Cleaning caged tank

[SevenCreeksSap]

How do any of you clean out a 275 gal caged tank-tote?

Here's my problem, no running water at the sugar shack to spray with a hose, and I no longer have a pressure washer. The tank still has the approx. 9 inch screw on lid, so right now thats my only access. I'm thinking drain it, and use a clean new mop with clean cloth wrapped on it to sponge up that last little bit of water and bits of dirt that get in everything. I've also thought of cutting off the top and putting on some hinges for a lid, but not sure how I'd seal all around the seam.
It is on the outside of my shack, mounted on a 6 ft high platform, and my mainline drains right into it, so not really move-able during the season.

The tank is clean but at the end of last season there was a small spot of green algae that had developed. I need to be able to clean it as much as possible, preferably about every time I get it emptied when boiling.

[morningstarfarm]

I have several of these I use...first thing I always do is 5 gal bucket on and trace a hole then cut it out...bucket slides right in and seals it nicely and makes cleaning sooo much easier...just my .02

[325abn]

+1 on the 5 gal bucket size hole, I did the same thing.

[spencer11]

between the to metal supports on the top of the tank, i just cut all that off, so i have about a 2'x3' hole in the top now, so i can even get in and wash it, it works great unless you plan to use the tank to transport sap

[David in MI]

Cleaning the caged tank where you have it (and without water) sounds pretty difficult. Our tanks are in the woods at collection points and we don't have water either so I brought them home recently for cleaning. I picked up one of these so that I can power wash the top of the inside of the tank http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200308357_200308357. I plan on using it today so I can let you know how it works. Just after I ordered that part I got an e-mail for this http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EEQ9KM/ref=pe_227410_27636030_pe_epc_dt4 which may work even better.

[Dennis H.]

I went to a local restaraunt store and bought a rectangle lid for a dough proofing container. It is just a rectangle lid that has a raised center.
I then made an aluminum frame that the lid fits down on. The then laid this ontop of the tank, it fits in the center lower part. I traced the inside of the frame and cut this part of the tank out. Then bolted and siliconed the frame to the top. I use bungee straps to hold the lid down.
It is a big enough opening that I can jump inside and give it a good cleaning.

[adk1]

I guess about the only thing yoy can do to wash out the tank without having water at the sugarhouse is either take it to a local carwash and wash it out or transport water wit h5 gal buckets.

[SevenCreeksSap]

Thanks for the ideas. I'll try the bucket first and if thats not enough access go for the top removal/lid project. Maybe put that large project off til next season, this one's upon us.

On the buckets, just use the bucket lid i guess to keep it from filling with rain water? This tank sits on top of a wood stand outside, and I have it set up with 2" pvc (glued of course) running thru the wall, which then drains into a 55 gal feed tank. Not really feasible to remove the pipe and try to take it somewhere.

[adk1]

Thanks for the ideas. I'll try the bucket first and if thats not enough access go for the top removal/lid project. Maybe put that large project off til next season, this one's upon us.

On the buckets, just use the bucket lid i guess to keep it from filling with rain water? This tank sits on top of a wood stand outside, and I have it set up with 2" pvc (glued of course) running thru the wall, which then drains into a 55 gal feed tank. Not really feasible to remove the pipe and try to take it somewhere.

I would definatly but some kind of fitting in that would allow to move the tank without disturbing the pipe..but like you said, next year

[farmall h]

It is a big enough opening that I can jump inside and give it a good cleaning.

Dennis do you have a pic of you in the tank that you could post?:lol:

[nymapleguy607]

I would definitly make the hole bigger, but as far as cleaning after that what I do for my bulk tank in the woods is I bought a new 15 gal spot sprayer with a battery powered pump. It mounts right on the 4 wheeler and I can spray down the inside of the tank and us my tank brush then open the valve and drain and rinse it one final time and i'm good to go.

[hitnspit]

I did the carwash thing and filled it up with soapy water. I think it was 4 mins worth of hotwater. Kept it in the back of the truck for a few day and let it plash around as i drive. Drain and do it again with fresh clean water 2 time after and came out wonderful..........

[sugarman3]

good hot water will do the trick best,any soap needs several good washes,something with pressure helps,car washes work good,have lots of quarters

[NH Maplemaker]

I think you will find that car wash water isn't potable water!! Most car washes just filter the water and reuse it many times! Not what I want going my sap tanks. This has been discussed on here a few times.