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Water Storage
- Thread starter Patriot76
- Start date
Patriot76 said:
Yes i believe the "brute" brand of garbage cans are food grade. I would maybe check out their company website for more information. But wetwebmedia.com i think recommends this brand so do many other forums. this seems to be the choice for many reefers. I use 2 40G cans and i have never had a problem.
Harry
Like many others, I also use Rubbermaid trashcans for storing and mixing SW.
Since they are plastic and just may have been around something you don't want in your reef system, I recommend you "cure" them first. I fill them with tap water, and the add about 1 pound of rock salt per 3 gal of water. This is about the SG of SW, but there is no need to be that accurate. Let the salt dissolve, and let the container stand a few days. Then drain and rinse. If you notice any strong plastic or chemical smells, repeat the process.
Since they are plastic and just may have been around something you don't want in your reef system, I recommend you "cure" them first. I fill them with tap water, and the add about 1 pound of rock salt per 3 gal of water. This is about the SG of SW, but there is no need to be that accurate. Let the salt dissolve, and let the container stand a few days. Then drain and rinse. If you notice any strong plastic or chemical smells, repeat the process.
I use the brute trashcans for a couple reasons.
1, and most importantly to me, seems to be what most used when I was searching.
2, they don't buckle when completely full of water, even when drilled for a float valve
3, you can get a wheeled base that handles the weight of it full of water
4, the snap on lid STAYS on, even when full of water, and the lid can be drilled for inserting hoses, etc.
But, even if they are "food safe", they still come from lowes, and are generally stored near chemical or paint aisles, so they still warrant a good solid cleaning. I used vinegar and ro water mix to soak mine overnight, and then scrubbed it out with an acrylic tank cleaning pad, then rinsed until the vinegar smell was gone. Never had a problem.
1, and most importantly to me, seems to be what most used when I was searching.
2, they don't buckle when completely full of water, even when drilled for a float valve
3, you can get a wheeled base that handles the weight of it full of water
4, the snap on lid STAYS on, even when full of water, and the lid can be drilled for inserting hoses, etc.
But, even if they are "food safe", they still come from lowes, and are generally stored near chemical or paint aisles, so they still warrant a good solid cleaning. I used vinegar and ro water mix to soak mine overnight, and then scrubbed it out with an acrylic tank cleaning pad, then rinsed until the vinegar smell was gone. Never had a problem.
If you use a trash can that ISN'T food grade you run the risk of them having pesticides, algicides, anti-fungal... who the heck knows WHAT "protecting" them from the stuff that eats your garbage. If you're going to use a garbage can ensure that it is food grade. There's a reason for that rating!
Brute all the way. I have filled mine all the wat to the top with water and used the wheels to push around and never had issues.