RO Water storage

I have a 55g drum (black) that I just got for water storage for my tank. It is open top and I have a float valve attached for my RO connection. I haven't stored water in the barrel yet and I need to clean it. Would just vinegar and water be good enough to clean it and then a good rinse with the RO water. And also any thoughts on a good way to cover the top to keep out unwanted debris. Maybe just a bag?

Thanks for any help


Bob

 

Do you know what was stored in it previously?

On the drum, is there a recycling triangle embossed into the drum with a number in it? If so, what is that number?

 

What was in it previously is MUCH needed info. Hope it wasn't oil or gas.

 

Sorry,
It was obtained from a previous reefer and is a food grade barrel. It just sat in his garage for a bit and needs a good cleaning.


I do not have the number off hand.


Thanks

 

Clean it with bleach and water. Put a few gallons of RO in it (test water for phosphates) and let it sit for a week or so and then test the phosphates again to make sure it does not leech.

 

Didnt thinnk about bleach. Just a cup of bleach and a gallon of hot water and wipe it down real good? Thanks a million

Any thoughts on how to cover it?

 

Yes, wipe it down and rinse it well.

You could pick up a piece of plexi-glass at home depot to cover it. You really want to keep the dust and bugs out.

 

I don't need the number if it's a food grade barrel

Sounds like a great plan to me-

 

You definitely need to clean it... bleach seems like a good option.... I just drip my Ro/di water in a seperate container and then add it to the sump. But up to you .... I always respect and am interested on how others do it!
Best of luck to you!

 

I have similar barrels. They were used to store Italian Olives. I used bleach and water. I filled them up with water and threw in some bleach let them sit for 3 days. Then I emptied them and put in a few gallons with bleach and scrubbed with a brush, rinse a couple times and viola. It still smelled a tiny bit like olives but The RO water measured 0 ppm. Also if you have a pool you can just toss them in the pool for a few days. The guy I bought the barrels from did this and it worked perfectly. My pool uses Saltwater generator so I wasn't sure if the chlorine level was strong enough so I did it my way. Either way will work.