How do you make a saltwater mixing/holding resevoir out of a garbage can?

Chris Van Daele · Dec 10, 2018

Hello Everyone,

I believe this is a fairly common set up for those who mix their saltwater at home using an RO/DI home filtration set up. I have seen many pictures of people who have rigged up a garbage can on a stand with a spout put on the bottom (similar to a rain barrel). I am curious how this is done without the spout leaking? If anyone has a step by step and list of readily available parts I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks in advance!

ryeguyy84 · Dec 10, 2018

I used a uniseal for mine.

Chris Van Daele · Dec 11, 2018

What is a uniseal haha
If anyone has a link for a kit it would be appreciated!

ScottBrew · Dec 11, 2018

Uniseal is a brand name of the type of bulkhead. You can search for them on Amazon or Ebay, Google, whatever your preference. The size they come in is the size PVC that you are using. It isn't necessary to use one though, especially if you are going to put wheels on your Brute can. It's more likely to knock the spout off while rolling it around. If it's stationary and you are putting it on a platform, then the Uniseal is the way to go. You can alternately use a submersible pump and make a manifold with valves to direct flow to mix and/or pump out from the Brute can.

Reef-junky · Dec 11, 2018

One barrel for RO/DI and one for mixing. I wouldn’t bother putimg it on wheels because of the weight. Uniseals are made to go on round surfaces. On my trash can a regular bulkhead ended up working better for me.