Best way to clean a trash can for water changes

WGardiner · 08/25/2010, 10:53 AM

I have two trash cans that I was using for yard waste, no chemicals went in it that I know of. The question I have is what is the best way to clean out the trash cans to use for water changes. Also I have two 55 gallon drums that did have a chemical in them for a pre-wash for a car wash, what would be the best way to clean them as well to use storing frest water and new saltwater?

Thanks,
Will

Stroob · 08/25/2010, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WGardiner

I have two trash cans that I was using for yard waste, no chemicals went in it that I know of. The question I have is what is the best way to clean out the trash cans to use for water changes. Also I have two 55 gallon drums that did have a chemical in them for a pre-wash for a car wash, what would be the best way to clean them as well to use storing frest water and new saltwater?

Thanks,
Will

You could probably get away with using a mild bleach mix on the yard waste trash cans and making sure to rinse them thoroughly. There is a chance of yard treatments from either you and/or your neighbor being on the debris going in them that I would be concerned about.

The cans with a known chemical in them I would not use at all in fear of something leaching out of the can into the water.

If it was me, I would get a new can designated only for water changes to use and not take the risk on chemicals possible killing off anything in the tank.

Mavrk · 08/25/2010, 11:13 AM

Unless they are food grade, I wouldn't bother. BRUTE trashcans are food grade. I really would just pick up some new ones to be safe. Otherwise, a bleach mix should work if you are determined to use those.

footballdude2k3 · 08/25/2010, 11:14 AM

i personally would not risk it, what costs more, a new brute container(50 or less) or a completely new supply of corals, fish, inverts, etc

WGardiner · 08/25/2010, 02:04 PM

Good points, didn't think of leaching. Now I have to convince the misses to buy new cans.

evolutionracr · 08/25/2010, 02:21 PM

I would buy something new, it is better to spend a little money in the start instead of spending alot in the long run trying to fix a problem. Let alone when losing livestock comes into play.

08/25/2010, 10:53 AM	#1
WGardiner Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Fl Posts: 242	Best way to clean a trash can for water changes I have two trash cans that I was using for yard waste, no chemicals went in it that I know of. The question I have is what is the best way to clean out the trash cans to use for water changes. Also I have two 55 gallon drums that did have a chemical in them for a pre-wash for a car wash, what would be the best way to clean them as well to use storing frest water and new saltwater? Thanks, Will

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08/25/2010, 11:13 AM	#3
Mavrk Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California - South Bay Area Posts: 2,775	Unless they are food grade, I wouldn't bother. BRUTE trashcans are food grade. I really would just pick up some new ones to be safe. Otherwise, a bleach mix should work if you are determined to use those.

08/25/2010, 11:14 AM	#4
footballdude2k3 Registered Member. Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 1,974	i personally would not risk it, what costs more, a new brute container(50 or less) or a completely new supply of corals, fish, inverts, etc

08/25/2010, 02:04 PM	#5
WGardiner Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Fl Posts: 242	Good points, didn't think of leaching. Now I have to convince the misses to buy new cans.

08/25/2010, 02:21 PM	#6
evolutionracr Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 39	I would buy something new, it is better to spend a little money in the start instead of spending alot in the long run trying to fix a problem. Let alone when losing livestock comes into play.