300-Gallon Rubbermaid

[gouramiguy]

I also posted this in the pond section but thought I might get more action over here.

I've decided to set up one of the 300-gallon Rubbermaid tubs as an indoor freshwater pond. I already have the tub and I already have a Tidepool II and Magnum 350 pro system filter. Is this going to be enough filtration for some pacus and a red tail cat or do I need to up it a little? If so, what can you recommend I get to enhance my filtration??

 

[ApacheDan]

I thought about the same idea. With your filtration, you would be turning over the water maybe once every hour...maybe a little more. I'm used to turning the water at least 20 X hour. Again, IMHO, there's no better filtration than partial water changes. Check out my avatar...it is a 650 gal commercial aquaculture fiberglass tank. Hopefully I'll have it in my garage in 2 weeks. First thing I will do is automated water changes working on a timer, with dechlorinator filter.

 

[Dr Joe]

How big are the fish? And how many?

 

[gouramiguy]

I don't know how many or what I'm going to put in it yet. I just got the tank and already had the two filters described above.

 

[Dr Joe]

If your starting out with small fish it could last you six months or so.

Any objections to a W/D?

Dr Joe

.

 

[gouramiguy]

I have no objections to adding, I just want to use what I mentioned since I already have it. What would be the best way to incorporate something else??

 

[ApacheDan]

I have no objections to adding, I just want to use what I mentioned since I already have it. What would be the best way to incorporate something else??

get another rubbermaid 30 gal or so box. Make a W/D out of it. Drill a hole & install a bulkhead to the 300 gal. Overflow goes to the 30 gal W/D. Get an underwater pond pump that will do at least 600-800 gph & place on the sump, back to the 300 gal. You're done & save the other filters for aquariums.

 

[Dr Joe]

Ok, the tidepool and Magnum are a good start but the pre-filters will have to be cleaned often to keep things going.

If your seriously keeping these fish for a lifetime, you need one other large W/D...Can you make one?

Overflow:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15733

Scale down this: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=444620#post444620

Or upscale this:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=409462#post409462

Depending on your space and budget I lean towards upscaling...

Pump: Use two if possible, if one gives up, the filter can limp along with one while waiting for a replacement. Quietone 4000 or something simular (just showing a price range)
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441808598&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030138&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1174740257815&itemNo=1&Ntt=quietone&In=All&previousText=quietone&N=2


http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=0&Nty=1

And a couple of power heads to keep the water moving will help:
http://www.petsmart.com/global/prod...power+head&In=All&previousText=power+head&N=2

And a UV would be nice to try and head-off problems...two of these self-contained units would be nice for the price:
http://www.petsmart.com/global/prod...41&itemNo=8&Ntt=UV&In=All&previousText=UV&N=2

Food for thought.

Dr Joe

.

 

[bukster]

hey sorry to get off topic, but where did u get (or who makes) that sweet freakin tub ApacheDan?

 

[Potts050]

I thought about the same idea. With your filtration, you would be turning over the water maybe once every hour...maybe a little more. I'm used to turning the water at least 20 X hour. Again, IMHO, there's no better filtration than partial water changes. Check out my avatar...it is a 650 gal commercial aquaculture fiberglass tank. Hopefully I'll have it in my garage in 2 weeks. First thing I will do is automated water changes working on a timer, with dechlorinator filter.

Where can I get one of those tanks?