Fry Rack Project / Cleaning Plastic Tanks

[darkdep]

Another project...

I'm setting up a "fry/juvie" rack.  I'm finding that now that my breeding setup is starting to produce holding females more regularly, and my set of 10gallon tanks isn't really sufficient to divide the females and fry up the way I'd like.  What I'm thinking of is a simple store bought 5-shelf resin shelving unit, and plastic rubbermaid containers for tanks (2 per shelf).  Each tank will utilize a Hydro-sponge air-powered filter, and I'll try to find some tiny heaters to heat the tanks (I saw ones as low as 7.5w online).  I'll be keeping them covered with the original lids, drilled where needed.  As there will be ten tanks, I'll be starting off with a few larger standard airpumps, and will move to a linear piston pump soon.

I have a couple of reclaimed clear plastic containers, probably 3 gallon, that I'd like to use...but I suspect that soap has been used in the past.  What could I do to ensure a complete clean and removal of the soap residue?

[rickster]

i am a big fan of a vinegar and baking soda mix , this has done a wonderful job for me and i hope it works for you take care Rickster .

[beowulf]

i am a big fan of a vinegar and baking soda mix , this has done a wonderful job for me and i hope it works for you take care Rickster .

I would have to agree.

[darkdep]

Any idea the ratios?  Or just a good bunch of both?

[Mettle]

At the cheap price of bins such as the ones you'll be using I say spend the few bucks and invest in new ones, thus no worries. Realistically you should be able to find a couple replacements for under $10 for the pair.

Good luck in your next endeavour! Can't wait to see what you come up with next.

[darkdep]

You're probably right.  I just liked these two because they were perfectly clear, whereas most of the ones I see in stores are slightly opaque.  We're replacing our fridge today (finally!) and I wanted to reclaim the two clear drawers from it.

But then again, it wouldn't look standard, and that's what I'm trying to do these days is standardize my setups.

Now I just have to find a good air pump to run 10 hydro-sponges

[Quatro]

Hey DD,  if you're planning on buying new anyways.....last year Big Al's had 10gals on for $6.99 (might be the same this year).  I'd say make a stand 48" wide and 20" deep.  Put the 10gals so the shortest side is facing out so you can fit 4 per shelf.  Thats 12 tanks in a small 4 foot area.

Mike S

[babblefish1960]

Quatro gives a good suggestion here, it is cost effective, and you know what glass is comprised of, especially with fry, where the plastics of these bins can absorb various chemicals as well as shed unknown elements into the water. I'm sure it isn't a problem, but plastic is such a broad term.

[darkdep]

BA does in fact have the glass 10gals for 6.99 again this boxing day.  However, I am reaching a space issue.  I would have liked to do pretty much exactly as Quatro suggests, but I don't think I can make a spot for that.  The fry rack is going to likely end up in my laundry room, which is pretty much storage space (and most of it is in use). 

I have two more days to think about this tho...the plastic containers I was contemplating are about $5 each; and I would gain more water volume.