40 Gallon under tank sump options...

[betowess]

My water ( from a well) is really soft. I'm looking for about a 40 gallon plastic, acrylic, or glass tank or tub to hold half of a future 80 gallon aquarium's change water. I will run a power head in this holding container for a couple of days to bring the water's pH up to 6.6 or so. My pH is around 5.5 out of the faucet, but after running a rio for a few days it brings it right up. Also to tweak the near zero GH, and to add potassium sulphate etc.

Has anyone seen a solid plastic tub or such that I might use at a Home Depot or some such place? Any alternative ideas?

I see that Oceanic makes a (near) cube sized 37 gallon which would work fine but I imagine is spendy. My dimensions could be a little less than 2 feet square - maybe 1.5 feet square as two feet square is 60 gallons. But also it could be a little taller and less wide, like 18 to 20 inches wide so I can hide it under the stand I'm going to build or buy for this future four foot wide 80 gallon tank which I have my eye on. I might just have a friend make me a fiberglass tub, if the price is right. Thanks. Bob

 

[Mr Burns]

hey beto, what about building it into the stand like i suggested a while ago? that would be pretty sweet... also pretty simple as you could use the west system epoxy to line the box.

 

[betowess]

O.K. Plywood box? 3/4 inch? Use any screws or just glue? What is the "West system" epoxy? Where does one find it? You're burning the midnite oil, Eric. Thanks, bob

 

[Guest]

Head down to the local feed store and get a stock watering tub. You can get them in a variety of sizes and they are pretty inexpensive.

 

[malkore]

I use a 33gallon heavy duty trash can (bought JUST for this purpose). You could get one that has casters on it...then you could wheel it around easily.
I don't have to tweak my water, so I just drag it out, fill it with a long hose, treat with prime, let it sit while i remove the old water, clean tank, then refill using a Rio pump.

 

[betowess]

Oh, I really like that idea with wheels on it Malkore! My garage is right off the room with the tanks so that would be perfect. Thanks to you and Rex.

 

[TankGirl]

I just saw a fellow's sump setup in his basement for his reef tank and next to it he had mounted a huge Rubbermaid tub that was his aged water change water. It was full and obviously was able to handle the load of water, but I like Malkore's trash can on a castered platform concept better!