How to properly clean an IBC tote to be reef safe

[Underwater Passion]

Hi everyone,

I recently bought two 275 gallon IBC totes to create my mixing station. They had vinegar for cooking in them previously. Aside from rising then really well with the hose, should I do anything else to clean them to avoid any ph swings in my reef tank?

TIA

 

[Cory]

You could fill with water and add a box of baking soda. Just rinse well imo.

@Randy Holmes-Farley

 

[Underwater Passion]

So I’ve done the baking soda thing and rinsed really well even filled the tanks and let sit before draining. I started making RO/di in them and I’m getting a ph of 9.5 with the Hanna ph checker. There is still a slight smell of vinegar coming from them. Is this RO/di safe to use or is the ph too high?

 

[Cory]

If the ph is 9.5 im guessing thats left over baking soda. Could be a little or a lot. Hard to say. Test the alkalinity of the tote water is what id do.