Rubbermaid "Brute" Containers

Plasma · #1 01/03/2008, 01:01 PM

Hi all,

Am using a couple of 55 gal brutes for fresh and saltwater storage.

Problem is that the water develops a strong odor after sitting in the tanks for a week or so (water starts out as RO/DI).

Has anybody else tried these containers and had this problem? If yes, how did you fix it?

Thanks,

Plasma

reeformadness · #2 01/03/2008, 01:13 PM

I have this problem too. I have not found a fix either. Right now, I just spray it out and let it air out occasionally.

KyleO · #3 01/03/2008, 01:23 PM

Can't imagine they are any different but I have been using the 20ga & 35ga containers for salt and RO/DI production and have not noticed any odors (about 1.5 years).

???

Plasma · #4 01/03/2008, 01:31 PM

Reefor, have you noticed/suspected any impact on your animals?

I'm going to try a polyethylene liner to see if that reduces the smell.

mcrist · #5 01/03/2008, 02:01 PM

I have/use 3 different Brute containers with no odors or problems. I have been using them for over a year. Maybe where you purchase them they had them stored near chemicals that accidentally spilled/contaminated the containers.

MinibowMatt · #6 01/03/2008, 02:04 PM

I also have been using them for closer to 3+ years... no issues whatsoever. I clean mine about once every 3 months...

m2434 · #7 01/03/2008, 02:10 PM

A lot of plastics will leach chemicals. A lot of these chemicals are known endocrine disrupters. So, its possible that they could effect livestock in some way.
Stock tanks may be safer because they are made to hold water.

chrissreef · #8 01/03/2008, 02:15 PM

where did you guys get youro Brute containers?

are they the same as the Roughneck?

any other brands/containers one should look into?

mcrist · #9 01/03/2008, 02:29 PM

Brute containers are USDA approved and meet HACCP guidlines. They are fine for storing water.

KyleO · #10 01/03/2008, 02:35 PM

I have seen a number of threads on these Brute containers as they seem to be the choice for most reefers..........seen lots of responses and about 98% positive.

USDA approved goes a long way but maybe mcrist is right and your containers came in contact with some chemicals (I would be very careful if I was you). A replacement container is much cheaper than a tank crash!

Davidb6 · #11 01/03/2008, 02:36 PM

No roughnecks and Brute containers are not the same and there not made for the same materials.

Watch out for rubbermaid roughnecks

trmiv · #12 01/03/2008, 02:47 PM

Yea I have this same issue with my brutes. It's never caused any problems though, so I don't worry about it.

rustybucket145 · #13 01/03/2008, 02:48 PM

you say 'strong odor' but you don't (that I see) describe that odor... what does it smell like?

reeformadness · #14 01/03/2008, 02:52 PM

No, I haven't had any problems other than the smell in the can, which airs out pretty easily. I have even been breeding snails lately, which are very sensitive to water quality issues. My guess is that it is because RO/DI water is highly reactive. My house is old and musty (smells like Grandmas!) and I have a cat and a litterbox indoors. My guess is that the water is absorbing the scents of my house and concentrating them. Just my theory.

sheldibridle · #15 01/03/2008, 03:15 PM

I have the same problem with my Brute can and the smell is the smell of cat pee.

KyleO · #16 01/03/2008, 03:22 PM

Makes me glad I don't have a cat..........

reeformadness · #17 01/03/2008, 03:28 PM

sheldi do you have a cat too?

trmiv · #18 01/03/2008, 03:31 PM

I have a cat, but I know for sure he's not peeing in my brute garbage can.

Plasma · #19 01/03/2008, 03:48 PM

No cats - best description is dirty laundry baked in a hot dark room.

m2434 · #20 01/03/2008, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Plasma
No cats - best description is dirty laundry baked in a hot dark room.

I'm not sure I want to imagine that. Out of curiosity, is that anything like old vinyl of a car dashboard, under the windshield?

MHannon · #21 01/03/2008, 04:53 PM

I have a brute can, and when the water gets low, the humidity builds up and I can smell a slight mildew smell. Thats it. I usually keep it full to avoid this.

tank o tang · #22 01/03/2008, 05:30 PM

Heard of people curing their new cans in some sunlight for a couple days before use. Just a thought.

Jay03GT · #23 01/03/2008, 06:45 PM

I have 3 of the 32gal Brute cans. The 2 I keep saltwater mixed in don't smell, but the one I store RO/DI water in has a smell. It isn't a bad smell, but something you notice. I never thought anything of it, figured it had something to do with the water having no minerals or other stuff in it.

IBASSFSH · #24 01/03/2008, 07:29 PM

I notice it with my Brute cans when its time to change filters and RO cartridge.

MrSquid · #25 01/03/2008, 07:53 PM

Plasma - are you keeping your can closed with a lid?