Making Large Poly Tank Reef Safe?

kingfisherfleshy · Jul 12, 2012

Hey guys - Im moving my 125g tank into a new place.

At this time I figure I might as well get rid of my awkwardly sized 55g sump, and buy one of those poly tanks. It will be lighter, easier to acess/work in and also might use the space more efficiently - resulting in greater system volume.

The catch is that I already have an established reef, and dont want to do anything to jeprodize it.

They have a very strong chemical odor when you buy them - and I have used them for FW fish in the past, but only after letting them soak for long times with FW. In addition - there is a big difference between keeping large FW fish, and keeping a SW reef.

I am wondering how you guys "season" your poly tanks to make sure that they are reef safe and how long this takes.

Thanks

revsgirl · Jul 13, 2012

:bump2:

kingfisherfleshy · Jul 16, 2012

Bump again - I see a lot of people using these poly tanks...usually used for watering animals? Anyone go through a process to make sure they are reef safe or just use them?

Thanks Revsgirl for the bump. Its appreciated.

kuyatwo · Jul 16, 2012

I would use a Rubbermaid stock tank over a poly tank for a sump.

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kingfisherfleshy · Jul 19, 2012

Is there a difference in material?

Its that thick black stuff.

Bump, again!

chort55 · Jul 19, 2012

I too would go with the rubbermaid tank, especially over something with a chemical smell.... tried n true! And you have an established reef, why risk it

chort55 · Jul 19, 2012

I mean if you can clear the chemical smell out, you MIGHT be safe and they are probably the same material (if its the black poly material like the rubbermaids anyways), but I wouldn't risk it personally. A 100g rubbermaid isn't that expensive I think I paid like $70-80 for mine from tractor supply company.

Electrobes · Jul 19, 2012

Do you already have this poly tank that you speak of?? The rubbermaid stock tank is used most often in this hobby as sumps.. if you were to tell us what you have (Assuming you haven't got one yet) we may be able to help you further.

kingfisherfleshy · Jul 19, 2012

I havent gotten anything yet - just inquiring as to what process to go through before I start throwing stuff from my 55g sump into a rubbermaid or whatever I get!

kingfisherfleshy · Jul 20, 2012

Bump - rubbermaid tanks require no prep?

passion4reef · Jul 21, 2012

i am running a 100 gallon duraflex tub from fleet farm and not seeing any problem. lots of other people run them as well. they go right out and buy them come home and plumb them right into their system. i think i got mine on sale at fleet farm for like $40. im sure if it makes you feel better you could cure it just like you would live rock by filling it with sw and circulating the water and testing until you get the proper levels but i have never saw any issues with them. fleet farm also sells the rubermaid look alike ones with the fleet farm logo on them too. they are a little more money and they dont flex as much as the other ones. i bought the cheap one though and it works just fine without curing.

chort55 · Jul 21, 2012

kingfisherfleshy said:
Bump - rubbermaid tanks require no prep?

I rinsed it out a few times with a garden hose outside and plumbed it into my 180 that was running (did this at the same time as a move and sandbed change also). I had a light cycle, but I think it was more because of the sand bed change/ move then plumbing the rubbermaid in

I didn't lose anything tho.

kingfisherfleshy · Jul 29, 2012

Sweet - Im thinking I might build a wider stand to use one of these as a sump...just a little hard to get into my 55g...too dang tall.

Think Ill get a 100g and then cut the top down a little.