Top-off tank

kevinpaz · #1 02-22-2007, 09:13 PM

I've built a little platform on wheels to hold a ~20 gallon tank so I can cart it around the house to all my different tanks (and stop running around with buckets).

My concern is if i use a glass/plexi tank all the back and forth movement (and water sloshing around) will weaken and possibly break the tank/seals. Can I safely use one of those big plastic rubbermaid containers? Will anything "seep" into the water if it's left there for days/week to condition the water?

Midknight · #2 02-22-2007, 09:21 PM

I have the same thing but with a 30 G plastic garbage can
Works great and cost less that $20 at Canadian tire

kwirky · #3 02-23-2007, 06:44 AM

i've been using an ~18g rubbermaid bin as a resevoir for my RO/DI water for the longest time. Some people even use them as sumps. Saw on RC one person's shark tank consisted of about 6 "outdoor" garbage cans hooked together in series with uniseals. 300 gallon sump for aproximately $150

I'm going to switch out my rectangle shaped bin for a round garbage bin pretty soon though, cuz the sides bulge out when the thing's almost full.

I like the idea of putting it on a cart though

I'd like to put my resevoir on an elevated platform, and just use a hose through a uniseal. I'll just make the hose long enough to reach my tank and put a valve at the end so I can turn it off without going back to the laundrey room. Might as well make the platform a cart, just in case I would like to wheel it right in front of the tank for some reason. Never know.

kevinpaz · #4 02-23-2007, 11:50 AM

If you're looking for wheels I picked up a set of skidoo castors for $25 at costco (in the automotive aisle). For $25 you get 3 heavy steel platforms ~5" square with 4 heavy duty castors per platform. I'm sure buying 12 castors alone would cost more than $25 at any supply shop. When all 3 platforms are used together it's rated for 1500lbs.

kevinpaz · #5 02-23-2007, 05:56 PM

...I just opened the package and as it turns out each platform is the perfect size for a 5g bucket so I ended up using automotive tie-downs to attach the bucket to the wheeled platform. Now I have 3 rolling water change buckets for $25 - not too bad.

Now all I need is a pump to get the water in/out conveniently.....