My Water Mixing Station build thread

[JCP_HobbyReefer]

Hi All,

Currently buying the items I need to build my mixing station. I have a float valve and shut off solenoid on order. Just looking at containers as there’s not many options near me and I only have 2 tanks. Will the below containers suffice (130l each plenty for my tanks in an emergency)? Can I still use a bulkhead / tank outlet on a round bin? I want to plum it all up so I don’t have to remove a submersible pump and can just run a hose for water changes.

Thanks in advanced!

 

[lapin]

You will need to use a uniseal because the container is round.

Uniseal Bulkheads

Why does BRS recommend this? Uniseals are one of the secrets in life you wish you knew about years ago. By conforming to round surfaces they allow you to plumb directly into 5 gallon buckets, brute trash cans, or any round surface. They accept standard Sch. 40 or Sch. 80 PVC and allow DIY...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[homer1475]

Uniseals suck! plain and simple. Never had one larger then 1/2" leak eventually.

Schedule 40 bulkheads work on round bins(specially trash cans) as the bins are made from a soft plastic that will bend to form a flat seal. Also the schedule 40 bulkheads have a thicker gasket that will smoosh against the round sides of the brutes.

 

[Fish Styx]

Uniseals suck! plain and simple. Never had one larger then 1/2" leak eventually.

Schedule 40 bulkheads work on round bins(specially trash cans) as the bins are made from a soft plastic that will bend to form a flat seal. Also the schedule 40 bulkheads have a thicker gasket that will smoosh against the round sides of the brutes.

 

[lapin]

Never had one leak
Maybe Im lucky

 

[exnisstech]

My only question would be is the container food grade? If so no reason it shouldn't work.

 

[JCP_HobbyReefer]

Uniseals suck! plain and simple. Never had one larger then 1/2" leak eventually.

Schedule 40 bulkheads work on round bins(specially trash cans) as the bins are made from a soft plastic that will bend to form a flat seal. Also the schedule 40 bulkheads have a thicker gasket that will smoosh against the round sides of the brutes.

That was my sort of thinking aswell. Thanks for confirming I’ll give that a shot.

 

[Fish Fan]

My only question would be is the container food grade? If so no reason it shouldn't work.

This is what I was thinking. Yes, the bulkhead would work, but are you sure that bin is aquarium safe plastic? Most who use garbage containers use the Brute brand, if they are available in your area. These are known to be aquarium safe.

 

[JCP_HobbyReefer]

This is what I was thinking. Yes, the bulkhead would work, but are you sure that bin is aquarium safe plastic? Most who use garbage containers use the Brute brand, if they are available in your area. These are known to be aquarium safe.

I’m from Australia I don’t think we have the Brute brand here? Not that I have found anyway. I’m 99% sure these are food safe but I’ll do a bit more research first. Thanks for the advice

 

[JCP_HobbyReefer]

This is what I was thinking. Yes, the bulkhead would work, but are you sure that bin is aquarium safe plastic? Most who use garbage containers use the Brute brand, if they are available in your area. These are known to be aquarium safe.

Yep it’s food grade it’s rated at number 5 so should be safe

 

[BubblesandSqueak]

why not just raise the bin and attach the bulkhead to the flat bottom?

 

[JCP_HobbyReefer]

why not just raise the bin and attach the bulkhead to the flat bottom?

Did not even cross my mind, might have a look at that. Thanks

 

[areefer01]

I'm with @BubblesandSqueak - swim up stream and use the bulkhead on the bottom of the container I mean easy to do and factor in during the building of the station. This is what I'm actually doing with my system. I'm using the 44 gallon brute containers. Container doesn't matter though but personally speaking I do not like Uniseals. I know hobbyist who use them with great success so know they work. Just personal preference.

 

[JCP_HobbyReefer]

I'm with @BubblesandSqueak - swim up stream and use the bulkhead on the bottom of the container I mean easy to do and factor in during the building of the station. This is what I'm actually doing with my system. I'm using the 44 gallon brute containers. Container doesn't matter though but personally speaking I do not like Uniseals. I know hobbyist who use them with great success so know they work. Just personal preference.

Yeah didn’t cross my mind at first but will see how I go and what comes of hahaha. I’ve bought bulkheads ready for the build I think they are the better option aswell. Thanks for the input mate

 

[JCP_HobbyReefer]

Just waiting for my float valve to get here but basically all done. I’m happy with the end result