Temporary holding tank

NanoCat · #1 07-14-2012, 06:07 PM

I need to place all my inverts, fish, corals and rock into a temporary holding tank while I switch over to an upgraded tank size. I will be going from a 18 gallon system to a 25 gallon with sump. I should only need to leave them in the holding bin for a half day at most.

Would it be safe to use a Rubbermaid roughneck bin for this?

I have seen some people on the internet use them as full time sumps so I assume as a temporary solution it could be ok.

Does anyone have any advice.
Thanks in advance.

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #2 07-14-2012, 06:22 PM

Safe, just make sure its the stronger containers since weak ones will bow a lot. Also, as per common sense, wash out thoroughly before you use. These are new or have been used before? If new, should be fine. If used, make sure it wasn't used with any harmful chemicals in it.

NanoCat · #3 07-14-2012, 06:29 PM

It is new and I was planning on washing it out with some vinegar and water and then flushing to clean with ro water.

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #4 07-14-2012, 06:32 PM

Sounds good.

DCDN · #5 07-16-2012, 05:14 AM

I used one for over a year to hold my excess live rock and had no issues. For that short of time you should be fine.

camaro7019 · #6 07-16-2012, 06:25 AM

make sure you put an airpump and a heater in

mike31154 · #7 07-16-2012, 02:28 PM

I've been using a Rubbermaid roughneck like the one pictured (lid is hinged) for a number of years as my water change mixing container. Holds about 22 gals of water safely. It's strong, but does bow out from the weight of the water. Since it's on the basement floor I finally clued in that a piece of styrofoam underneath the container would allow the water to heat up more efficiently. It's full of water with powerheads running & heaters on anywhere from a few days to more than a week before water changes. You should be fine.

Used a similar (forgot the brand, no name I guess) container for a while. It was a bit thinner & the bottom cracked eventually.

NanoCat · #8 07-16-2012, 04:01 PM

Thanks everyone, I though it would be safe but it is always nice to hear from people who have been already using them without problems.

Can't wait to transfer to my new tank soon.