Salt water

[scottbert]

So I have an opportunity to get a 45g drum (food grade). I was planning on filling it, adding salt and a powerheads and just letting it sit so I have water for the next 4 water changes....if it's pre mixed for 2 months...does it go "bad"? Or am I good as long as I keep a powerhead in there?

 

[jay0705]

I say good. I mix mine a wk ahead or more

 

[scottbert]

Perfect thanks!

 

[jay0705]

Np just make sure u keep it so nothing can get in it

 

[silverado61]

With 45 gallons you might want to put two power heads in it to make sure the water doesn't go stagnant.

 

[scottbert]

Any recommendations on what to clean these containers with before I add the water? I take it a mild bleach solution is not the way to go here...

 

[silverado61]

Quote:
Originally Posted by scottbert http:///t/397449/salt-water#post_3542544
Any recommendations on what to clean these containers with before I add the water? I take it a mild bleach solution is not the way to go here...
If they've been used for anything before but mixing salt water I wouldn't use them at all. Buy new and label it "fish only" and don't use it for anything but fish.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by scottbert http:///t/397449/salt-water#post_3542381
So I have an opportunity to get a 45g drum (food grade). I was planning on filling it, adding salt and a powerheads and just letting it sit so I have water for the next 4 water changes....if it's pre mixed for 2 months...does it go "bad"? Or am I good as long as I keep a powerhead in there?
Hi,

I keep a plastic container churning via power heads with saltwater 24/7, it's never empty, I remove water for water changes almost to the very bottom but not enough to uncover the power heads on the bottom,and then refill it. The container has been set up that way for years. Even when I couldn't do a regular water change, the thing sat and churned for months on end. I do have a board (4"X1") that I lay over it (the board does not cover the entire top, it just makes a bridge in the center), covered by a tablecloth to prevent dog hair from getting in it and to prevent things that might accidently fall into it.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by scottbert http:///t/397449/salt-water#post_3542544
Any recommendations on what to clean these containers with before I add the water? I take it a mild bleach solution is not the way to go here...


Hi,

Mild bleach is perfect...just rinse and re-rinse a few times, then let it air dry before you use it. Chlorine loses it's strength and becomes harmless. Containers that have been used for food shouldn't pose any threat, but if the container has been used for any chemicals, I wouldn't use it at all since plastic absorbs.

 

[silverado61]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///t/397449/salt-water#post_3542568
Quote:
Originally Posted by scottbert http:///t/397449/salt-water#post_3542544
Any recommendations on what to clean these containers with before I add the water? I take it a mild bleach solution is not the way to go here...


Hi,

Mild bleach is perfect...just rinse and re-rinse a few times, then let it air dry before you use it. Chlorine loses it's strength and becomes harmless. Containers that have been used for food shouldn't pose any threat, but if the container has been used for any chemicals, I wouldn't use it at all since plastic absorbs.
If it's food grade and had oil or grease in it at all, I wouldn't trust the bleach to remove all or any of it. I used to work in the food industry many, many, years ago and we had to use an acid.

 

[scottbert]

Well as far as I know they were full of pickles...yes, that's a lot of pickles lol. I just don't want to contaminate my tank and run the risk of everything dying...so maybe the mild bleach is the way to go then.

 

[geridoc]

Pickle brine should be no problem for a marine tank - it is just an acidic salt solution with a few spices sometimes thrown in. A thorough cleaning with water and then bleach should remove the spice residue, and you should be good to go.

 

[scottbert]

Awesome, thanks!