da rubbermaid 300

[softturtle]

Well, this started in a different thread that went to the birds. So, I'll start it off here again. Just pics and a little info... thats all. Well, it is the 300 gallon rubbermaid tub you can purchase at most feed/livestock type stores (I picked mine up from the TSC for $170).

I was going to use a FX5 but I decided to build my own wet/dry with the 55 gal taking up space in my basement. I siliconed two peices of 3/8"glass (you can see in the pics). One peice (12 x 11.75") from the top down near the center of the tank, and a smaller peice (8 x 11.75") from the bottom up, about 12-14" from the other side of the tank. I am going to remove the smaller peice becuase it is cuasing more trouble than it is worth. I put it in there as kind of a buble trap, but as the water evaporates, the only water level that changes is the last section (about 12x12x8). And it evaporates fast. I don't think many bubles will make it to the other side of the tank without the wall anyways. The way I hold up the media is with eggcrate. I didn't glue in any supports for the eggcrate so I just made legs out of the extra eggcrate. It works kind of nice, as I can adjust it very easily if need be. I made a drip plate out of plexi glass, but I wasn't happy with it. Then Rallysman turned me on to this stuff made for cross stitching. It was very cheap and came in a few sizes(in the 2nd pic you can see the two sizes, I used the smaller one).

Next up is the stand. This is a very technical part of this build as I used a peice of plywood and a few cinder blocks. lol. These tubs are sturdy enough to have just put it on the cinders alone, but I wanted to hide them a bit. It is still an ugly stand, but it does what it needs to (raises the overflow/bulkheads higher than the 21"tall w/d).

Next up we have the tub. The only modifications I made to the tub are the bulkheads. I originally had the tub set up with a stand pipe running from the stock drain location (near the bottom of the tub) to the surface. I deciced to scratch that idea becuase if the stand pipe came loose the tank could completly drain itself (it would have to be a freak occurance... the stand pipe comes loose, power goes out/ pump stop working) but I didn't want to chance it. So I decided to go with two 1.5" bulkheads located on the upper 1/3 of the tub. It was an easy install becuase the tub is a plastic resin and was easily drilled. From there the water travels through 1.5" pvc pipes and then through a 90 degree elbow that directs the water straight down to the w/d.

All in all, this setup has ran great and is waiting for some new inhabitants. The only real problem I had was with heating it. I still can only get the temp to around 75. I could use about an 80 temp in there. I only have one 400 watt heater going so I'll have to get another one. The Via Aqua pump is working great and has been quietly pumping water non stop, so so far I am happy. So what do ya think?

[rallysman]

That is AWESOME man. I really want to set one up like that now....I have room in my basement :naughty:

[johnnylaw1984]

sweeeeeetttttttt

[Joshy]

Fantastic!

I can not wait to see some pictures when it is stocked!
What plans do you have for stocking?

Also, just an idea: build a case around the pond. And stuff the gap between the pond and case with insulation. Would certainly help with heating.
And a case could be made easily from 4 pieces of plywood!

[softturtle]

Fantastic!

I can not wait to see some pictures when it is stocked!
What plans do you have for stocking?

Also, just an idea: build a case around the pond. And stuff the gap between the pond and case with insulation. Would certainly help with heating.
And a case could be made easily from 4 pieces of plywood!

thanks everyone. I have thought about that. Just haven't got around to it yet. I have had my turtles in there for some time now and before that I had some LM bass(just holding them for a little while). I plan on gettin some more bass, but cichla instead(I would like some from Florida). This tub will be my little peice of Florida:D . I will get some more current pics soon.

[softturtle]

That is AWESOME man. I really want to set one up like that now....I have room in my basement :naughty:

Do it! The whole set up cost me a little over $250(excluding the 55gal, but you can make a filter out of anything).

[tb_077]

Looks great bro.

I might have to see it in person one day. I'll be setting up something similar when I move, but hoping to create a finished look for the middle of the livingroom.:D :screwy:

[softturtle]

Looks great bro.

I might have to see it in person one day. I'll be setting up something similar when I move, but hoping to create a finished look for the middle of the livingroom.:D :screwy:

You can check it out anytime man. I was going to make it out of timber and just use a pond liner, but I'm a cheap ass. I wouldn't be hard to make a raised pond that looks like a million bucks though..

[tb_077]

You can check it out anytime man. I was going to make it out of timber and just use a pond liner, but I'm a cheap ass. I wouldn't be hard to make a raised pond that looks like a million bucks though..


I've had ideas about using a similar pond, but building a cabinet to enclose everything. Only problem is that I'm far from a carpenter. :irked:

What are you using for lighting?

[rottbo]

actually no need for insulation on these the plastic exterior is good insulation believe me I have a few of these tanks... its plastic which is an awesome insulator

[softturtle]

I've had ideas about using a similar pond, but building a cabinet to enclose everything. Only problem is that I'm far from a carpenter. :irked:

What are you using for lighting?

One 175 metal halide, but I think I'm going to go with a few florescent bulbs instead. The MH is too bright.

