Need 20-30 gal container suggestions for a DIY water change system.

[cody6766]

I've worked up a plan to simplify my waterchanges, but I need to find the jug.

My plan is to build an 8 or so inch riser to place on a dolly. The tank will go on top. I'll either put a valve on the bottom or a valve/pump system to do the lifting for me. The base and tank will be secured to the dolly so it can be carted from the shower to the tanks

Something like this wonderful piece of art:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/cody6766/wcsystem_zps22e1aaae.jpg

I need something in the 25-30 gal range, more or less, sturdy enough to drill and support the bulkhead with a base that will fit on a dolly with an extended base. I also open to design suggestions. I like the idea of a dolly because it's maneuverable and doesnt take a ton of effort to haul around. A cart will be too cumbersome to drag around the corners.

[sleepydoc]

I found a square, 30 gallon heavy plastic container at lowes that you could get a dolly for, too. Think it was about $25.

For the plumbing, get a uniseal (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/uniseal-5.html), not a bulkhead

[cody6766]

Is it one meant to hold water or is it one of their square totes? If so, where in the store did it turn up? I'll pay them a visit tomorrow if it'll work.

[dbm reef]

What about something like this?

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/leg-style-storage-tank-35-gal?cm_vc=-10005

[dbm reef]

I use a food grade 55 gallon plastic drum for my ro water. But the end had to be cut
off so i could get into it for my float valve and the pump I use for transfering water
out of it

[dbm reef]

http://www.gototanks.com/VT0040-18.aspx

Sorry im at work and im bored LOL

[java]

Brute trash cans are pretty tried and true, come in 10, 20 32, and 44 gallon.

[cody6766]

will they hold up to drilling and uniseal installation?

[java]

will they hold up to drilling and uniseal installation?

I see lots of mixing stations and such set up with brutes and bulkheads so i dont see why not.

I just bough a 20 to use for my own system.

[mcgyvr]

yep gray brute.. home depot/lowes have them.. cheap/sturdy.. Its a "BRUTE" baby!!

and yes uniseal not bulkhead ..just better for the curved surface.

[madean]

A long long time ago when I worked at a fish store, we had a brute trash can that had swivel wheels. We just used a pump for circulation and a pretty long hose, like maybe 10'. The owner had a clip super glued to the inside of the brut trash can that held the hose about 1' below the eater line so you did not have to reach in too far to get it. The pump power cord was hooked up to an extension cord that had a foot on/off switch. So you stepped on it to turn the power off, reached in to grab the hose and put the hose in the tank and stepped on the switch to turn the pump back on. Was very simple and easy to use. Not sure where to get the foot switch, but I have not really tried either to find one.

[madean]

Well did a search on eBay and found a bunch of foot switches, ranging from $8-30. So pretty cheap. Happy reefing.

[cody6766]

Thanks for the info. The plan is definitely coming together. I'm definitely open to more options if people have more ideas.

[madean]

Check these out
http://www.tank-depot.com/productdetails.aspx?part=A-IN0030-24

Maybe this will spark something of an idea for you. Its not cheap though.

[Humu Humu]

At Lowes, I found 2 Brute trashcans with optional wheels on a base that easily twists on. It's really a good way to move water safely around in your home. No tilting or dragging or lifting. I use a mag 3 pump to move all my water.

[sleepydoc]

http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q660/p-testerman/2013-03-07161742_zps68d2cab7.jpg
http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q660/p-testerman/2013-03-07161726_zpsd1f6d905.jpg