? peace Russell __________________ Current tank: Eleventy billion gallon tank with a DSB of rainbow gravel and one tiny blue tang...

03/18/2010, 07:54 AM	#2
Eric the half-bee Passer of gasses Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Space Coast, FL Posts: 837	Russell, I have a 44 gal Brute as well and use Instant Ocean. I cleaned mine for the 1st time last year after 3 years of use. Mine gets a light brown film/ crust on the sides as well. __________________ MOLON LABE - King Leonidas I A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take everything you have. – Barry Goldwater Current Tank Info: Semi agressive reef-400 gal.-8 tangs,2 rabbit fish,zebra moray,blue ribbon eel,Janss' pipe,pair bangaiis,wrasse,tomato clown,maroon clown

03/18/2010, 08:16 AM	#4
patsfan1130 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Woburn, Ma Posts: 2,010	once a year probably __________________ My cat's breath smells like cat food Member of the Boston Reefers Society Current Tank Info: 75g lps, 90g sps, 120g mixed, 180 nem tank, 300g reef, 600g up & coming reef

03/18/2010, 08:49 AM	#5
mcrist Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania Posts: 1,598	I clean my mixing container when I clean my skimmer, twice a year. __________________ Mark Current Tank Info: 450 Gallon Peninsula

03/18/2010, 08:52 AM	#6
JeF4y El Conquistidor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,057	Every few months. I generally brew 30 gal at a time and do 15 gal water changes every 2-3 weeks. So after I pull 15 gal out, I will wipe down the top 1/2 of the container using paper towels to pull out the brown gunk before I add 15 gal of RO/DI and "top off" my mix. Every few months I use all 30 gal and wipe out the bottom of the container. __________________ I've made a small fortune in Reefing! I just started out with a large fortune and the rest came easily. Want a Cleaner Wrasse? Consider a shower! ;-) Current Tank Info: 60 Cube!

03/18/2010, 08:14 AM	#3
lotusstar Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: temple, TX Posts: 327	I don't have a real set time frame either. I use reef crystals as well and get the film. It's probably cleaned every 2 to 3 months though. Just whenever I drain it.

03/18/2010, 08:56 AM	#7
rkb Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Western Hemisphere Posts: 578	thanks for the posts! __________________ Current tank: Eleventy billion gallon tank with a DSB of rainbow gravel and one tiny blue tang...

03/18/2010, 09:02 AM	#8
Powdermonkey Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Westslope CO Posts: 219	I feel like an overachiever I clean mine at least once a month! It is emptied after every water change which is done every week.