Water Mixing Station Containers - Square Upright type.

BZOFIQ · Dec 3, 2018

So I'd like to tackle the next part of the build - the water storage/mixing station.

I've read plenty of threads and have seen lots of videos.

To maximize water volume vs available real estate it comes down to either or combination of these 2 containers

Both manufactured by Ace-Roto

The 80 Gallon is 27L x 18W x 44 tall

The 55 Gallon is 18L x 18W x 44 tall

There is plenty of stores online that advertise these but the shipping really kills the deal. They require either expensive UPS shipping from manufacturer or Truck Freight. Either one doubles their prices. In case of the 80Gallon tank via UPS, the price triples!!!

Does anyone know where I can pick these up closer to NYC to avoid some freight cost and/or possibility of damage?

Please help.

cromag27 · Dec 3, 2018

BZOFIQ said:
So I'd like to tackle the next part of the build - the water storage/mixing station.

I've read plenty of threads and have seen lots of videos.

To maximize water volume vs available real estate it comes down to either or combination of these 2 containers

Both manufactured by Ace-Roto

The 80 Gallon is 27L x 18W x 44 tall

The 55 Gallon is 18L x 18W x 44 tall

There is plenty of stores online that advertise these but the shipping really kills the deal. They require either expensive UPS shipping from manufacturer or Truck Freight. Either one doubles their prices. In case of the 80Gallon tank via UPS, the price triples!!!

Does anyone know where I can pick these up closer to NYC to avoid some freight cost and/or possibility of damage?

Please help.

i’d start checking craigslist and offerup.

MyReefRobbedMe · Dec 3, 2018

Check a farm , tractor store like Tractor Supply But one I go to doesn’t have these square ones but they do have the vertical round ones

MyReefRobbedMe · Dec 3, 2018

That’s pretty much why many use Brute Cans the ones you see online are expensive to ship .. I wouldn’t Trust a used container off CL

jonmos75 · Dec 4, 2018

I have the 55 gal and they are great, however I did not take in the fact they bulge out a little. I got lucky my tanks are built into a cabinet and left just enough room to accommodate for this. To avoid this you could build a few steel rings like a cage that will hold the shape better.

SuncrestReef · Dec 4, 2018

MyReefRobbedMe said:
That’s pretty much why many use Brute Cans the ones you see online are expensive to ship .. I wouldn’t Trust a used container off CL

I'd recommend checking CraigsList anyway. In my area (Oregon) I found a vendor on CraigsList that specializes in water storage (they market them for off-grid, emergency survival, etc.) but they actually have a huge selection of both new and used containers. They don't advertise anywhere other than CL. Worth checking.

TheEngineer · Dec 4, 2018

+1 on CL. I found a guy who buys all different sizes and shapes in bulk from pharmaceutical companies and sell them dirt cheap. I got a pair of 15g for $40. He had the 55g for $25 each I think.

BZOFIQ · Dec 4, 2018

TheEngineer said:
+1 on CL. I found a guy who buys all different sizes and shapes in bulk from pharmaceutical companies and sell them dirt cheap. I got a pair of 15g for $40. He had the 55g for $25 each I think.

Do you have a link by any chance if not too far in PA i'd pick it up. Heck, for that price, i'll be willing to take a scenic trip.

BZOFIQ · Dec 4, 2018

MyReefRobbedMe said:
That’s pretty much why many use Brute Cans ...

I'm limited to 18 wide to get through a "passage" in the storage room.

Square ones give me more volume per sq ft of occupied floor space.

cracker · Dec 4, 2018

I found containers of differing sizes at pet smart they are for dry pet food. I use one for an ATO res .

BZOFIQ · Dec 4, 2018

So I just spent more than half hour on CL and I see round tanks, ibc totes, tons and tons of 55 Gallon Drums, etc, etc but for the life of me I cannot find these square tanks.

I looked in whatever places came to mind in PA, NJ, NY

BZOFIQ · Dec 4, 2018

cracker said:
I found containers of differing sizes at pet smart they are for dry pet food. I use one for an ATO res .

I need larger, ideally like the ones pictured in first post for mixing station - one that is hopefully fully automated.

cracker · Dec 4, 2018

OK I see now Your looking for something much bigger !

TheEngineer · Dec 4, 2018

BZOFIQ said:
Do you have a link by any chance if not too far in PA i'd pick it up. Heck, for that price, i'll be willing to take a scenic trip.

The guy is in central delaware. I’ll find the link.

TheEngineer · Dec 4, 2018

Different barrels but this is the guy:

https://delaware.craigslist.org/grd/d/plastic-barrels-screw-top-lids/6710361804.html

BZOFIQ · Dec 4, 2018

TheEngineer said:
Different barrels but this is the guy:

https://delaware.craigslist.org/grd/d/plastic-barrels-screw-top-lids/6710361804.html

Left him a message, let's see.

TheEngineer · Dec 4, 2018

Tell him Adam from the Delaware Reef Club sent you

BZOFIQ · Dec 4, 2018

TheEngineer said:
Tell him Adam from the Delaware Reef Club sent you

Will do

JohnMzreef · Dec 4, 2018

got this for about $100 shipped from ruralking.com
I doubt the deal is still on there because they probably lost money...
designed the tower on sketchup.
I use it to fill 5 gallon and 1 gallon containers mostly. This is the best thing I have done for my reef.