Mixing container

[austinaquaman]

I am thinking about getting a container to mix saltwater and was thinking about a big trashcan. Is there anything I should avoid, other than the obvious old school metal ones? Are there any brands you would recommend to go with or stay away from?

[robalv]

I bought one at walmart for 9 bucks thinks its a 35 gal with lid

[LoneStar]

Get a Brute made by Rubbermaid. And also get the caster dolly for it as well. That is if you mix decent amount of water each time.

[mharmon]

I have had good luck mixing salt water in Rubbermaid containers, which are wider and not nearly as tall as trash cans. I put in a heater and aeration before using the water, which is easier because the sides aren't so tall. I'm not really a fan of using trash cans. They are tall and tend to concentrate a lot more weight on a smaller surface. I have had some crack and spring small leaks after a short while. I don't think they would last as well as Rubbermaid containers in the long run, IMHO. Keep in mind that a 35-gallon trash can would usually hold about 250+ pounds of water and that weight tends to not spread as evenly as in a Rubbermaid container. I imagine that it would not be nearly as easy to stir the water without tipping or spillage.

Just my two cents.

:)

[msmith619]

I buy 5 gallon 'Culligan' drinking water containers. I use a funnel and measuring cup and add the salt then put in RO water and shake. It takes exactly 2 1/2 cups of Reef Crystals salt then add 5 gallons and get a perfect mix every time. They are easy to carry around with their built in handles and not too heavy. I can pour them easily and add the water slowly. I add the water to my refugium and let the sump pump mix it into the tank.
Mike

[Texreefer]

I have been using a drilled 35 gal brute trash can for almost 4 years with no problem

[Submariner]

I've always used a brute trash can with casters. Very nice to be able to move it around when needed. I keep an old quiet one 4000 pump for mixing salt and then attach a long hose (the kind you use with your hydrocleaner) and pump it into my sump. Easy. 7-8 plastic disposable cups full of salt usually does the trick.

[brewercm]

I use the cheapest trash can I can find. I don't move mine around since it stays in the garage and then when my son grabs it to do yard work even though I ask him not too I'm not out a bunch of money.

Hey, I guess he's at least doing the yard work.

[wesheltonj]

I use a Rubbermaid Brute. When mixing 10 gal I use one Maxi-jet 900 and if 25 gal, then two. They use a fraction of the electricity as the 1200

[cadamsreef]

I don't think it really matters on what brand, I just wouldn't go really cheap. When I got my trash cans "rubbermaid" I always fill them up with water and let them sit for 48 hours. rinse, then repeat. I heard that the plastic can release toxins into the water when cans are new.

[ballardjr2000]

Doesn't matter like cada says just as long as you rinse it good and what you feel is easiest for you as long as its not metal. i mix my salt in a rubbermaid container get the para. nice and use a pwr head to pump it into my sump i attached a vynal hose to a powr head and its my little aqua pump for refills

[Bill S]

I bought mine to fit in the stand under the tank. It's an RV water tank. They come in a wide variety of sizes. Works just plain great!