Anyone ever used a stainless tank for a vat? Got one cheap and wanting to use it to keep minners
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Anyone ever used a stainless tank for a vat? Got one cheap and wanting to use it to keep minners
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It's also refrigerated. No one used one?
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Sounds like the cats meow to me!
same here
Most could never afford one. No reason it wouldn't work just fine. If it is refrigerated even better. If not insulated I'd get some of that blue sheeting and cover outside with that to insulate it and help fridge unit keep it cool.
I got this one super cheap Charlie! Went to an auction for a school system. It's a milk box. I'm thinking it's gonna work pretty good.. need to see what all kind of pumps and such I need to get everything flowing smoothly. I bet it'll hold upwards of 100 gallons or more.Quote:
Originally Posted by cray
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Can't use metal for any fish, it will kill them. If the drain is metal it will need to be changed to pvc/
You'll have to coat/paint the vat with a non toxic coating. I would use this.
4 ft. x 8 ft. White .090 FRP Wall Board-MFTF12IXA480009600 - The Home Depot
Eco-Bond 10.1 oz. Pet Safe Adhesive/Sealant (4-Pack)-PS100 - 4 pk - The Home Depot
If it will hold 100 gallons at or below 70 degrees will be great.
I did a bunch of reading on this after Canebreakers post. Something to think about. This is a topic that's all over the board in the tropical fish world. Reading between the lines I find nothing that tells me you couldn't keep minnows in a stainless tank. Most of the comments I could find lead me to believe you would have to put fish in there, not change water and leave them in there for years before it would have any effect on them at all. For the most part we are not keeping them more than a couple of weeks, changing water on a regular basis so no time for any of the leaching these guys talk about over long periods of time. One thing that Cane said is totally correct, use aquarium sealer to seal all your seams. Other types of silicone are highly toxic to fish.
If it was me, I would clean good with a water and bleach solution, then I would rinse, wipe down with cider vinegar which is acidic and great cleaner for stainless, then rinse good a couple of times. Fill with water through a RV filter, put in some better bait and add some minnows. Then you will know for sure.
I not sure using stainless steel to hold minnows. I've never had or heard of a member's tank to keep minnows in. I guess Drew will be our tester.
Check the drain for copper, brass or bronze and replace with pvc.
I used a brass hose bib on my first 55 gallon barrel for a drain. Placed minnows in and removed all of them dead in 4 days since I couldn't fish during that time. I replaced it with a plastic one. It's not refrigerated, sitting on a raised deck, whatever the outside temp is the water is the same.
Only 1 way to find out! I planned on cleaning it real good. Still looking for all the pumps and filters I want to useQuote:
Originally Posted by cray
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Just to get started really all you need is a air pump. I have one of the marine metals dual outlet 110 units from academy. I run it on my 100 gal tank and it's plenty. Stock stones work good to start. With a little better bait added to water and once a week water change will get you started. Then if you find it works for you you can add a filter system. I ran a regular aquariums filter for a couple of years that had the replaceable filters. I just took those out once a week and rinsed em off with hose and reused. They are the ones with charcoal. But depends on how you cooler is configured as to what kind of filter system you will have to use.Quote:
Originally Posted by ducker
A simple filter you can build. Start with a plastic bucket with snap lid and plastic handle, any size. Drill as many 1/4" holes in it and lid as you want. Add some poly pillow fluff, lump charcoal and half a brick for weight in the bottom. Wrap a lot of fluff around a fountain pump, sit it in center of all the fluff and charcoal. Drill a larger hole in the lid for the cord and hose. Add more fluff and charcoal. Snap lid on and sink into tank. Rig the hose to discharge a couple inches above water surface.
A spray bar can be added to the hose. 1/2 or 3/4" pvc with a cap on one end and a hose fitting on the other. Drill 1/8 to 3/16" holes along the bottom side. Rig the bar to discharge a couple inches above water surface.
Harbor Freight has the pumps in different gph sizes sometimes on sale. I found the nylon hose clamps at Southaven Supply.
A reply from a stainless steel tank company.
Our customers store/ship processed fish in ice as far as I know. This is the first request about keeping live fish that I know of. I'll have to check records for past customers for an answer from them. Refrigeration along with air/oxygen will help with short term storage. I'll search and reply later.
I have been using a stainless vat for two years, one with a brass drain, and one with a stainless drain. Works flawlessly. Mine isn't refrigerated YET but it works great.