Idea for refuge or sump

I've been wanting to increase the size of my sump to 40-50g and was thinking about using rubbermaid tubs but was concerned about durabilty. What do you guys and gals think about using a 160quart coleman or igloo ice chest? They make marine grade ice chests or coolers.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Why dont you just use a 15 Gal. tank like i did you can check out my pics. to see how i did it. I havent installed it yet. I have to make a stand for it.

 

Because I need a 40-50 gallon sized tub.  My tank is not drilled so I am using an overflow box.  If the power goes out I need the sump to be able to handle the overflow of a 120g tank which equates to 40 gallons of water so I dont have a flood situation.

 

I used a 50 gallon rubbermaid tub as a frag grow-out tank for years. They are very tough, i wouldn't worry much about durability.

 

Raven...I think the cooler or ice chest would work out great. You can basically use anything for a sump as long as it's durable enough....

 

What's your budget on this? Aquatic Ecosystems has polyethylene sumps from 20-200 gallons. They are durable, easy to work wth, but a tad bit on the expensive side (40 gal = $145 - 45 gal = $152).

My only concern on using a cooler would be its ability to take a bulkhead fitting effectively. Would tightening the bulkhead to the point of forming a seal compress the cooler insulation to the point of breaking the seal? Would it deteriorate over time?

Darren

 

I think I'm going to use a 40g long tank instead. Although I wont be using a bulk head. Thanks for the info!

 

Good call on the tank. Although I know people who use the tubs, I have seen some scary situations when that power outtage DOES occur (because they always do) where the sides bow under pressure and spill.

 

The key is to use a heavy duty container--like the stock tanks by Rubbermaid--versus the Rubbermaids that you find in Target and Linens and Things. They won't bow. The only problem is that they are usually round or oval and sometimes that doesn't fit your available space.

 

I have used a oval party tub to cycle rock and the like. It is made of just like the kind of tub that you'd but a keg in to keep it cold accept it oval. Never had any bowing problem. I tried a similar sized Sterilite container and it bowed big time.

~Joe