Is a rubbermaid sump a bad idea?

[Hal1]

I'd like to get a sump for my 150. I've got a 20 gallon tank sitting in my basement, but it's cheaper to buy a 34 gallon rubbermaid container from Lowes than it is to have the 20 drilled for my 2 external pumps (1 for the skimmer, 1 for recirc).

After having read the thread on rubbermaid leaching phosphates ("5 gallon plastic bucket" thread from June 2001), I'm a little concerned about the rubbermaid option. The thread seemed to be more questions than answers, and I have some doubts as to its veracity, since it seemed to be one of those "my friend knows a guy that said that...".

Should I open my wallet and use the smaller, more expensive glass tank for the sump, or get the larger, cheaper rubbermaid container?

 

[RobTop]

I hate to do the I know a guy that...., but that is all I can offer on the use of rubbermaid and salt. First hand I have used them in freshwater. I took 5 18 gallon totes, plumbed them together and used that as a large grow out system for guppies and bettas with out any issue for about 6 months untuil I was able to build a rack that holds 10 ten gallons tanks. As for there use with salt, Advanced Aquatics uses them as sumps with out issue for years. They use to be Splace Of Life which was out in Elgin's farmland. They are very similar to GARF, but much smaller. With all the farming they do and the quality of there stock I would say you'd be ok

 

[flyguy]

I've heard of many people using rubbermaid containers for sumps, i'm considering it myself. Curious if anyone has any negative reasons.

 

[DKKA]

They bow out a lot, and even if well supported they may split out and leak. I had two 50gal tubs that both developed leaks, even though sides were braced against bowing and bottom cushioned by styro.
I know others have had luck with some of the smaller sizes though.
Try to get ones that are flat on the bottom and don't have any premolded little feet bump thingys, that's where mine failed.
Dan

 

[Anonymous]

The rubbermaid sumps a lot of people use are the big stock tanks available from agway etc. I have one (about 150 gallons) that is filled to the brim year round and I frequently smash the ice with a sledge hammer. I doesn't bow at all. After around 4 years it is undamaged. The smaller inside ones are made of a different material...

 

[dug5921]

i, too, am considering a rubbermaid sump down the road. does anyone know how you would go about setting one up (baffles, etc.)??

 

[Hal1]

dug5921: I've heard of some people putting a smaller rubbermaid container inside, and using it as a refugium. I assume that flow just goes over the top. Otherwise, the beauty of using rubbermaid is that it can be cut quite easily to fit your bulkheads.

 

[Rothie]

I don't know much about sumps, but I was really impressed with what this guy did. Try this link-
http://screefer.homestead.com/26galsump.html

 

[freedom75]

I use a rubber maid filter system for my outside Pond. it saved me mega money and was very easy to make. The tube has been working fine . was a VERY cheap alternative. I see no reason why it would not work

John

http://home.triad.rr.com/jwray/reef.html

[ October 29, 2001: Message edited by: freedom75 ]</p>

 

[bradwent]

On a similar subject, has anyone tried using a cooler? I am of course asuming that the cooler used is for food grade items. Any thoughts?