Brute trash can prep and use?

[treesprite]

Hi All,

 

I got a 44 g Brute trash can tonight to start using it instead of my 42g hex which I use for water mixing and storing. What do I need to do to prep the can for aquarium water use? Do I just rinse it with water, wash with something, clean with vinegar, or what?

 

Also, is there anything to note about using Brute trash cans? One thing I have seen come up in threads is that people sometimes notice a film on the inside surfaces of the container. I wasn't paying attention to the posts because I wasn't using  using a Brute trash can.

 

Assistance is appreciated.

[Djplus1]

The Brutes are made of a nice reef compatible,"food grade" material, but that doesn't mean it's "good to go" straight out of the Home Depot. Like you wouldn't eat off of new dishes bought from Marshall's, you shouldn't just start mixing salt water in the Brute. I would throw a few cups of vinegar and let soak for a day or so. Scrub out and you're as good as you're gonna be.

[AlanM]

That's what I did with mine, just a few wipes with vinegar to maybe get some of the plastic mold release agent off and rinsed with tap and called it done.

[davelin315]

Agreed, a quick acid wash will help to remove anything that you don't want in there. I have heard rumors that the plastic is injected with inhibitors of some sort but have never seen any proof that they are, just conjecture. In the meantime, I continue to use them myself.

[Rob A]

That's a lot smarter/faster than what I did. I conditioned mine by using them for yard waste for 5 years!

[wildcrazyjoker81]

If you haven't already, buy the wheels for them. Makes life 1000x easier.

[Keraxis]

I would at the very least spray it out with a garden hose.  You might want to consider mixing up a vinegar solution for it to make sure its clean... might be a good time to clean your power heads and other equipment since you will have the bath to dip them in.  

[smallreef]

I think the coating people are talking about is the film that builds as you continue to make saltwater in something and not clean it out atleast every other month...

[gmerek2]

If you haven't already, buy the wheels for them. Makes life 1000x easier.

UHG why didn't I think of this! Yea mine gets the coating if I let salt water sit but it doesn't with RODI

[treesprite]

I plan to put it on the dolly I currently am using with the hex (it can hold at least 1K lbs). I can't move it when more than half full, given that it is on carpet which already makes moving difficult... not sure if same will apply to the Brute or not, though it is a bit lighter than the tank.

[Newms118]

I just rinsed my 20g brutes with water before use. Never had an issue from what I can tell.