Help me build a closed system

Ron · March 30, 2012, 01:47:23 PM

I want to build a small closed system at my house. Figuring on 20-30 crabs at any given time. Looking for advise or tips on setting it up and setting up a basic filtration system. Not trying to get too fancy or expensive.

First question is, can I use these as the holding tanks. Why or why not?

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/RUBBERMAID-Stock-Tank-1MDC1?Pid=search

rdbeard · March 30, 2012, 02:25:45 PM

That's what jack uses now, he should be able to give some info although he's doing an open system. my first set up was a 30 gallon aquirium and it worked good for up to maybe 20 crabs and all i used was a regular aq. pump- filter and a few more air stones.

ChrisS · March 30, 2012, 02:32:14 PM

Not sure why you couldnt. I use 2 of them for a filter.

ChrisS · March 30, 2012, 02:33:43 PM

If you know any restaurant or bar owners, they usually have a few of them laying around they use them to ice down beer and sometimes you can get them much cheaper or free, as in my case.

Ron · March 30, 2012, 02:39:48 PM

Quote from: ChrisS on March 30, 2012, 02:32:14 PM
Not sure why you couldnt. I use 2 of them for a filter.

Run through your filter process.

ChrisS · March 30, 2012, 02:41:42 PM

Well, my filter process was never quite profected, had I not changed out water based regularly, I got alot of stills. So, I might not be the best one to ask about that.

Mr. Ray III · March 30, 2012, 03:04:23 PM

Ron you don't need to buy those tanks. Use 2x10's and plywood. Silicone it to stop it from leaking or let it swell.

Why? To save you money. If your only gonna be holding 20-30 crabs, you only need a very small set up. You do not need more than one tank and a 4x8 tank will be way more than you need (keep in mind, NC boys will put 400-500 in a 4x8 tank). Make it a 4x4, put a divider in the midde for your ranks and greens.

KI Crabber · March 30, 2012, 03:11:15 PM

I use the 150 gallon version with about 50 gallons of water. I can keep 20-30 crabs for about 3 weeks before water quality is an issue. I don't filter at all, just have a layer of gravel in the bottom of my tank and swap water out every few weeks. I carry a 12 volt inverter with an extension cord, 120 volt submesible pump and hose. I fill my containers at the ramp with seawater and pump it from the truck to the tank at the house. I shed about 16 dozen last year in my basement and only had about two dozen that didn't make it.

jack1747 · March 30, 2012, 03:35:22 PM

If you use the stock tank/s you can build a table for it then use a dry sump filter for saltwater aquariums. It would work great. No worries about leak either. Easy to clean. I got a pump for ya...

Ron · March 30, 2012, 03:46:02 PM

Quote from: Mr. Ray III on March 30, 2012, 03:04:23 PM
Ron you don't need to buy those tanks. Use 2x10's and plywood. Silicone it to stop it from leaking or let it swell.

Why? To save you money. If your only gonna be holding 20-30 crabs, you only need a very small set up. You do not need more than one tank and a 4x8 tank will be way more than you need (keep in mind, NC boys will put 400-500 in a 4x8 tank). Make it a 4x4, put a divider in the midde for your ranks and greens.

Yeah. I tried putting the 4 x 8 plywood set up past my wife and it got vetoed because "you have enough frankensteined looking stuff in the yard." She's good with the stock bins.

ChrisS · March 30, 2012, 03:48:16 PM

I would think plywood alone, would leak. I lined my wih pond liner.

crab24 · March 30, 2012, 05:18:23 PM

Quote from: ChrisS on March 30, 2012, 03:48:16 PM
I would think plywood alone, would leak. I lined my wih pond liner.

it will leek no matter what but if you use gluvit it will work .

Ron · March 30, 2012, 05:27:12 PM

The plywood is out because of the look of it. The wife want's the tubs back there instead.

KI Crabber · March 30, 2012, 06:03:26 PM

If they are outside make sure you have them covered so you don't collect too much fresh water during rain storms.

Mr. Ray III · March 30, 2012, 06:14:01 PM

I know your gonna need a buncha oyster shells

bigcrabrob · March 30, 2012, 06:59:37 PM

plywood dont leak if done right . i have 6 shed tanks 4x8 made from playwood and i got 5200 on all the joints so it doesnt leak . after you use the chalk run the system and drain it to get all the chemicals out

Ron · March 30, 2012, 08:25:32 PM

Quote from: Mr. Ray III on March 30, 2012, 06:14:01 PM
I know your gonna need a buncha oyster shells

Something an up and coming oyster farmer has in abundance.

ChrisS · March 30, 2012, 08:33:29 PM

Ronster, I would suggest looking at "Bio-balls".

jack1747 · March 30, 2012, 08:40:03 PM

Go with a dry sump. My Son runs 3 500 gallon reef tanks. If a dry sump filter can keep them going, a float with a few peelers is piece of cake...

Ron · March 30, 2012, 09:13:06 PM

I just acquired my pump.