If you are trying to be economical, than is an ice chest a good replacement for a sump? The normally have a wide opening, are designed to carry the weight of water, and are made of safe plastics.
Does anyone have any thoughts?
I'm thinking of running a 10 gallon nano-reef tank plus a sump. But the big thing is, there are not really any options for pre-made sumps in the size I am looking for. Is this a good idea?

Sounds like it could work. How many gallons does it hold?

Should be fine. I know a number of people use Rubbermaid containers as sumps. Cheap and strong.

Should be fine. I know a number of people use Rubbermaid containers as sumps. Cheap and strong.

i would be one of those people.

are we talking about a cooler ?? because when i say ice chest it usually refers to a refrigerator or freezer.

i would be one of those people.

are we talking about a cooler ?? because when i say ice chest it usually refers to a refrigerator or freezer.


LOL, you ARE from the south, aren't you :)

because when i say ice chest it usually refers to a refrigerator or freezer.

Where I grew up we called those ice boxes!

Hi Ward,

The only drawback I can see to using an ice chest is that it would insulate. Maybe for the flow you would need the pumps would not generate much heat but depending on the volume it could be a problem.

LOL, you ARE from the south, aren't you :)

can you not tell from the podcasts that i am on ?? it sure sounds like a southern accent to me (and i AM southern), but actually i am in KY and it is not considered a "southern" state.

I see the insulation point.

Gwen, I was really just being hypothetical here. I'm guessing a small one would work, probably almost the size of the tank. !0 gs.

If it holds water and isn't metal, I don't see a problem using it. :)