Calcium deposit removal container, vinegar + bleach?

[RokleM]

Randy,

I have a salt bucket with about 10-20% concentration of vinegar to water, used for cleaning pumps, etc. In order to not waste it, typically I try to keep it 6-9 months so it can be used a few times with a dozen or so pieces of equipment. The problem is, some funk starts growing in the closed container after some time.

Is it possible to add a small amount of bleach (1/4 cup or so) to prohibit growth? Any issues/reaction/etc that could occur? Everything is thoroughly rinsed before putting it back in the aquarium, so no issues there.

Not really an attempt to save a buck... it just seems like I never have vinegar on hand to clean when I need it, and no reason to throw it out if I can reuse

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I would not add bleach to it. You'll potentially release chlorine gas, and the bleach will chew up the acetate and also reduce the acidity.

FWIW, I use muriatic acid to clean pumps.

 

[power boat jim]

Your question brings up an interesting point. Never attempt mixing home cleaning solutions with the hope of making it stronger, better or for a purpose not intended. We had a Hazmat incident here not too long ago where a man tried to unclog a drain by mixing several different household drain and cleaning prouducts together. One of the products contained bleach another a strong acid. Upon mixing the two together enough chlorine gas was released in the reaction that the man was overcome and died as a result.

Unfortunatly this is not as rare an occurrance as some might think. I am glad you asked before you mixed!!!