[Casey Norris]

I have a 350 stock pond above ground right now wrapped in house insulation. We also wrapped the already wrapped insulation in a heavier plastic cuz we didn't like the idea of getting fiber glass everywhere. It was 17 degrees outside for a week and the pond never went below 40. We have a pond heater designed to only turn on when the water goes below 32 to keep a hole in the ice but it never had to turn on. The insulation did the trick. Its not the prettiest thing to look at but it works.

[softturtle]

I was looking for a "pond heater" but all I could find was those de-icers. And none of them had a dial for setting temps, they just said it wouldn't freeze over.

[Gr8KarmaSF]

very impressive!!! love the drip plate idea!

[softturtle]

very impressive!!! love the drip plate idea!

Thank Rally for that one.

[rallysman]

Thank Rally for that one.

Works pretty well doesn't it:naughty:

[guppy]

Very nice

[softturtle]

Works pretty well doesn't it:naughty:

Its working great. Especially when I think of buying the plexiglass for a drip plate, about $20-$30 or buying this stuff for $1.50.

[Joshy]

I was looking for a "pond heater" but all I could find was those de-icers. And none of them had a dial for setting temps, they just said it wouldn't freeze over.

Just two or three high aquarium heaters would do the trick.
You could make room and store them in the sump.

[softturtle]

I have one 400watt in the sump now, but it needs more. I am adding a decent size space heater in the room too. I am going to raise the temp in the room to about 70.

[vicedretard]

sick pics...lets se the monsters you got in that thing....nic homemade sump by the way...

[chris76424]

I use alot of these for raising fry.

[mannyhappy]

awsome dude.

[softturtle]

the first additions... my old friends the florida softshells. I didn't realize how big the female was until I moved her. Her shell is over a foot now. Massive and only getting bigger.:D

(soory for the bad pics- I'm going to bust out the underwater housing and get some in-tub shots)

[The Amazonian]

Swwweeeeetttt!!!:headbang2:headbang2:headbang2

[Joshy]

The turtles look amazing and I bet they love them room. Keep the pictures coming!

[JardiniBoy]

Nice way to use a tub!

Bro ... would you mind telling me where you got that stuff you used as a drip plate?

Thanks! :thumbsup:

[doubledragon]

Sweet tub, I had one exactly like it and drug it around for the last three moves but could never fit it through any of the doors to get it inside the houses.Finally sold it, now I got a 350 gallon lagoon shaped tub that will fit, but I don't have the space till I move again, go figure. I can't wait to set it up, and seein your sump gave me some awesome ideas, I was always wonderin how I was gonna set up the filtration so big fish don't tear it up.

[davo]

underwater pics would be cool. The tubs a great idea. suprised more MFK people don't do it.

[Chad55]

I am planning on doing either that or making my own. I was really thinking about one of those but I really want something bigger because I have plans to keep fish that get large and eat ALOT:grinno:

Chad

[cansat]

sweet

[Tongue33]

That is AWESOME man. I really want to set one up like that now....I have room in my basement :naughty:


:iagree: I want to set one up in the back yard :)

[rallysman]

I think I'm going to do a similar setup in my basement. That's just awesome:)

I keep looking back on this thread.....it's so clean!

[rottbo]

hey levi here I can get a 1300 gallon poly tank for about $350 I would have used it myself but my basement stairway is very short so I couldnt have fit it down....

[rottbo]

How do you like your florida softshells I almost ordered a pair but then I came across a dif kind of turt and bought them instead... I am still trying to get a mata mata pair though...

[toxicfish]

:) Very nice and Clean setup. What size pump you running?

It just so happens that I just purchesed the same pond and I have a 55g laying arround :D

[Zoso]

cool setup man

[softturtle]

How do you like your florida softshells I almost ordered a pair but then I came across a dif kind of turt and bought them instead... I am still trying to get a mata mata pair though...

They are my favorite. I raised these from 1" babies. They are real responsive to people and come swimming over anytime someone goes by the tub. Even all my non fish/reptile keeping friends love them. Just like little puppies, except they will bite the **** outa ya.

I would love a different type of river turtle to fly around in there, but the floridas are here for the long hual.

[softturtle]

:) Very nice and Clean setup. What size pump you running?

It just so happens that I just purchesed the same pond and I have a 55g laying arround :D

I am pushing around 1100 gph I think.

[softturtle]

I think I'm going to do a similar setup in my basement. That's just awesome:)

I keep looking back on this thread.....it's so clean!

DO IT!!! It is still just as clean. I just have to figure out something for water changes. No sink downstairs and its over 75' to the kitchen sink. So... I am doing 10-15 (5 gallon) buckets every week. Its working fine for the water quality, but my back is getting tired.

Would a python (a long enough one of course) drain the water UP to the sink upstairs?

[spds31]

A pump would be much easier, and well worth the cost.

[softturtle]

I thought about that, but it still has some problems. I could use the pump that is in the sump (becuase it can't run when I take out more than 10 gallons anyways), but I would then need 70'+ of 1" vinyl tubing. I haven't found that stuff for less than $1 a foot.

