Poly mixing tank with prior possible chemical use??

nitrodude · Jun 11, 2019

Hey guys so I have a poly mixing tank already to make my saltwater however I am looking for a larger one to mix up a larger quantity at a time. I have acquired a larger one that was previously used on a pressure washing trailer.
I don't know its prior history.
Most the time these tanks are just used for fresh water however theres no real way to he sure.

Is it possible there would be chemicals trapped inside the plastic that a good vinegar/muriatic acid bath wouldnt take care of?
Or with a good bath should I be good to go?

Mjrenz · Jun 12, 2019

I'd personally be very skeptical about using it, I never use anything for my tanks that may have been exposed to something unknown. Maybe @Randy Holmes-Farley would have some advice for you

Billdogg · Jun 12, 2019

My mixing/storage barrel is a 55g drum that was previously used for either photographic developer or fixer. Not really sure which - I got it 30 years ago, washed it out a couple times and have been using it ever since without issue. Polyethylene really is not very absorbent so I think you'll be fine as long as you clean it well.

nitrodude · Jun 12, 2019

Billdogg said:
My mixing/storage barrel is a 55g drum that was previously used for either photographic developer or fixer. Not really sure which - I got it 30 years ago, washed it out a couple times and have been using it ever since without issue. Polyethylene really is not very absorbent so I think you'll be fine as long as you clean it well.

That was kind of my thought as well. I know plastics can leach phosphates but not sure what other compounds could absorb into it.
May just give it a good bath in muriatic acid and lots of rinsing.
It looks fairly clean and no weird smells