Best containers for aquaculture?

[dendronepthya]

I am looking into the most cost effective, yet robust containers for an aquaculture project. The bigger the better. The best I have found so far are the 300 gallon Rubbermaid stock tanks. I like them because of their rugged construction and relatively low price($200?). I was also looking at some fiberglass raceways from Aquatic Ecosystems, but for 1000 gallons, you could get 6 - 300 gallon tubs from Rubbermaid. Does anyone else know of good large containers?

I shoud say up front that I am not interested in using pond liners. To me, that is not a robust enough solution. Thanks.

 

[Anthony Calfo]

Freight is killer on such products... do be sure to find the closest source, of course. Secondly, don't buy from an aquaristic or household products supplier... too expensive. Price some of the local and regional agricultural suppliers (feed supply stores in the closest farmland to you). Those folks use the rubbermaid products and like-sturdy vessels for feed troughs. If it is tough enough for hooved livestock, its tough enough for you

Target a price of about 50 cents per gallon and not much more. If the price you got for $200 on 300 gallons was very close by to you or delivered... then it doesn' t sound terrible to me. Else, contact Rubbermaid for th closest agricultural supply house they serve.

If you are handy or know someone that it, making a wood form and then building your own fiberglass pools is quite easy and relatively cheap. Resin can be purchased in 50 gallon drums... fiber is cheap... the epoxy to coat it is dear but goes a long way. Autobody repair folks tap this market. It all depends on what you can get cheap enough

Best regards,

Anthony

 

[dendronepthya]

Thanks Anthony,
The fiberglass route sounds interesting to me, however my DIY skills are far below that of the average squirrel. Maybe in the future I can con my friends into making that attempt with me, but in the mean time, I think I will have to stick to prefabricated solutions. It looks like the rubbermaid tanks are still on top in that situation. I believe that there is a local stock and feed place near my house that I can check in on.

$.50 per gallon is a pretty tough price point to hit, but it's at least a good measuring stick.

If anyone else has some input, please feel free to fire away.

 

[richardb42]

Hydroponics retailers have plastic tubs available for their recirculating systems. I have a couple of 45 gallon tubs which would be ideal for coral growout/aquacultering; They are about 10 inches deep, 45 inches long and 22 inches wide. They cost be about 70$ CAN each (that might be 40$ USD).