Sump... conventional vs rubbermaid

[Mussin]

Setting up my 180 and I have two choices for a sump. I have a 150g rubbermaid stock tank and an old school 150g tank with baffles. All of my plumbing and sump will be going In my basement. What are the pros and cons of each? Thanks

 

[Montiman]

I would prefer the baffled tank. I have had both in the past and I find the ability to organize equipment and separate area's like a fuge are and skimmer area make a big difference. The stock tank worked fine but I wouldn't do it again.

 

[reefwiser]

with Rubbermaid you can separate and make your sump area work for you.

 

[Murica]

Rubbermaid for sure. You get a ton of water volume while still being able to customize it for a fraction of the cost. Prefab sump’s IMO are very overpriced

FYI your system looks awesome! What’s your dimensions?

 

[Mussin]

180g, 6 x 2 x 2. Thanks!

 

[Amado]

If it’s in the basement you can use both. You can’t beat the water volume on the rubber maid and the price make it a no brainer.

 

[WVNed]

Mine works amazingly well. All the water in the top tub goes in and out through bulkheads in the bottom
I set exactly how much water the skimmer runs in by changing standpipes.

 

[hart24601]

I am a huge fan of my Rubbermaid as a basement sump. The same volume baffled sump would be $$$$$ and honestly give me personally 0 benefits over the stock tank.

 

[ScottB]

Awesome Rubbermaid pictures. Darnit. I was all set to buy another (smaller) Trigger system to tie in and now I need to start my thinking all over again.

@reefwiser can you give a photo or description of how you partitioned that tub? I don't need anything fancy; asking because I am lazy.

 

[DanConnor]

I use and love the stock tank, but the main benefit is price. If you already have the 150 glass tank, maybe use that.

Or hook up both and grow frags in one. Basements are great!

 

[User1]

Cost is the main advantage as many said. Off the shelf sumps unless purchased with a custom tank (due to discounts) are very expensive. I understand the labor cost but some of the sumps are pushing 800 - 1500 bucks for a reasonable size.

Rubbermaid offers what, 50, 75, 150, and 300 stock tanks? Pretty solid deal and in most cases pick up locally at a feed store. Amazon even ships them via prime so another option. The cons more or less are: not as pretty, no bling, louder, need some DIY skills to look great, need some DIY skills to be functional, and have a greater chance of micro bubbles.

Pro's more or less are cost savings, more water volume, and micro bubbles. I personally like my water column to be turbulent or have visible signs of particles in it. Reminds me of when I go diving and I figure they carry food to the corals.

 

[reefwiser]

Go to the thread.

150g Rubbermaid Stock Tank as Sump

Anyone here use one? As I prepare to start my tank build which will incorporate about 5 - 600 gallons I've been doing a lot of thinking about using the stock tank as a sump. I started thinking about using a stock tank for a sump because of the durability, footprint, and cost as compared to someth...

wamas.org

D2mini ‘s sump set up is an inspiration for a working sump system.

 

[biecacka]

I am getting ready to possibly swap my sump over to a Rubbermaid stock tank. I was going to set my skimmer on old milk crates in the trough to the desired water level.
easy peasy


corey

 

[Combs1ng]

Awesome Rubbermaid pictures. Darnit. I was all set to buy another (smaller) Trigger system to tie in and now I need to start my thinking all over again.

@reefwiser can you give a photo or description of how you partitioned that tub? I don't need anything fancy; asking because I am lazy.

I'm in the same boat. Was thinking an acrylic sump system and now I'm thinking this might be the way to go.

 

[Murica]

It’s a little more permanent, but have you thought about a cinder block or plywood sump? I’ll be doing one of those (probably cinder block) for my next build

 

[BeejReef]

I'd tend towards the stock tank. I kind of like projects and not using "reef stuff" whenever possible.

That aside, the stock tank can not blow a seam. It will never fail. If there's a serious problem with it and I had to haul it up into the yard for a go with the garden hose, I can drag it up the stairs myself and toss it back down.

 

[DangerDave]

I went another route this time, used a food storage container.

 

[ca1ore]

I've generally preferred to repurpose an old glass tank as my sump - gives me wider design options - but a stock tank will work just fine. I certainly would not buy an overpriced pre-made sump.

 

[Mussin]

I have both. Just trying to decide on what one to use.. tempting to use both.

 

[ScottB]

I have both. Just trying to decide on what one to use.. tempting to use both.

Yes! Tie them both in. Put a ton of old rock in one and do as you wish with the other. I need a bigger basement; clearly.