WHAT would stop someone from using one of those huge rubermaid storage bins

[Redearsunfish]

Cutting out a veiwing window, using silicone to install a pane of glass, then creating a plywood enclosure to make it look good on the outside?

Because I am SERIOUSLY considering this.

PLEASE let me know your thoughts.

 

[Redearsunfish]

wait, i just realized that the water pressure would cause the material to expand wouldn't it?

 

[assortedsorts]

Depends what they are made with cause it could leach harmful chemicals as it starts to age.

 

[Redearsunfish]

Thought of that as well... I guess they aren't food safe are they...

 

[Redearsunfish]

ah well, it was a fun thought while it lasted.

 

[L021]

Might make for a good pond base though...

 

[Oddball]

What type of bins are you referring to? Totes like you can get in department stores? Those are too thin-walled to fill without them bowing to a large degree. You can't use glass since such a tote must use a material that can flex with the tote. Lexan would work as a viewport since it can flex to a large degree and is stronger than the tote. Don't consider silicone sealer to hold the viewport in since silicone does not adhere to polyethylene. Weld-on plastic binder will seal one plastic to another however, the amount of flex in a tote will require the viewport to also be bolted in place at least every inch.

Nowadays, if you don't see what appears, in thought, to be a good idea or easy application the chances are it's because it's not so easy or practical to make into a reality. But, if you can figure out a way that no one else has, more power to you and be sure to fill the rest of us in.

 

[Redearsunfish]

Great points! After typing I realized I'm sure I would have see this on this board if it were feasible.

 

[Brian G]

Could you put the rubbermaid bin inside a wooden box both for looks and for support from the bin bowing out with some underwater lights and put a glass cover on top for some top viewing for rays or butterfly fish?

 

[rnocera]

Yes. Many people have build support for large totes and used them as indoor (and even outdoor) ponds. If you're looking for a "pond" style setup, with the only viewing area being the top, I'd recommend looking at stock tanks instead of plain old totes. They're heavier duty, and will probably last longer. Rubbermaid makes some, and you can generally find them pretty cheap. Most of them can be found for less than $1/gallon, if you look around.