Need a 46" x 46" vat for live rock... Any Ideas?

[tkeracer619]

In planning my 600gal's filtration room I have used up 100% of the available space. I have a large amount of live rock (my sump + 100gal and 150gal stock tanks full) that I would like to keep and use in this system but unfortunately I have only been able to come up with one reasonable solution.

I need a container to store the rock in that takes up the bottom area in my 4x4x10 frag tank, it's the only free space in the room. The internal dimensions are 46x46 and I would prefer to keep it at or under 2' tall so I can access the closed loop if needed.



I could probably build it. I already have half of the acrylic I need but I would rather not... I have enough to do already. Hoping to find something cheep and durable that can go in there. Any suggestions?

[Logzor]

I have no idea what they're called but some basement frag operations use them. They are white plastic square containers that might fit under your stand.

[tkeracer619]

I've looked at them but they start to get ridiculously expensive in the sizes I need. I'd be open to two tanks that sit side by side but even then the cheapest is out there. I need something more cost effective. Glass cages is cheaper for a glass tank in that dimension than the fiberglass aquaculture bins.

I've thought about making a plywood box and using the plastic part of an ibc tote as an insert... One issue I'm having with making anything is I only have use of one hand right now. I get my cast off next week but am probably going to have surgery on it soon so I am hoping to find something that just works and doesn't cost too much.

[tkeracer619]

Come to think of it... if I got two stock tanks I would probably be able to fit two 4 footers side by side due to the openings. Hmm

[Logzor]

I don't think it's a great solution but you COULD build a plywood box and epoxy coat the inside. Nevermind just saw you already posted that up above.

[75mixedreef]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

Come to think of it... if I got two stock tanks I would probably be able to fit two 4 footers side by side due to the openings. Hmm

I was going to say that 2 55s would work except for the 2 inches. If they don't work then 2 of the 65 gallon tanks should work. They are 36x18x24 if you go with the Marineland ones. That's 130 gallons total and utilizes the space better while leaving a little to spare.

[tkeracer619]

I've looked at combinations of standard aquariums but really need to utilize the whole space if I am going to fit the rock.

I found some Hartings Poly Stock Tanks that could work. They're 4x2x2. My concern is the durability of them, I know the rubbermaid stock tanks are top notch but not sure about these. They say they are the toughest on the market and have a 3 year warranty. The closest place that has them is an hour away and isn't open on weekends. Tough drive to make to come home empty handed.

[75mixedreef]

Make sure anything you get is food safe. It can suck to go through all this effort just to find that it is causing you problems 6 months later and you have to start all over.

[tkeracer619]

Food safe is a definite criteria.

An Ace Rotomold 500gal round vertical tank cut to 24" high gets me 172gal.

The two stock tanks get me 194gal

A perfect scenario gets me 220gal. I'd prefer to keep rock out of the sump so every gallon of capacity counts. Good thing about the two stock tanks is it might be possible to get them in and out without too much trouble.

[75mixedreef]

How are you going to keep it from turning into a nitrate factory? I guess I'm just not sure on the purpose of having that much volume for just LR. Once you get to a certain amount, more just produces nitrates, doesn't it?

[tkeracer619]

The anaerobic bacteria in rock turns nitrates into nitrogen gas which then dissolves into the atmosphere. More does not create a nitrate factory.

My display isn't going to have a ton of rock in it. It will have a good amount of hiding spaces but will be fairly open so I want a large amount of rock in a sump somewhere. I plan on having a lot of fish in this tank and will be feeding a ton of food (think 1-2 flats of mysis per day).

I have been using the Berlin method since I started this hobby and don't plan on changing it up now . I typically run about 2lbs of rock per gallon and I'll have roughly 1000 gallons of water. I have accumulated about 2500lbs of live rock for this build.

[biecacka]

Go with a few stock tanks. Cheaper and they work.

Corey

[tkeracer619]

The stock tanks I found that I could make work have a pressed in steel drain. The supplier by me usually has them without the drain but they didn't order more this time around and the truck with their quarterly shipment arrives wed .

The guy said the fitting goes right up to the edge so if I wanted to remove it and install a plastic one I would need to cut out the metal one or I wouldn't have enough material for a good seal. They are made from fda approved poly with a 1/4" wall thickness.

I think I am going to go up there and look at it them this weekend. Still looking for a home run though

[FullBoreReefer]

Food safe plastic 55gal drums? Easy to cut, drill, and tons of room to pile in rock.

[SantaMonica]

There is always Tuff Stuff tubs:
http://www.tufftubs.com/htdocs/KMR75.htm

I have it, and epoxied over the brass drain.