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02/17/2019, 07:32 PM | #1 |
Plumbing Engineer
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Atlanta GA
Posts: 3,260
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Best way to clean coconut oil out of totes?
I picked up two food grade totes that have had coconut oil in them. Whats the easiest way to clean these for use as RO and mixing tanks?
Can I fill them up and put in some vinegar or muriatic acid and let it sit for a bit? |
02/18/2019, 09:06 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Avondale, Arizona
Posts: 75
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I dont think vinegar will break down the oil. Try Dawn dish washing soap. Just make sure to rinse and dry well. I've used to clean that residue in new tanks
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02/18/2019, 10:41 AM | #3 |
Plumbing Engineer
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Atlanta GA
Posts: 3,260
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That was my first thought but Im apprehensive about using dish soap anywhere near what will be used for the tank.
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02/18/2019, 03:25 PM | #4 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Avondale, Arizona
Posts: 75
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Rinse well and dry...it should not leave any residue behind
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02/18/2019, 07:37 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: West Central MN
Posts: 241
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something on the alkaline side of the pH scale would be your best bet. You could make up a solution with some lye to get the pH up. that would leave no residue and should remove the oil.
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Jill Current Tank Info: 450g see thru tank, MH lighting, 180 basement sump, Apex controller, Lifereef skimmer, 30g QT tank |
02/19/2019, 01:28 AM | #6 |
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Malta
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Try using a mild solution of caustic soda. It should break down the oil into more soluble compounds. Important that you wear eye protection (ideally full face) and long gloves when handling the caustic soda.
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02/19/2019, 01:28 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Toronto and Calgary, Canada
Posts: 377
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Hot water and lye. Wear gloves and use a new mop to scrub the surfaces. It will saponify/turn the coconut oil into soap. Repeat until there is no bubbles when you rinse it out.
Residual coconut oil won't mess up your system, may kill the skimmer bubble column but it's only temporary. |
02/19/2019, 02:30 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 61
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Hot water and lye.
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02/19/2019, 02:35 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 9,103
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Hot water plus Dawn dish soap. Hot water makes sure any solids are liquefied, soap grabs onto the oil and dump it out, then rinse rinse rinse, and you should be fine.
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Mike |
02/25/2019, 12:37 AM | #10 |
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Join Date: Jun 2016
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Lye will react with the oil and make soap... Or just use soap (Dawn or other)... Either way rinse several times. If it is still oily, use more lye/soap and rinse more.
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03/01/2019, 09:42 AM | #11 |
Man who sold the world
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Oakley, behind enemy lines in communist occupied California.
Posts: 254
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I use camping soap if ever I choose to use soap for anything aquarium related, unscented... Just to be safe.
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