How would one filter a Rubbermaid stock tank?

Gambusia

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Nov 26, 2003
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I was looking at a 300 gallon one but it is too big I think.

The 150 gallon one can definitely fit.

Anyway what kind of filters could be used to filter something this large?

They are 25" deep.

Thanks
 
A large canister rated for that size would be the best filtration IMO. I've seen them used alot for these big tubs. :)
 
I'm glad you asked. I am planning on moving my fish to a stock tank while I have my floors redone. Never thought about the power filters not fitting on the rubbermaid tank. How about a fluidized bed filter?
 
a FBF would be good or you can make a DIY pond filter... in any case, I think a prefiltered biological filter would be best for something like that... that way you rinse the prefilter every day or two days and have a massive biofilter that never needs to be maintained. I'd go the DIY route though... get a pump and build whatever you want... fbf, lava rock in a tub pond filter, whatever. you'll save a couple hundred that way.
 
If you have a "hang on the back" power filter you can easily rig something to hold it in place with PVC pipe. You'd just need to make a hanging bracket of sorts to hang the power filter on against the longest side of the tank.

If this is a more perm setup you can make your own bio/mech filter with another rubbermaid container without much problem..

I used a storage container with a "in tank" water pump to feed one I made. It was basically a trickle filter that instead sat on top of the tank. Water went in through 3 filter pads, then dripped down into another storage container filled with bio balls that the top one slipped into.
 
Outdoors?

If it is outside I'd try a small recirculating fountain with a sponge prefilter. I got a nice one for $45 from DrFosterSmith for my 300 gallon pond, I think it'd do fine, it has a valve on the outlet tube to divert the flow so the fountain isn't too high. I dont' use the spray head, just let it gurlge and foam.

Inside, probably better to use something else. How about a HOT 250? I think the edge is widely adjustable to fit different size rims.
 
250? that's not even 1x turnover per hour... wouldn't you need more than that, or does the rule change with big tanks?

edit... saw that it's a 150... still, that's not even 2x...
 
2x

2 x is about right for a pond, but low for a tank.
 
well the way I was thinking, you could have a 150 gallon tank or a 150 gallon pond with the same amount of water and the same amount of fish. so if you call it a pond you need 2x but if you call it a tank you need 8x? :confused:
 
It would depend on stocking levels and the amount of live plants that act as primary filters and sites for surface bacteria. Also, sunshine and natural live food makes for healthier fish, but temp swings are a stress. And a pond can stink a bit and no one minds, but if the tank in the den gets funky you have some 'splainin' to do!

Remember, grasshopper, there is no One Right Way, many ways are correct, many ways are useful, only the one who choses the way can decide.
 
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