Water Container Drums

[DMBillies]

We've started the process of doing a huge upgrade (combing our 90 and 92 into one big tank) and although my current water system would be adequate, it does not give me much in the way of wiggle room when it comes to water changes and having any extra on hand in case of emergency. I was wondering if there is anywhere local that sells plastic drums in the 30-60 gallon range. I want to check out a local place so I can actually see and measure my options (not to mention save on shipping because of the dimensions of these types of containers).

I thought about just upgrading my current little roughneck to a bigger one, but after a small crack in one that I was cooking rock in soaked my upstairs floor (and downstairs ceiling), I'm just slightly less convinced they are an appropriate container.

Problem is, space in my fish closet is a serious consideration since I don't think I could fit a container much bigger than about 18-19" front to back (I need to actually measure this). So, I'd definitely be open to ideas because I don't think a 55 gallon will actually fit.

 

[montemans]

Hey Brian,

I have a 15, 30, and a 55 gal plastic drums at home that I will measure for you. I just went an measured a plastic 55 gal here at work and it is 23.5" front to back and 35" tall.

Daniel

 

[DMBillies]

Daniel- Thanks. I'm pretty sure that's not going to fit. I could fit something a little bit wider or taller, but I have to be able to actually fit in the closet to get to the back.

 

[crumbletop]

It's not local, but US Plastics has the dims all on line and a very nice selection. I believe local you can get some drums from tractor supply.

 

[montemans]

I just measured my drums and they are: 15 gal is 14.25" front to back and 26.5" tall and the 30 gal is 19" front to back and 30" tall. Hope that helps,
Daniel

 

[Siffy]

It's too big for you Brian, but maybe someone needs a 300g 4'^3 storage tank.
http://nashville.craigslist.org/grd/642998236.html

The containers at TSC are nice but really expensive.

http://www.bayteccontainers.com/
has 55g drums a lil cheaper than US Plastics and free shipping on some barrels.

It's extra work but used ones are a LOT cheaper if you can get them at a local co-op/farm feed and supply store. I don't know if anyone in the Nashville area has the same deal I can get here. But I picked up the 2 50g drums Stowers uses here in Florence for $16 (can't remember if that was each or for both). They're nearly 1/4" thick so really durable. The only downside is they were originally uses to store and ship olives, so there was a pretty bad smell from them for a few weeks. You'd have to get Chris to measure his if you want dimensions, but I believe they're taller (thus more narrow) than regular 55g drums.

I've experienced the Roughnecks leaking too, fortunately mine was on a driveway. I bought a couple Brutes to replace them only to learn later that even Brutes aren't designed to hold water. So they'll probably leak eventually, but I haven't worried about replacing them yet. When I do, I'll be getting the same barrels Chris uses.

I'll be making a trip to Nashvegas soon, so PM Chris with your closet dimensions and if they'll fit I can bring up to 4 or 5 probably if you or anyone else wants.