DIY Sump question

gquimby1 · 09/06/2016, 09:25 AM

Can I use just a plastic tote as a sump? They're cheap at walmart and I've seen people use them for freshwater sumps and work really well. What I'm wondering is will those totes leak anything into the water that will crash my system?

Also does anything need to be BPA free? Or does any of that matter? Just wondering

nereefpat · 09/06/2016, 09:59 AM

Yes. Many folks use totes for sumps, mixing containers, etc. Get a sturdy one. You can also reinforce it with some 2x4 framing.

I would not worry about BPA. I don't think you would be able to tell if a tote contained it anyway.

In general, I would recommend buying a tank from Petco during their sale for a cheap sump.

mcgyvr · 09/06/2016, 10:03 AM

Yep.. Just fine..

kfisc · 09/06/2016, 10:29 AM

A food grade container works best. A plastic feed trough from your local ag store can work really well and many use them.

09/06/2016, 09:25 AM	#1
gquimby1 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 43	DIY Sump question Can I use just a plastic tote as a sump? They're cheap at walmart and I've seen people use them for freshwater sumps and work really well. What I'm wondering is will those totes leak anything into the water that will crash my system? Also does anything need to be BPA free? Or does any of that matter? Just wondering

09/06/2016, 09:59 AM	#2
nereefpat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Central Nebraska Posts: 3,190	Yes. Many folks use totes for sumps, mixing containers, etc. Get a sturdy one. You can also reinforce it with some 2x4 framing. I would not worry about BPA. I don't think you would be able to tell if a tote contained it anyway. In general, I would recommend buying a tank from Petco during their sale for a cheap sump. __________________ Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers

09/06/2016, 10:03 AM	#3
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Yep.. Just fine.. __________________ Who me?

09/06/2016, 10:29 AM	#4
kfisc Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 2,020	A food grade container works best. A plastic feed trough from your local ag store can work really well and many use them.