Water barrel question

[ek9vboi]

So maybe a month ago I had picked up a used water barrel, it was used to hold car wash soap. Yes, I know... don't use it, get a brute trash can.

I've already got it and would prefer to use it over the trash can container.

Now I've used bleach, let it sit for a few days and dry out as well. Then went with vinegar x2, let that sit around for a few days and then dry out. Last step was baking soda and I did the same. Usually, I wouldn't be concerned but the barrel still smells like soap. Should I be concerned after running all of those cleaners? TDS is reporting 0ppm.

Randy, I know you reading this! What kind of effects, if there is any soap residue left can happen to my tank?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Was there any antimicrobial agent in the soap?

If you run water hard into the can, is there any foaming?

 

[ek9vboi]

Was there any antimicrobial agent in the soap?

If you run water hard into the can, is there any foaming?

I'm not sure at all about the antimicrobial agent.

Throughout the cleaning process, I never saw any foam at all. The guys I bought it from, they triple cleaned it. I, myself cleaned it 4 times. In fact, I had power heads in it while filling, agitated it many times with water half filled, basically almost anything possible to get foam without trying and never once saw foam. I assume it should be ok, but rather ask you before I do use the water.

Thanks for replying Randy.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'd guess it is ok to use.

 

[ek9vboi]

Any further chemicals I can use to ensure that the soap, if there's any left wont have an effect on my tank Randy?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Not really. You cannot read a label, can you?

Tiny traces of soap aren't much of an issue. Many natural molecules are soap like. Its only where there is enough that they make micells or mess with cell membranes that issues really start, and if you do not see any foaming, there's little to worry about.

 

[KafudaFish]

We use a pressure washer on food grade ones that held salted wine and eco-friendly soap.

 

[bugs713]

I have some used 25 gallon barrels that were also used to hold soap and wax product at a car wash and I would not feel comfortable using them for my SW needs. My concern would be the wax as wax wears off, unlike soap. I would believe these wax particles could cause problems over time- IMO

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I agree that wax might be a lot harder to remove than soap.

 

[ek9vboi]

Now I don't want to use them at all. Guess I'll have to fork up money to buy one suitable for this. I really wanted to use it but I guess it's better to be safe then sorry.

 

[cptnjbs]

Soaps are basic, so if you used vinegar (weak acid) its going to counteract it, and then you used baking soda which neutralizes acids so. You should be good on a Ph standpoint and its just trace amounts remaining which won't impact your tank much at all.

 

[jmowbray]

I have the same barrels as you do from a car wash also. I rinsed mine today with tap water twice. Right no I'm filling with RO water and going to let them sit for 2-3 months. Changing the water about once a month.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

[welcome]

Soaps are basic, so if you used vinegar (weak acid) its going to counteract it, and then you used baking soda which neutralizes acids so. You should be good on a Ph standpoint and its just trace amounts remaining which won't impact your tank much at all.

I don't tend to agree with that (soaps are generally neutralized weak acids), but whether true or not, acids and bases (essentially pH issues) are not the concern with soap getting into an aquarium. The problem is disruption of cell membranes of various sorts due to the surfactant character of soaps and detergents

 

[on the spot]

Now I don't want to use them at all. Guess I'll have to fork up money to buy one suitable for this. I really wanted to use it but I guess it's better to be safe then sorry.

Test it - next water change put the used water in the barrel, add a power head, maybe a rock or two, and just see what happens. see if the bugs and worms die. I'd say add a fish, but some people will see that as awful so I'll not mention adding a fish to the barrel to see what happens.

I'll bet a dollar it'll be fine.

 

[ek9vboi]

Thank you for your inputs.