refugium question

[jimmer]

well not really a question about the refugium but about the "container" i use.are the large plastic bins from lowes-home depot-walmart etc ok to drill and use a bulkhead or will they leak?ive used them before for a sump but never had to drill it.wasnt sure if it had to be a certain thickness for the bulkheads to seal properly.thanks
jimmer

 

[johno4]

a few months back in the DIY forum there was someone who did this with pics. It did work, I do not know if he used any certain thickness, I dont believe that he did. I think it would be fine, in fact I am going to be attempting this with in the next month. Keep us posted on how it works out for you.

 

[ReeferMac]

Best not to use the cheaper one's from a big-box retailer. I used a large one for a sump for several years, and noticed it gradually was distorting. The rubbermaid stock-tanks are much heavier duty, and better suited IMO. If you've got the room... I'd go w/ one of those.
What size are you talking about Jimmer?

- Mac

 

[bosborn1]

I also used a tote for a sump. What Mac says is the truth they do start breaking down over time. I noticed that mine was developing white lines in the corner and around the bulkheads. Now I use a rubbermaid ag container. Much better IMO. However on the other hand I know that John at MO was using those containers for his sumps. Come to think of it I have seen it done many times especially with outdoor ponds..They fill them up bioballs.

Scott

 

[jimmer]

thanks guys!its gotta be up to 20 inches wide and can be up to 4 feet long.its going in a closet right next to my tank.impulling out a shelf so it will be boxed in with 2x4's all the way around so im not worried about it bowing.would like a glass tank like a 55 so i can see everything but dont want to spend money then have to worry if it cracks durring drilling!!

 

[ReeferMac]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7100582#post7100582 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jimmer
thanks guys!its gotta be up to 20 inches wide and can be up to 4 feet long.its going in a closet right next to my tank.impulling out a shelf so it will be boxed in with 2x4's all the way around so im not worried about it bowing.would like a glass tank like a 55 so i can see everything but dont want to spend money then have to worry if it cracks durring drilling!!

Dude...
... 20 inches wide or narrower (18 plus trim)?
... 4 foot long?

go w/ the biggest tank you can, as that directly translates to the amount of sand/algae you can place in your refuge. A 20gal. refuge is great... but doesn't make a dent in a big tank.

Suck it up, bring some extra frags into the LFS, and get yourself a 55.
Wost case, check the classifieds, Craigslist, etc., for a used setup. You can also try practicing on the drilling on plate glass, so you're not as likely to pop the tank. Personally, I'd give the dremel tool trick a try - most cheap 55's are tempered. Cut sheets of acrylic are easy to put together... you could DIY?

- Mac

 

[dalbrecht]

If it needs to have bulkheads installed go for the strongest you can find. There are concrete mixing tubs I've used for breeding fish in the past that are both strong and durable compared to the rubbermade tote type things. They can be a little shallow tho. I don't believe rubbermaid makes horse troughs that will fit in that narrow a space. Farmaster makes a 2' * 2' * 3' trough but I can't find anything smaller.

Another option is the pond route. Bulkheads can be a bit tricky but you could place a pond liner in the space and brace the front (I've done this by simply stapling to a cut MDF sheet. this will let you maximize your space better. Just make sure to run a bead of greatstuff in all the corners before you add the liner. This helps prevent the liner from taking too much stress in the cracks of the "pond". It's a bit more expensive that the cheap tubs but it will let you use every last inch of space and it's not too pricy.

In about a month area stores ill start selling pond liner by the linear foot for people making little streams. I've seen it available as wide as 6' that should be more than enough to line the box. Then you would just need a sheet of 3/4 ply or mdf. There's no need for extra bracing in a space this small. The ply will be more than adequate.

 

[jimmer]

well mac took your advise and did a little searching and found a 55 gallon for 30 bucks.you said most cheapo 55's are tempered.is that just the bottem plate????flower city glass charges 6 bucks a hole

 

[SVXH6]

yes jimmer i believe only the bottom glass is tempered on the 55..

 

[bosborn1]

AGA 55s are mostly only tempered on the bottom. I have drill two of these tanks on the side.

Scott

 

[jimmer]

cool scott thats where i want to drill mine.