Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I have searched and searched and read an incredible amount both here on BYAP and the web about some IBC's I have found but want your input. I have 2 IBC's I acquired that held a plaster or caulk type material. The remaining material inside looks and feels like dried plaster and the odor is that of plaster/caulk material. There is a sticker on the side of each ibc that gives a code, GP17HVT1, no luck searching this and then this breakdown: Health 1, Flammability 0, Reactivity 0, Personal Protection B. Using those criteria I did find the link below, an Australian source, for MSDS for a product called RetroGuard, which the description of appears consistent with whats left inside the 2 ibc's:

http://www.au.graceconstruction.com/cus ... oGuard.pdf

My question for the group, what are your thoughts on steam cleaning these and incorporating into my system.

Thanks,

TXPower

That sounds super safe to me after cleaning. It's just plaster (if the MSDS code is correct).

Agreed, looks like nice inert stuff.

question is the stuff in a powder form..

What happens if you add water to the powder.. have you done a test..

If you have a powder in the IBC vacuum them out to remove most of the residue and then wash them out..

Juergen

Juergen, no it wasn't powder it was liquid, looked like milk. The residue is dry now and smells like caulk/plaster. I know I can get the ibc clean but what's the chance of the original contents having leached into the plastic of the ibc? I don't want to chance my families health.

Thx,

TXPower

I looked at the MSDS and it seem inert..

Take care of the Silica when you are cleaning out the IBC's.. is probably the only warning I can give..

I would use those IBC's if I did not have a source of food grade..

Just do a few more cleaning cycles..

Wash..
Bleach..
Wash..
Let dry out and give it a Smell test.. [Don't put nose over and smell, waft hand over barrel and smell the breeze..]

Juergen

Thanks to all for the input. I have decided to purchase food grade for piece of mind.

Thx,

TXPower