Trashcan as sump

Guggey · 10/05/2006, 06:27 PM

I currently dont have a sump for my 125g tank...i wanna make one as cheap as possible so i had the idea of using a 40-50 gallon trashcan.. my only concern is possible contaminants that could leech out of the plastic into the water. if there is anyone out there that has done this and could fill me in i would appreciate it

kraze3 · 10/05/2006, 06:31 PM

I think it would be tough. first can you fit it under your tank. second you cant have baffels or anything and your skimmer would be submerged completely.

Why not get a 32 gal rubbermaid tub or something. seems more feasable and easier to me.

Guggey · 10/05/2006, 06:32 PM

well i have a closet next to my tank and i was planning on putting it in there

auto_loader · 10/05/2006, 06:39 PM

You can get a 100 gallon rubbermaid stock tank for about $60 at Menards. They make a nice sump.

Guggey · 10/05/2006, 06:43 PM

We dont have Menards here but im assuming its a hardware store. Would it be safe to say the rubbermaid products won't leech anything into the water??

showtime305 · 10/05/2006, 06:47 PM

The rubbermaid product will be fine. Just clean them out before you added it to your setup. Most hardware stores will carry the heavyduty stock tanks.

schiejr · 10/05/2006, 08:44 PM

In my area you have to go to a big home improvement store or a farm supply store to find the large gray stock tanks. No worries on the plastic. Rubbermaid also makes a 70 gallon size that has a smaller footprint than the 100.

I agree, the stock tank would be better if you can manage, but if you do go with the trash can, get a Rubbermaid Brute-it is a heavier duty and will withstand water pressure much better.

10/05/2006, 06:27 PM	#1
Guggey Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 48	Trashcan as sump I currently dont have a sump for my 125g tank...i wanna make one as cheap as possible so i had the idea of using a 40-50 gallon trashcan.. my only concern is possible contaminants that could leech out of the plastic into the water. if there is anyone out there that has done this and could fill me in i would appreciate it

10/05/2006, 06:47 PM	#6
showtime305 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 87	The rubbermaid product will be fine. Just clean them out before you added it to your setup. Most hardware stores will carry the heavyduty stock tanks. __________________ AJ Current Tank Info: 24g SPS Reef...in progess, 10g SPS/Zoanthid Prop Tank

10/05/2006, 06:31 PM	#2
kraze3 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: RI Posts: 2,373	I think it would be tough. first can you fit it under your tank. second you cant have baffels or anything and your skimmer would be submerged completely. Why not get a 32 gal rubbermaid tub or something. seems more feasable and easier to me.

10/05/2006, 06:32 PM	#3
Guggey Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 48	well i have a closet next to my tank and i was planning on putting it in there

10/05/2006, 06:39 PM	#4
auto_loader Premium Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Rochelle, IL Posts: 585	You can get a 100 gallon rubbermaid stock tank for about $60 at Menards. They make a nice sump.

10/05/2006, 06:43 PM	#5
Guggey Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 48	We dont have Menards here but im assuming its a hardware store. Would it be safe to say the rubbermaid products won't leech anything into the water??

10/05/2006, 08:44 PM	#7
schiejr Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 121	In my area you have to go to a big home improvement store or a farm supply store to find the large gray stock tanks. No worries on the plastic. Rubbermaid also makes a 70 gallon size that has a smaller footprint than the 100. I agree, the stock tank would be better if you can manage, but if you do go with the trash can, get a Rubbermaid Brute-it is a heavier duty and will withstand water pressure much better.