How do you clean your SW mixing tubs?

BeeJan · 07/26/2016, 06:43 PM

I've noticed that after about a week of sitting dry my brute bin gets white residue all over and a bad odor even after its rinsed thoroughly. Is this something I should worry about and if so, what's a safe way to clean it?

Thanks!

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PsychoticBeauty · 07/26/2016, 06:52 PM

What your seeing is probably just precipitate. The link below explains what this is and why it happens. As far as cleaning the tub goes, I wouldn't even worry about it. The 5 gallon bucket I used to mix salt water looked much worse than that and I used it for years without any problems.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-07/rhf/index.php

BeeJan · 07/26/2016, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PsychoticBeauty

What your seeing is probably just precipitate. The link below explains what this is and why it happens. As far as cleaning the tub goes, I wouldn't even worry about it. The 5 gallon bucket I used to mix salt water looked much worse than that and I used it for years without any problems.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-07/rhf/index.php

Thanks for the info!

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heathlindner25 · 07/26/2016, 07:23 PM

Vinegar is what I use.

UTCReefer · 07/26/2016, 09:11 PM

I never used to clean mine until there was crazy chunky stuff that settled on the bottom. Eventually i couldnt mix a batch without tons of flakes blowing around, at which point i would swirl the container and just dump it all out. Ive actually had so much buildup on the sides that i had to hammer it from the outside to get it all to come off.

Now i just fill my bin with scripps, no more mixing for me.

WaReefer458 · 07/27/2016, 12:39 AM

Ive noticed this in my can as well.. I am currently running a filter sock in my can and pouring the salt into the sock. My lfs does this and they dont have an issue with it so I am trying it currently. As it is summer time I do not need my heater in my mixing tank as it is in my hot garage. So far I havent seen any buildup but I just started doing this a couple weeks ago.

bdunn12 · 07/27/2016, 06:25 AM

Have to try that filter sock for salt. Great idea!

dougchambers · 07/27/2016, 08:36 AM

Vinegar as well. Usually once/year. I knock off any heavy scale from the sides and bottom. Mix a strong solution and throw all my power heads and misc plumbing parts in there and let it all blow around for 12-25 hours. Rinse and you are golden...

BeeJan · 07/27/2016, 09:08 AM

Thanks for the responses! It seems like I was just overthinking the whole thing but I might give that filter sock idea a try for the heck of it.

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GimpyFin · 07/27/2016, 09:21 AM

I usually just give mine a quick rinse/wipedown after each water change. Stays looking nice and never has any buildup.

07/26/2016, 06:43 PM	#1
BeeJan Registered Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Mission Viejo Posts: 18	How do you clean your SW mixing tubs? I've noticed that after about a week of sitting dry my brute bin gets white residue all over and a bad odor even after its rinsed thoroughly. Is this something I should worry about and if so, what's a safe way to clean it? Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

07/27/2016, 09:21 AM	#10
GimpyFin Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 2,032	I usually just give mine a quick rinse/wipedown after each water change. Stays looking nice and never has any buildup. __________________ Brian Current Tank Info: 110 gallon

07/26/2016, 06:52 PM	#2
PsychoticBeauty Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Gotham City Posts: 123	What your seeing is probably just precipitate. The link below explains what this is and why it happens. As far as cleaning the tub goes, I wouldn't even worry about it. The 5 gallon bucket I used to mix salt water looked much worse than that and I used it for years without any problems. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-07/rhf/index.php

07/26/2016, 07:23 PM	#4
heathlindner25 Moved On Join Date: May 2012 Location: flowery branch georgia Posts: 3,644	Vinegar is what I use.

07/26/2016, 09:11 PM	#5
UTCReefer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 652	I never used to clean mine until there was crazy chunky stuff that settled on the bottom. Eventually i couldnt mix a batch without tons of flakes blowing around, at which point i would swirl the container and just dump it all out. Ive actually had so much buildup on the sides that i had to hammer it from the outside to get it all to come off. Now i just fill my bin with scripps, no more mixing for me.

07/27/2016, 12:39 AM	#6
WaReefer458 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 333	Ive noticed this in my can as well.. I am currently running a filter sock in my can and pouring the salt into the sock. My lfs does this and they dont have an issue with it so I am trying it currently. As it is summer time I do not need my heater in my mixing tank as it is in my hot garage. So far I havent seen any buildup but I just started doing this a couple weeks ago.

07/27/2016, 06:25 AM	#7
bdunn12 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Bossier City, LA Posts: 79	Have to try that filter sock for salt. Great idea!

07/27/2016, 08:36 AM	#8
dougchambers Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Idaho Posts: 2,882	Vinegar as well. Usually once/year. I knock off any heavy scale from the sides and bottom. Mix a strong solution and throw all my power heads and misc plumbing parts in there and let it all blow around for 12-25 hours. Rinse and you are golden...

07/27/2016, 09:08 AM	#9
BeeJan Registered Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Mission Viejo Posts: 18	Thanks for the responses! It seems like I was just overthinking the whole thing but I might give that filter sock idea a try for the heck of it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk