125-150 gallon wet/dry for about $20

[AndrewH]

Working on a project for a wet/dry that'll handle a 125-150 (and less) gallon tank for about $20.

I need to check the toxicitsy of the materials I want to use and make sure everything is compatible, but I hope to get something together soon.

[fishyjoe24]

sounds like it going to be really cool.

[dcacjc]

I take it that the it would be $20 plus the cost of a pump?

Looking forword to this one.

[AndrewH]

:) yes sir... $20 for the actual sump part.

The "overflow box, tubing, pump, etc." will be extra.

But it should have some really neat advantages over traditional wet/drys.

[dcacjc]

Well get busy dude:whistle:

jk

[AndrewH]

LOL, well it's at the bottom of my DIY list as I really don't need one, just got an idea how to make one real easy.

[greeneyed]

:bump:

[xtc]

I've got more invested in my project and it's stalled too. Sitting on the floor of my storage room, collecting dust. :o

[tsunderl]

LOL, well it's at the bottom of my DIY list as I really don't need one, just got an idea how to make one real easy.

Tease!!! http://www.pushupstairs.com/images/emoticon/extra3/img115.gif

[AndrewH]

Ok, since it might be this summer or longer before I get around to actually making one I'll spill the beans on the design idea(s).

The idea was to use one of those styrofoam ice chests (or any ice chest for that matter, but the styrofoam ones will be cheaper), then cut slots and groves to accept the drip tray, bioball support, section dividers, etc. Using "TuffStuff" expantion foam as a sealer/glue where necessary. I haven't checked to see if the "TS" foam is aquarium safe, so you might have to use silicone instead (which should work fine).

The styrofoam will also help retain the water's heat since its insulation. throwing on a top with holes for the plumbing will keep the majority of the heat in the water instead of loosing it to the surrounding air.

Those are my thoughts at least, what do yawl think?

[kewlkatdady]

is the styrofoam ice chest aquarium safe over long periods of time?

[xtc]

I tried this route- too hard to get a lot of volume out of a durable container that isn't wasting space. I paid $50 for the perfect container with walls- that's worth the cost of chasing down perfect parts.

[AndrewH]

Styrofoam safe for aquarium? Hmmm if not, then there are a lot of boat dock owners in for a big surprise.

It might be a PINB, but was just an idea I had one night.

[rolloffhill]

PINB? That is a new one for me...:confuzeld:

[biggin]

I tend to agree with Chris here....

I tried this route- too hard to get a lot of volume out of a durable container that isn't wasting space. I paid $50 for the perfect container with walls- that's worth the cost of chasing down perfect parts.

[kewlkatdady]

You have a boat dock in your aquarium?

Styrofoam safe for aquarium? Hmmm if not, then there are a lot of boat dock owners in for a big surprise.

It might be a PINB, but was just an idea I had one night.

[AndrewH]

PINB? That is a new one for me...:confuzeld:

oops, PITB (pain in the butt)

[AndrewH]

You have a boat dock in your aquarium?

No, my thinking was... there's tons of styrofoam under the boat docks of your local lake. If it was hazardous to the fish, it wouldn't be allowed.

[greeneyed]

My only concern with styrofoam is that it will degrade with time and start to come apart.

[AndrewH]

It very well could.

[xtc]

and good luck finding a stro tub that will hold 40+ gallons. Even if you found such a beast, it would have 2" thick walls and cost as much as a used tank. You could get a plastic/Rubbermaid tub at Home Depot for under 20- but after
the flex I saw on Blake's storage tub the other day- I'd be leery about long term water storage in one.

Not to mention the loss of being able to look into the tub to see what's goin on inside- that's worth a few buck IMO.

Good idea, but not practical.

[biggin]

I thought about mentioning how much flex there was in mine.... it was a little scary but I think it would hold till the cows come home....

and good luck finding a stro tub that will hold 40+ gallons. Even if you found such a beast, it would have 2" thick walls and cost as much as a used tank. You could get a plastic/Rubbermaid tub at Home Depot for under 20- but after
the flex I saw on Blake's storage tub the other day- I'd be leery about long term water storage in one.

Not to mention the loss of being able to look into the tub to see what's goin on inside- that's worth a few buck IMO.

Good idea, but not practical.

[xtc]

probably so- but again, worth a few dollars to be certain.

[biggin]

I agree. Although I know Arnold has one setup at his place so I know it would work.

probably so- but again, worth a few dollars to be certain.

[AndrewH]

How about adding styro to the sides, back, bottom, etc to a tote or a glass/plastic sump?

Like you your glass sump, the idea being to keep the front panel showing but insulate the rest.

[rolloffhill]

What is the point of insulating it???:confuzeld:

[AndrewH]

Retain the heat of the water ;)

[biggin]

Screw that.... you know how hot it is my stand? it does not need to retain any of that....if anything it needs to be cooler....maybe a cooler would have been a good idea...Ha Ha....

Retain the heat of the water ;)

[AndrewH]

Actually, it's hot under your stand because the water is loosing the heat. If your sump/canister filter were insulated it would be cool under the stand and the heater wouldn't have to work as hard to reheat the water after it's been filtered.