I will probably end up doing something like that, but I'll just stick to the buckets now I guess.

[rallysman]

Is there a floor drain near by?

[t Hizzle]

this makes me want a pond!!!!
but anyway thats pretty sweet

[rottbo]

DO IT!!! It is still just as clean. I just have to figure out something for water changes. No sink downstairs and its over 75' to the kitchen sink. So... I am doing 10-15 (5 gallon) buckets every week. Its working fine for the water quality, but my back is getting tired.

Would a python (a long enough one of course) drain the water UP to the sink upstairs?
I have the same problem with all of the tanks and ponds in my basement NO SINK but I own a 75' python its great although I dont use it to vacum stuff in the basement just fill I use my 25' python dumping into a floor drain for the vacum... I couldnt deal with out it its a life saver to do a 50% water change on the 750 already takes 1.5 hours to refill it if I had to use buckets I woud be dead!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Opiate]

friggin mad!!! how many gallons is it? u prolly said but i didnt read it!! any thoughts on what gonna go in it?

[moespeaking]

pretty sweet

[asnatlas]

I love these rubbermaid stock tanks... I used them on my salt water display...

Here is whats behind my 600gal...

http://600gal.asnatlas.com/Resized/Fishroom%203%20-%20labeled.JPG

This is what I used for extra supports under the 50gal stock tanks...

http://600gal.asnatlas.com/Resized/PVC%20columns%20-%20sump.jpg

[dogofwar]

What are those support beams made of (plastic? painted metal?)

Where did you get them?

[rallysman]

Looks like regular PVC with flanges on the ends.

[softturtle]

I love these rubbermaid stock tanks... I used them on my salt water display...

Here is whats behind my 600gal...


This is what I used for extra supports under the 50gal stock tanks...



Whoa! That is a pretty serious set-up. Yesterday I went to an angel fish hatchery (a pretty BIG one!) and he used 300 gal tubs for his filters! I have never seen so many bio balls / bio bale media in my life. It was a learning experience... thats for sure. I am ripping down my central system to do it angel fish Bob's way now.

[asnatlas]

Looks like regular PVC with flanges on the ends.

Thank is correct, just 4" dia PVC with flanges...

[Willowlp]

dude that thing is awsome!

[tweezlejones]

yeah i would like a raised indoor pond

[mr_jars]

those indoor ponds are choice.. thinking about getting one in the future.. good work

[Brent]

any updates

[KingKong123]

wow my bad sorry i posted all those but it is tight

[Brent]

i picked up one of these tanks today i am copying your setup:)

[plausible]

wow nice peice of diy equipment!! real neat!!:thumbsup:
its hard to find one of those tubs here :(

[mike dunagan]

Whoa! That is a pretty serious set-up. Yesterday I went to an angel fish hatchery (a pretty BIG one!) and he used 300 gal tubs for his filters! I have never seen so many bio balls / bio bale media in my life. It was a learning experience... thats for sure. I am ripping down my central system to do it angel fish Bob's way now.

where was this at? and where are you at? I live in Pendleton now and a trip for fish is always fun...

[mojo51]

That's sweet!

[yourockit]

hey levi here I can get a 1300 gallon poly tank for about $350 I would have used it myself but my basement stairway is very short so I couldnt have fit it down....

what is a "poly tank"?

[rallysman]

polypropylene.

[yourockit]

polypropylene.

please provide an example of this huge and cheap tank.

[asnatlas]

please provide an example of this huge and cheap tank.

Here you go...

http://www.mytscstore.com/detail.asp?pcID=8&paID=1039&sonID=214&page=1&productID=24965

[stingray man]

WHere does every one get these rubbermaid containers from im looking for one for my ray but can't find one p.m. plese

[rallysman]

WHere does every one get these rubbermaid containers from im looking for one for my ray but can't find one p.m. plese

Do you have tractor supply or rural king stores up there? They're all over in Indiana.

[stingray man]

Do you have tractor supply or rural king stores up there? They're all over in Indiana.
Probley im in corn heaven. But ya ill look for one thanks finaly someone replied to this question

[sharkeeper]

Nice Setup!!

[sharkeeper]

This is one 300G rubbermaid on ebay selling for $99

[vietkidlovefish]

hey im live in texas if i do this same ruber tank like this in summer would it be too hot for it in the garage? my garage dont have any door and it hot... but 300 gall woulnt be so bad huh? try to out grow my fh fry

[stingray man]

Im going to take that fh is flowerhorn (is that fh in ur avitar real?) but the water will get as hot as the air around it is...so i dont no wat temp. fh need but im geussing it will be to hot but if this is going to be long term u can invest in a chiller but they are a good investment

[Kolossus]

This thread has been extremely helpful.

[mfrish000]

Would there be a problem with this setup if the power went out?

[stingray man]

Would there be a problem with this setup if the power went out?
HAHA prbly i hav this same setup and think about that every day but if u make the sump big enogh no

[imanlyman]

this is a good idea