sump tank alternatives?

[Backfromthedead]

for my new 240 I was originally just going to use my old 75 as a sump but kinda think I might wanna keep the 75 to use for something else. are there any kind of other containers you've had success with in creating a sump out of. some kind of plastic bin perhaps?

 

[Siddons11]

Sterilite totes work great. I'd use the biggest one you can fit.

 

[Drstrangelove]

I haven't done it, but people use 55-gallon drums. Totes would work as would rubber maids, troughs, etc. Anything leak proof and designed to handle being filled permanently with liquids will work.

Which works best likely depends on exactly how you want to filter and clean it, and how much time you want to spend putting it together.

You can also just get any appropriate large container, fill it with water and stick several diy filters inside it, and run your tank water in and out of the container. Those can be removed from time to time for cleaning.

Here are examples of the diy self-contained filters, not the sump.

 

[SingAlongWithTsing]

used a 27 gal HDX tote from homedepot on my old 55.

do you have a tractor supply near you? they have those huge rubbermaid stock tanks

 

[Backfromthedead]

thanks everyone! Yeah I do have a tractor supply I might check it out. I just wanted to make sure using just any old plastic wasn't harmful to the fish or would leak chemicals over time.

 

[SOLObucky]

Craigslist is your friend. Eventually a halfway decent 55 gallon or bigger will come up cheap.