Silly question regarding brute cans

[diablo243]

Hey all, continuing to move forward with my 90RR build and remote filter room in basement. I'll be using 2 32 gallon Brute cans for RODI water and saltwater mixing. I have a couple questions:

First who has suggestions on how to or what to use to measure accurately volume in the can so I can make 5 gallon marks in or on the can.

Second does anyone have suggestions on how to make some sort of visual gauge to be able to see that level from outside the can? I was thinking a clear tube through some bulk heads and 90s then mark accordingly.

Finally how long will salt water keep if circulated and heated in a brute can? Am I better off mixing smaller batches as needed or keeping the can on the fuller side and premixed. I would expect to do a weekly or bi-weekly water change, 90 DT with a 40 sump.

Thanks!

 

[AlexStinson]

for measuring the can you can just use math, using the inside diameter etc, or just pour out from a known vessel. afaik saltwater will keep indef. if circulated, although it will experience evaporation. And yes, the clear tub method should work just fine, or some sort of float with a measured stick coming out of the top.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I use 44 gallon Brute cans for storing lots of things (new salt water, limewater, RO/DI, etc.), but never thought I needed to know exact volumes for any purpose.

Storage of salts without aeration or mixing can be for a long time (months at least) unless the mix har organics like vitamins in it. I store normal IO for at least a month that way.

 

[AZDesertRat]

I use a 1 gallon water jug to fill my 5 or 6g buckets a gallon at a time marking each gallon with a permanent marker or scribing a line in the plastic than use that 5g bucket to do the same to the Rubbermaid. Never found the need for a sight glass.

 

[diablo243]

Perfect thanks all

 

[jsker]

A bulkhead at the bottom of the can. one 90 degree fitting, clear tube, and a cap with a hole in it mounted vertical. the will let the water level rise and fall in the can. When you have you water level indicator installed use a five gallon bucket and fill the can, then mark the level and each 5 gallon addition. kind of like the coffee pot below.

 

[SandJ]

I have mine marked in 5 gallon increments and can measure in the morning.

I held a flash light on the outside of the brute at each mark and made a small line on the inside with a permanent marker.

I do know for a 5 gallon bucket 1 gallon =2 3/4", but that is not what you asked lol

 

[smartwater101]

for measuring the can you can just use math, using the inside diameter etc, or just pour out from a known vessel. afaik saltwater will keep indef. if circulated, although it will experience evaporation. And yes, the clear tub method should work just fine, or some sort of float with a measured stick coming out of the top.

I wonder how this would work since the bin tapers inward towards the bottom. Math is hard lol

 

[WVNed]

I made a dip stick.
I bought a graduated 5 gallon bucket and filled my brutes 3 gallons at a time and marked a piece of PVC pipe with a sharpie.

 

[BeejReef]

Don't know what color your brutes are.
On some of them, just shining a light inside will make the water level easy to see from the outside where you have your graduated markings. I wouldn't mount a led under the lid bc of condensation, but you could build a piece of glass or acrylic into your lid and put a little light on top of it.

 

[Sailingeric]

If you have a farm store or something similar nearby it is well worth it get a Norwesco or similar tank. I got a 65 gallon one in my garage for RODI water and it has gallon marks every 5 gallons and having a spout at the bottom makes getting water fast and simple.

 

[Malifry97]

If you have a farm store or something similar nearby it is well worth it get a Norwesco or similar tank. I got a 65 gallon one in my garage for RODI water and it has gallon marks every 5 gallons and having a spout at the bottom makes getting water fast and simple.

If you dont mind me asking, how much was that? I really like this idea.

 

[Sailingeric]

If you dont mind me asking, how much was that? I really like this idea.

I think I paid around $80-100 for mine.

 

[Malifry97]

I think I paid around $80-100 for mine.

Ok thanks!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Like they do at gas stations, use a simple yard stick which you can dip into brute and the wet mark will indicate how high or low the level is

 

[Hallowhead]

I leave salt in my brute mixing for weeks at a time. Since I can't get the bulkhead dead nuts on the bottom of the brute I always have a little saltwater in there. When it's enough to cover the bulkhead I will run the circulation pump - I will only kick the heater on the night before a water change.