Safe to use for mixing station???

[Miller_Time]

I bought 2 food grade 55 gallon barrels yesterday and now I'm starting to second guess myself.

They contained hot sauce at some point and the guy assured me it can be cleaned out. Well after scrubbing and soaking them in bleach water all night there is still a hint of hot sauce smell. I'm wondering if I should give up and just go buy new Brutes from HD. It was also suggest to use muriatic acid, but I'm hesitant to use that unless I have to.

Any thoughts on if the pepper smell could be harmful? Should I stop wasting my time and go plan B or think the acid will do the trick?

 

[hilgert]

If you are talking about 55 gallon barrels (could only be for a large-ish system) then it's likely you have some money into this anyway, so just consider the barrels new yard buckets or something.

You might be able to clean them out, but for myself, having spent a LOT on my tank, pumps, sump, heaters, controllers, wiring, rock, sand, RODI system and critters...I would always "go new".

 

[Rot26]

The ones I bought were used for soda syrup. They stunk for a while. I did bleach twice, then just took to rinsing them out until the smell was gone. Some cleared up faster than others, but just rinsing them or letting water sit for a while worked well.

That being said, after all of the money we spend on lights, tanks, pumps, etc, spending a few extra bucks on new Brutes isn't really a big deal.

 

[billdogg]

My 55g barrel was used for either photographic developer or fixer - don't remember which, but I'm fairly certain neither would be considered reef safe. I washed it out well - using a combination of baking soda and dish soap, rinsed several times and put it into service. About 25 years ago.

Clean yours as best you can - the smell will fade with time.

 

[Miller_Time]

I'm soaking them in vinegar over night. If they still stink after another good scrub with dish soap and baking soda I might do the muriatic acid as a least ditch.