Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I found a source for a 200 gallon oil tank free. I'm wondering if there is some way for me to clean out one of these and use it as a fish tank or a pair of growbeds.

I suppose it depends on the grade of oil it used to hold A strong detergent soak for a few days, then a rinse with caustic soda to sterilise it, and some days out in the sun. THEN check to see how it is. Maybe put some water and goldies in to test.

What about fat burning barrels?

sorry, what are they?

or biodiesel tanks

hhmmm, I don't know enough about those ones to comment sorry.

Hang on, months ago I asked my FIL, he's a diesel fitter by trade, if you could safely use a ex-diesel tank, and I'm pretty sure he said, best not to He's away at the moment, but I can check again if you like when he gets back.

Not sure about that little froggi... but I know that in organic circles anything to do with "petroleum" based products is a big no-no

If they are steel, set them on fire. What ever is left standing will be clean, well, safe. You won't even need to paint it black like Jaymie did hers.

If the oil had any type of heavy metal contamination, burning won't clear that. Still needs a good washing at the least.

washing is not nearly as fun though.

when the fire brigade arrives they can do that part

lol, burning the two halves after your spit the tank and then a good soak and power wash would be the least I would do. I would either paint it with a good acrylic or enamel boat bottom paint or use pond liner. But I'm VERY paranoid about materials poisoning my system.

Oh, and you could just get it and use it to make a nice BBQ or smoker! Something to use for the fish after harvest instead of to raise them in!

The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire,....................... sorry. id burn it pressure wash it, scrub it, pressure wash it, scrub it, pressure wash it, dry it, sand it, paint it, sand it, scrub it, paint it again. you should know that i wear a tin foil hat though..... its not the oil i fear, its the heavy metals.

isnt tin foil a metal?

tin is good?