Do your Brute containers bow a lot with water inside? I normally use a glass tank for my water change mixing tank but just recently switched to a Brute tote. I read a lot about how these are commercial grade and supposed to be really strong... I notice that the sides of this thing bow A LOT when filled with water... I have another Rubbermaid clear one I use for ATO that barely bows when filled with water... Anyone ever have a Brute container burst on them??
Those who use Brute containers.. Please read...
- Thread starter bimmer88
- Start date
tkeracer619
New member
When we say brute container we are referring to what Jack said. The grey or white trash cans.
You do not want water in the poly totes. They will become brittle fast.
You do not want water in the poly totes. They will become brittle fast.
tkeracer619
New member
Not necessarily. Go find a piece of furniture you can hollow out that looks good and will fit the container. I used to work on a tank that needed a sump and an ATO that would last a week. Problem was the tanks stand was 6" tall (yes 6") We had someone build us two "art stands" that had some sculptures put on them. Inside one was sump and skimmer. In the other was the ATO res.
Get creative but IMHO I would rather a trash can in the middle of the living room then water on the living room floor.
Get creative but IMHO I would rather a trash can in the middle of the living room then water on the living room floor.
hey.its.me
New member
I had planned to use a Brute tub style for my top-off and came across the bow-ing that you describe. Then I empty that one out and found a mini Brute 18 gal. (round) Drilled a quarter inch hole near the top for the pump line. You have to cut a quarter inch piece of plywood and lay it on top and drape a black OR white piece of scrap linen over it. It looks like a table for practical purposes. I placed a small table lamp on it. Every weekend I manually replace the RO/DI water. I could make that automatic too with a Thomas Quest backflow valve if it were to become a chore. Got the Brute 18 gal at HD.
woodnaquanut
Active member
It all depends on your decorating style. If you go with 'reef chic' it will fit in perfectly! :lol2:
Other than that you can always hide it.
newby_reefer
New member
I use a 55 gallon drum for water storage. Plumed a valve into the bottom and set it up on some inverted 5 gallon buckets. It works great! whenever the need for water arises I just fill up my 5 gallon jug and mix my salt.
KeepNitReel
New member
I don't think that would look to good in a living room.
catfisher
New member
I also use the 32 gallon can. Works great.
I use Brute 20 gallon containers for WC's in my 180. They do not bow at all.
The tote style Brute? Ive got the 20 gallon brute tote and it bows an insane amount. Is yours the grey one?
FlyPenFly
SPS Killer
This is what I'm planning to use for my rodi containers you have to order the lid separately.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KDBC7W/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KDBC7W/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
might try this one...
http://www.amazon.com/20-GAL-Trash-...id=1382332029&sr=8-4&keywords=brute+20+gallon
http://www.amazon.com/20-GAL-Trash-...id=1382332029&sr=8-4&keywords=brute+20+gallon
Here's the response I got from Rubbermaid...
Thank you for your inquiry. The most common use of the totes is solid objects being stored. A heavy fluid material like water will apply outward pressure to the walls. A curved wall has more structure than a flat wall. You will see the bow in the flat sides of the tote. I do not believe it will fail, but you will see bulge. A better suited product for your application would be the 20 gal round BRUTE. Also, I would not always equate deflection with non-durable materials, The less expensive product doesn't flex to hold the weight, it just breaks.
Thank you for your inquiry. The most common use of the totes is solid objects being stored. A heavy fluid material like water will apply outward pressure to the walls. A curved wall has more structure than a flat wall. You will see the bow in the flat sides of the tote. I do not believe it will fail, but you will see bulge. A better suited product for your application would be the 20 gal round BRUTE. Also, I would not always equate deflection with non-durable materials, The less expensive product doesn't flex to hold the weight, it just breaks.
asudavew
Active member
I used a tote for several years as a sump for a freshwater tank.
It was a 32 gallon or so. I built a 2x4 frame inside my stand that the tote sat in.
The frame held it in shape and it worked great.
