Using storage bins for sump?

[Maddlesrain]

I'm interested in revamping my current sump situation. I didn't build the one I have now, and hate most things about the underside of this stand. The previous owner put switches and power strips everywhere without any seeming rhyme or reason, and I'm sure I could whine about it for a long while, but there's not much to be done about it. However, the sump I can pull out and change to my liking, so I want to start there. The current sump is a 50g tank with 3 chambers. One is the inline where my current skimmer is, the second is a refugium, and the last is a return pump.

I'd like to make the new sump using bins because I can get them in black and have lids over them (I can cut holes for tubing) which will (I assume) help with evaporation and maybe sound reduction (although the tank isn't all that loud now anyway). I want the black to keep light from penetrating anything that isn't a refugium, because right now everything is lighted and algae grows in places I don't want it.

I'm thinking I could even use multiple bins and run pipes between them to section off different medias and the like while controlling water flow between them.

Any foreseeable problems with using the bins rather than the tank? I use a bin now for my ATO system and haven't had a problem, but thought I'd ask!

Thanks!

 

[redfishbluefish]

What "bins" are you talking about? If they are made of something reef safe (Polyethylene comes to mind) and thick enough to not bow out, I see no problem.

 

[Bunnee911]

Are they food safe?

 

[Maddlesrain]

What "bins" are you talking about? If they are made of something reef safe (Polyethylene comes to mind) and thick enough to not bow out, I see no problem.

Yeah, most I'm looking at are made from polyethylene. Not 100% on which ones I'd go for as of now, but thought these would make my life easier.

 

[Maddlesrain]

Are they food safe?

One I was looking at was made for pet foods, so I assume it should be safe?