55 Gallon Drum Water Mixing Station

[PerplexyHexy]

Just picked up two 55 gallon food grade plastic drums from the local feed store today.

I have been looking at some other members setups and on youtube and really like this easy setup. Just was wondering everyones input. Is it a good/bad setup etc... Thanks!

 

[dbl]

Looks good to me...nice work. Happy to share a photo of a way to be able to see the amount of water in each container if you're interested.

 

[PerplexyHexy]

Thats not my photo... It was a video of a guy’s setup he made... probably should go back and give him credit for his build... Feel bad now...

 

[PerplexyHexy]

Looks good to me...nice work. Happy to share a photo of a way to be able to see the amount of water in each container if you're interested.

Id like to that buddy

 

[dbl]

Id like to that buddy

This is a picture of my very first mixing station where I used Brutes. You'll need some uniseals and a piece of clear PVC tubing (I used rigid tubing). Once installed, near the bottom running to the top, start filling the barrels and the water becomes visible in the clear tube. I did it 5 gallons at a time and then marked the clear tube. Put the next five gallons in and marked it again. So every black line you see on the clear tube is 5 gallons. It worked out great.

 

[PerplexyHexy]

Awesome... Great idea!!!

 

[dbl]

Thats not my photo... It was a video of a guy’s setup he made... probably should go back and give him credit for his build... Feel bad now...

Ah...I assumed it was your new set up. I happen to know someone that wrote an article on mixing stations. If you'd like to take a look, here is the link.

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/let’s-mix-it-up-designing-and-using-a-water-mixing-station.77/

 

[PerplexyHexy]

Thanks alot bud!

 

[PerplexyHexy]

Ah...I assumed it was your new set up. I happen to know someone that wrote an article on mixing stations. If you'd like to take a look, here is the link.

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/let’s-mix-it-up-designing-and-using-a-water-mixing-station.77/

I already read all that earlier today! Pretty stoked to start on it soon. Tired of doing the water changes the way I am now. Its exhausting!

 

[George Lopez]

Clear pvc gets pricy but you could do the same level indicator with clear tubing

 

[dbl]

Clear pvc gets pricy but you could do the same level indicator with clear tubing

Absolutely true! I happen to have some left over from another project, but you're correct, clear tubing would accomplish the same thing.

 

[AquaDaddy]

Here's what I did and it works great. I use tubing for the level. I took advantage of gravity and use needed a small foot print.

 

[Shamusseven]

I just picked up 2 of these barrels. Soaking them in vinegar and water. I will be stacking them vertically as well for footprint reasons. Question I have is if there is a 55gal level mark on these. Mine have a line with 2 upward arrows marked on the barrels. Curious if anyone knows if the indicates 55gal. Either the Line or the top of the arrows. Want to install the float valve at 55 gal so I can easily dump a bag of salt

 

[Shamusseven]

I just picked up 2 of these barrels. Soaking them in vinegar and water. I will be stacking them vertically as well for footprint reasons. Question I have is if there is a 55gal level mark on these. Mine have a line with 2 upward arrows marked on the barrels. Curious if anyone knows if the indicates 55gal. Either the Line or the top of the arrows. Want to install the float valve at 55 gal so I can easily dump a bag of salt

 

[Shamusseven]

I just picked up 2 of these barrels. Soaking them in vinegar and water. I will be stacking them vertically as well for footprint reasons. Question I have is if there is a 55gal level mark on these. Mine have a line with 2 upward arrows marked on the barrels. Curious if anyone knows if the indicates 55gal. Either the Line or the top of the arrows. Want to install the float valve at 55 gal so I can easily dump a bag of salt. Obviously I can figure it out with some playing around but want to see if I could save some time if these marks are what I hope they are.

 

[AquaDaddy]

Mine had some graduations marked on the outside on one side, but they were pretty much worthless to me. I would like to know as it's a pain to mix the salt, I'm always mixing based on Salinity readings.

 

[Shamusseven]

Sorry for the triple post. third one was me trying to delete one of the original 2.

 

[Shamusseven]

I see many of these with the bulkhead on the side (curved portion) of the Barrel. I planned on installing one on the bottom flat portion. Is there any special sealent need to install on the curve?

 

[dbl]

Best to use a uniseal (pictured below) on the curved surfaces, like the sides of a barrel. You can use a regular bulkhead on the bottom assuming the bottom is flat.

 

[User]

Here's what I did and it works great. I use tubing for the level. I took advantage of gravity and use needed a small foot print.

Any details on that stand? Looks very space efficient.

Thanks

 

[AquaDaddy]

sorry, yes, what would you like to know? I'll be glad to share anything. Sorry for the delayed response, was camping with family! I did end up with a smaller footprint and really was trying to limit space so it is pretty tight. Here's a couple more pictures.