Is this asking for trouble?

[Gp!]

I'm preparing for a new system. I have 190ish pounds of dry rock I want to clean in bleach before curing and I have several of these hdx containers. They have had various gun chemicals in them. I attached some photos but basically gun oil, solvents, etc.

I can go buy brute trash cans but I'll probably just throw them in the dumpster once I use them. So if I can clean and use these hdx containers I have it would be preferable.

Is using them a bad idea? If not, how should I clean the containers I have on hand?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I wouldn’t.

 

[Don Lidtke]

I wouldn’t use them. Why take the chance.

 

[ChiCity]

Your tank’s very existence and entire future depends on this crucial moment.
Why even chance it over $20 saved from not buying a new Rubbermaid?

 

[Gp!]

You're probably right. Penny wise... Dollar foolish. Thanks. Was hoping there was a simple way to clean them but you're right... Why chance it

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Your tank’s very existence and entire future depends on this crucial moment.

lol

No pressure though.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Personally, I can't see the chemicals that were stored in the container in cans being an issue unless you sprayed a lot of them directly into the container.

 

[Gp!]

Personally, I can't see the chemicals that were stored in the container in cans being an issue unless you sprayed a lot of them directly into the container.

Nothing was sprayed. Just excess from what leaks on the can.

How would you clean the containers?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Nothing was sprayed. Just excess from what leaks on the can.

How would you clean the containers?

Warm soapy water and lots of rinsing to remove the soap.

 

[Gp!]

Warm soapy water and lots of rinsing to remove the soap.

Thought it might be more complicated than that with the intensity of the other posts

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thought it might be more complicated than that with the intensity of the other posts

I'm a chemist and I looked over the ingredient lists and all seems like mostly volatile organics (hexane, petroleum distillates, etc.), meaning that they evaporate easily, and none of the things listed look toxic at low doses to me. None will bind strongly to rock in a way that might carry over to the main tank.

You aren't even intending to use it as a sump or something, so I cannot really see an issue.