Cleaning 55 gallon plastic drums for ATO and AWC

[LivingSeas]

So I picked up 3x 55 gallon plastic drums. The used to hold vinegar
(had the packing slips still stuck to them).

What wouldbe the best way to clean these out? I'm running the hose in them
now filling and dumping them out a couple times. Should I let the water sit in
them for a couple days? Should I add any chemicals? They dont smell like
vinegar any more. I plan on cutting the 1/2 the top off and hinge it. I want
to add floats to each.

Would a big air stone keep the salt water mixed when I start using them or
should I find a cheap power head? Suggestions for a cheap one?

How about a heater? 100w? 200w? how big?

Thanks Mike

 

[redfishbluefish]

I was going to say to do a vinegar wash....but that's already been done. You are good to go!


Air stone won't cut it to mix the tank. I use an older style Koralia 4 to mix my salt.

As far as watts...how long do you want to wait before you add your water....100 would work....200 would be faster.

 

[Aquaph8]

You can use a mild bleach water mix to clean them out. I would use a pump for mixing, I also find a pump in a closed container will heat your water some too

 

[LivingSeas]

Its going to be a continous waterchange system and ATO...

Do I need to bother with the heater since its being delivered so slow? I expect the ATO tank to last a good week or two. It will auto fill itself
from the RODI. The two water change tanks will be alternated back and forth.. one in use the other curing. I guess i'll get some cheap
powerheads for the two salt tanks.

How do people put valves on round tanks? I'd like to add ome drain valves at the bottom.

 

[LivingSeas]

When mixing salt.. does it need to be continously run? I'm sure a couple hours mixes it.
does it need to keep running after mixing? The tank will be slowly drained over a week into the sump.
Could I run it a few hours a day to keep it mixed? Trying to minimize electricity costs.

 

[kuyatwo]

for me i would would just pressure wash it and be good to go..if you want to go cheap just go with a maxijet with an ecomod with their magnets so you can attach it to the sides.