[WuTang]

Can anyone recommend a store or site that sells large water storage containers with balanced wheels? I currently have a 20 Gallon Rubbermaid brown trash can that I use for making and storing saltwater. I've been to Lowe's, Home Depot, and Orchard Supply and they only have trash totes with wheels on one side which forces one to tip it slightly to roll (not good if it's filled with water). Also, can someone recommend one that's safe to store saltwater? I'm not sure if my rubbermaid leaks anything in the water but it would be nice if I'm able to roll it around.

Also, with water changes, how do you transfer your fresh saltwater to your big tank? Currently, I hassle with the bucket method which may cause back problems in the future. Does anyone use pumps? I'm interested anything that would make this task easier...

[middlemark]

Hi WuTang -

I too suffer through the bucket-hauling method, up stairs taboot.

Right now I've been using Rubbermaid trash cans like you ... no wheels. Am considering a basement sump setup partly for summertime cooling - but almost more so that I can pump to/from my sump for water changes.

Anyway - just my lack of ideas - let's keep this one active. I think this is the sort of issue that become a much bigger factor in larger systems where bucket hauling is even worse. I'd assume that labor has triggered some brilliant ideas ...

[Poseidon]

LOL!!! I don't know about brilliant, but I used my tablesaw to notch 2 2x4's into a cross shape, then screwed on 4 casters to the outside points. Then I set my Brute container on it. Now I can roll my salt water right next to my tank for water changes. As for getting the water from the container to the tank, I just hook up a piece of hose (the clear vinyl stuff from lowes) to the output of my 802 powerhead and pump it into my sump, then the MAG 12 pumps it from there into the tank. THe MAG can pump it up the 4-5 feet MUCH easier then a powerhead, so this is FASTER!

[Reefland]

First of all, the current container your using isn't the best choice, you need the Rubbermaid Brute container in gray, white or yellow: http://www.rubbermaidcommercial.com...Osearch=2643-00

• Gray, White and Yellow are USDA Meat & Poultry Equipment Group Listed and assist in complying with HACCP guidelines.

For something with 4 wheels that are balanced, I would suggest a little DIY stand with some casters on the bottom like Mike mentions. Better yet, I like Marks idea of being able to automate the process totally.

[Ninong]

Rubbermaid offers dollies for their Brute containers: http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/cat...e=24896&Page=1

You should use only white, yellow or gray Rubbermaid Brute containers, especially for storage of R.O./D.I. water, because they meet FDA and USDA specs for food storage. Other Rubbermaid containers may leach chemicals into your water, saltwater or R.O./D.I. water, but especially R.O./D.I. water. This is a topic that we researched to death a few years ago and that recommendation came directly from Rubbermaid.

I found a gray 32-gal Rubbermaid Brute container locally but was unable to find any of the 20-gal size, so I ordered two white 20-gal Brutes from U.S. Plastic.

[skipm]

I use one of the Rubbermaid Brute trashcans that were just mentioned. They are available from Lowes in my area in a 32 and 44 gallon size. The dollies for them are also available and lock onto the bottom of the trashcan with a twistlock type set-up. The trashcans run between $20 and $30 and the dollie runs in the $25 area.
I also use a 32 gallon Brute for my RO water, I driloled a hole in the side near the top and installed the float valve for my RO unit so I have about 30 gallons of RO water available all of the time. HTH, Skip

[middlemark]

Mine are also the gray Rubbermaid Brute - food-safe containers.

I tell you, if I had a pump that could run my new water upstairs - those remote control on/off outdoor light things I saw this holiday season seemed useful. But, without the pump it was one more reef-related thing in my already bursting reef-stuff closet.

[zhenya]

I use storage containers that I bought from AquaFX, 40 gallons each. One for salt water and one for the RO/DI. My tanks are on the same floor as my storage tanks so I pump water to the tank/sump with MAG 12, about 20 ft or so from laundry room.

Here's the picture of container, it is the one on the top.
http://www.aquariumwaterfilters.com/...age_tanks.html

If I ever set up one, larger tank than 200g, I would try to automate as much as possibile, including the water changes.

[WuTang]

Thanks for all the replies. Water changes have gotten alot easier...

My local Home Depot actually sells the Rubbermaid "Brute" containers and optional dolly however they were out of stock which is why I did not see them recently. However, I found a 32 Gallon (white with dolly) at a local Restaurant Supply store for $50. The dollies are rated at 350 pounds continuous load and so I have no worries with a full tank of water (32 Gallons = 267 pounds).

As far as transfering this water to my tank, I think the "powerhead" method is the way to go. Thanks Poseidon for the recommendation. Just need to find a place online that sells the Aquaclear 70 (formerly 802 Powerhead) for a good price. I plan to drill a couple of holes (with grommets) in my container cover for a powerhead electric line and heater electric line to avoid the possibility of airborn contamination.

[Poseidon]

I don't think you will need to drill any holes, my lid just snaps over top even with the heater and Powerhead power cords just hanging over the side... But if you want to, it sure won't hurt. You may want to look into a small MAG to do the mixing/moving, I just used the Hagen cause I had it on hand. If you have to buy something I would get something better then the Hagen...

[WuTang]

What model of pumps or powerheads do you recommend? I still need to purchase a powerhead or wave maker for my tank. I read one thread (I believe this member is a fish store owner/supply distributor) where he recommended the Marineland Maxi-Jet Series or the Hagen Aquaclear Series. He mentioned both are top of the heap although the Maxi-jet uses ceramic parts in the venturi where the Aquaclear uses stainless steel. He gave a slight edge to the Maxi-Jet since after about 3 or 4 years of use, he did not find any rust or any other contaminants in the powerhead. With the Hagen Powerhead, even though it uses internal stainless steel parts, he found some rust build up after about 3 or 4 years of use with proper maintenance and cleaning during that time....

Originally Posted by Poseidon

I don't think you will need to drill any holes, my lid just snaps over top even with the heater and Powerhead power cords just hanging over the side... But if you want to, it sure won't hurt. You may want to look into a small MAG to do the mixing/moving, I just used the Hagen cause I had it on hand. If you have to buy something I would get something better then the Hagen...

[middlemark]

I've used Maxijets as my powerheads for over two years now, all still running, only replaced an impeller once [munched by snail?].

I've used a Mag7 on my 40 for a return for about 16 months ... pretty good submersibles ... my spare Mag 5 mixes my salt for me.

For pumping water into the tank, I actually repump to my sump with a Maxijet 1200 [and go, open a beer, check over the sump/equip in the 5-10 minutes it takes me on my small tank]. Just have flex hose [my siphon tube] plugged into the outlet on it [+ cable tie].

Water movement in the tank ... what size?

I use Maxijets and Seios for my tanks ... awaiting my 6000 + controller to come in and replace some/most of those on my 58 tank
Can only turn it on 2/3 until my hopeful upgrade this fall.

[Poseidon]

I have both Maxi Jets and the Hagen Aqua CLears, both are good. BUT the Maxijets are SMALLER and I believe a little cheaper....