Brute trash can sump?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
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Galactik

Polypterus
MFK Member
May 30, 2019
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I have seen some people rig plastic drums like this to work as a simple sump for their aquariums.

Is anyone here ever gone this route? Are these prone to leaking in any way?

I'm considering getting rid of my HOB filters for my 125g and using one of these with a single pump for ease of maintenance.

I figure I can prop a filter sock of some kind inside, sit the pump at the bottom and throw some ceramic rings in there for good measure?

www.homedepot.com

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Brute 55 Gal. Gray Round Vented Trash Can with Lid-2094647 - The Home Depot

This Brute 55 Gallon waste container features innovative venting channels which make lifting out liners up to 50% easier. It improves productivity and reduces the risk of injury. The integrated cinches
www.homedepot.com
 
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There is absolutely nothing wrong with what you're proposing. Here's a picture of mine running my 360g. This one is made of thick HDPE, no leaking whatsoever.

20190928_103442.jpg
 
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This is one I used, photo taken during a water change above, it worked great for years.

Below a shot in tandem with a DIY fluidized bed contractor (left) to help with bio-filtration and allow room in the barrel for pumps, heaters and filter socks. It was used as the sump for at least 4 tanks, totaling about 300 gallons
 
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Welp looks like I have a project for tomorrow!

Thank you for those, I feel much reassured about the setup.

Duane, I might steal that idea to hang the socks from the pvc, that is perfect.


I'm also debating on doing a pvc overflow since my tank is not drilled or just buying one of those eshop kits for it.

Are you guys running drilled tanks?


Thanks again!
 
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Galactik said:
Welp looks like I have a project for tomorrow!

Thank you for those, I feel much reassured about the setup.

Duane, I might steal that idea to hang the socks from the pvc, that is perfect.


I'm also debating on doing a pvc overflow since my tank is not drilled or just buying one of those eshop kits for it.

Are you guys running drilled tanks?


Thanks again!
Click to expand...

My overflow is drilled, as you can see on my picture in post #2, but my return line goes over the back of the tank, you can just see the black pipe in the rear of the picture. The end of the pipe goes in a tight hole in my canopy so it can't come free.
 
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I have a trash can for my pond filter. This is my second year with it and I love it. So easy to use and clean. We made the box around it because it works great, but looks ugly. ?
The way mine is setup wouldn’t work for a tank, but as others have shown, there are so many ways to set it up for your needs?

86AFDBB2-0BDB-4DD8-BC47-8602815C56AC.jpeg
 
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Awesome! Love seeing all these setups.

I went ahead and bought myself a brute (it was on sale to boot!) And it feel super solid.

I also tried to setup a diy overflow using pvc but after a lot of trial and error (some beers and a bit of cussing haha) I dont think I trust it long term.

Kinda sucks after all that but I do want to use this can setup.

I'm currently considering options. I've never drilled any tanks but I'm really thinking about it as I know it would help tremendously.

How complicated is it to get it right?

My tank is a cheap aqueon 125g not sure if that matters.
 
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