Rubbermaid Stock Tank as a sump?

byron · Dec 22, 2017

Is there a downside to using a 150-300 gal Rubbermaid stock tank as a sump? I need a large sump for a 450 gal in-wall DT and can't find large ready-made sumps. It would be in a separate room so noise, aesthetics are probably don't cares. If that's not a good option, what are some better ones?

reefer513 · Dec 23, 2017

I have no complaints about mine and hasn't leaked like my glass sump was

EddieJ · Dec 23, 2017

Ran one for years on my 210, was kind of a PITA in terms of mounting items and such. But overall it did perform its function.

mfinn · Dec 23, 2017

I know several people who use them on large systems. I see no down sides.
Very cheap for the volume of water.

WWIII · Dec 23, 2017

They work fine, just a little tricky for mounting certain items and are a little bulky/awkward. I used one for a year, until I won a vertex isupra sump. I miss the volume, but aesthetically and for mounting probes/socks/etc... like the sump better. You could get a custom sump built, but your talking 1k to several thousand for one that size vs $100 or whatever for Rubbermaid

reefwiser · Dec 23, 2017

I use to have five of them in my basement system just great tanks. One can always mount a small sump over them and then just use the tank for water volume.

WWIII · Dec 23, 2017

Here's my old setup...

aileen · Dec 23, 2017

An amazing piece of equipment that all reefers should use IMO!!!

FYI the bulkheads on them suck!!! Drill it out and replace with a schedule 80 bulkhead!!!!

Dsnakes · Dec 23, 2017

WWIII said:
Here's my old setup...

Is that a frag tank or refugium up top? I've been looking at getting one to use for frags. Then using a viewing box to check on things from the top.

WWIII · Dec 23, 2017

Dsnakes said:
Is that a frag tank or refugium up top? I've been looking at getting one to use for frags. Then using a viewing box to check on things from the top.

Yes it was originally a refugium, then converted mainly for frags. Worked out really well!

aileen · Dec 23, 2017

I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t use these provided they have the space to incorporate it into the setup.

WWIII · Dec 23, 2017

Dsnakes · Dec 23, 2017

WWIII said:

Is that the 50 gallon one? I've got a 50"x26" stand that I'm wanting to set one on. Just curious of the footprint - bottom and top
Thanks!

WWIII · Dec 23, 2017

Dsnakes said:
Is that the 50 gallon one? I've got a 50"x26" stand that I'm wanting to set one on. Just curious of the footprint - bottom and top
Thanks!

Yes it is a 50 gallon. The top is approximately 52" x 31". The bottom is approximately 44" x 23". Should fit perfectly on the stand you have!

phillygeeks · Dec 23, 2017

aileen said:
FYI the bulkheads on them suck!!! Drill it out and replace with a schedule 80 bulkhead!!!!

Another alternative is a Uniseal. The stock bulkhead that came with it should certainly be replaced. My leaked from the get go. The Uniseal was a little cheaper so I went with that. I did chamfer the edges with my dremel for easier installation. I have the 100 gallon stock tank and a 1.25 inch Uniseal fit without any drilling of the tank required

radiata · Dec 23, 2017

My biggest mistake using a Rubbermaid 150 as a sump was not building a stand to put it on. I can't work on it for any length of time without my back hurting.

radiata · Dec 23, 2017

phillygeeks said:
Another alternative is a Uniseal. The stock bulkhead that came with it should certainly be replaced. My leaked from the get go. The Uniseal was a little cheaper so I went with that. I did chamfer the edges with my dremel for easier installation. I have the 100 gallon stock tank and a 1.25 inch Uniseal fit without any drilling of the tank required

Uniseals have their place, as long as you remember that they are made of rubber, which will harden and disintegrate in salt water over time. Ever notice what saltwater does to a rubberband?

Ashish Patel · Dec 23, 2017

I love the idea of a rubbermaid for a sump and cryptic zone... So much water before the pumps run dry incase of ATO (Off failure).

For frag tanks I prefer something more square but thats just me!

ihavecrabs · Dec 24, 2017

Rubbermaid makes 50/100/150g Structural Foam stock tanks without a bulkhead so no worries about leaking.

I bought mine from Farm and Fleet.

Dsnakes · Dec 24, 2017

ihavecrabs said:
Rubbermaid makes 50/100/150g Structural Foam stock tanks without a bulkhead so no worries about leaking.

I bought mine from Farm and Fleet.

I just ordered the 50g on Amazon. New Years resolution to start a frag tank. My wife says it's not a good resolution, oh well