Would you feel comfortable using this as a sump?

[Bent]

I had this laying around, and as sumps go, I just need a big container to hold water. I don't need any baffles. My fuge is a seperate tank that will be draining into this. The DT will drain into it as well. The return pump will have a T with a gate valve to the fuge.

Looks ok to me. Just need to build a stand around it.

 

[Scorpius]

It's going to bow like crazy with any water in it. I'd buy a cheap glass aquarium.

 

[Bent]

I also have an actual sump, but it's not near as big.

The Rubbermaid is 45 gallons and this would barely hold 10. I could fit 2 of these in the Rubbermaid.

 

[sfsuphysics]

Nope would not feel comfortable at all. And I speak from experience because I've used them before, and they always failed on me.

First they're not meant to hold water, too much weight, second you see edges and corners in there those are going to want to bow out, but they're not supposed to bow so when they do they'll end up cracking. Do yourself a favor, get an actual tank meant to hold water. I know it's tempting because you can get one of those storage bins for like $10 at some big box, but it will fail without doubt. If you can hold out wait until Petco has their next $1/gallon sale and get a 40g tank to use as a sump

 

[kevin_austin]

You might search around for something a little more structurally sound:

http://www.amazon.com/GSC-SL3500-Storage-Locker-Latches/dp/B000ZSH4EW

I'm seeing lots of different options in the < $50 range.

 

[Indymann99]

negative Ghost Rider the pattern is full...

 

[asudavew]

I used one just like it for several years under my freshwater tank.
I built a cheap frame out if 2x4s and dropped it in.
Never had a problem.

 

[Luckysfrags]

It will work, just not sturdy. I wouldn't run it long term

 

[kevin_austin]

or...

http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Commercial-FG9S3100GRAY-Gallon-Capacity/dp/B001B1C4G0

 

[Bent]

Thanks guys, I guess I'll just get another sturdier tote unless I can find something else cheaper. If anyone wants to get rid of anything, I really need something in the 30-40 gallon range.

 

[Mrramsey]

Personally I like DIY stuff for the most part. I wouldn't use anything like those totes long term. If I had a sump failure and needed an emergency fix for a week or so while I got a replacement that would be different.

 

[Bent]

Well personally I'm not thrilled about the idea either.

But as I just need something that will hold water (don't need any baffles or anything.) I hate to spend good money an an actual sump. I'd rather repurpose something on hand and that was the biggest thing I had. I guess I'll just have to look elsewhere.

 

[Dapg8gt]

Not all plastic is OK to use in the hobby fwiw. I'd personally only use pvc or hdpe if I had to use one.

 

[Scorpius]

get a 29 gal glass aquarium and call it a day.

 

[MikesReef83]

Just use a Rubbermaid stock tank. They come in various sizes and are crazy sturdy. I'm using a 150g in my basement elevated on cinder blocks.

 

[Bent]

^ now there's an idea.

But I need something with a lid. It's going to be in my basement and it's pretty dusty down there. Also two cats hang out in there as well, so both the sump and fuge have to be covered tightly.

 

[Scorpius]

Just use a Rubbermaid stock tank. They come in various sizes and are crazy sturdy. I'm using a 150g in my basement elevated on cinder blocks.

150 gal??? How big is your display tank?

 

[Bent]

That brute container is looking like a pretty safe bet. May make a trip through HD just to see what they got.

 

[MikesReef83]

150 gal??? How big is your display tank?

I only have a 90 gallon DT. I wanted a big enough sump incase I ever decide to upgrade to a larger tank. I have a tarp attached to the floor above the sump so the wood doesn't absorb the evaporation and also keeps dust and debris from falling inside. I might be get some of that foam insulation to use for a partial lid. I have a 55 gallon tank tied in for a fuge as well.

 

[Bent]

Damn and I thought doing a 30g fuge was overkill...