Show me your Brute Water Stations

1Fishhound · Mar 19, 2026

Hey all. I am planning to re-enter the reef game. A bit rusty after 12 years out. Much has changed. Had a thriving 40-breeder reef and a short-term 12 long nano reef, but life took a higher priority. Planning to get back in "bigger" and have not settled on tank size yet. It's my first opportunity to build a home mixing water station in a rural, well/septic sewer setting. I love seeing the "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" tanks and equipment, but there are other things (kids) that take priority in the finance department around here, so... I LOVE being a budget aquarist. All jokes aside, I have purchased 2 Brute 44-gallon cans that will be in the basement with an RODI for a mixing station. I have not decided yet on ATO-AWC, but I wanted to see the Brute set-ups of the world for inspiration, mostly for plumbing ideas. Either way, I do not plan on carrying buckets upstairs. Let's see what you have: plumbing, controllers, dosing pumps, return pumps with hose/valve nozzles; any MacGyver contraptions will do, especially budget-friendly. I want to see it all! Inspire me to get back in the game!

RobertK · Mar 20, 2026

I have a pretty simple setup in my garage with two Brutes, one connected to the RO/DI and the other freestanding next to it. Both are on wheels. I keep a pump and a short hose in the RODI Brute to transfer water to the other for mixing SW. I use a utility pump with a long extension cord and long hose in the SW Brute to do water changes in my single level house. But I'm thinking of setting up AWC through the attic one day, so following along for ideas too!

1Fishhound · Mar 20, 2026

That's great RobertK! Thanks for sharing. I was thinking something similar for now, only my cans would be stationary on a platform. I have an old Digital Aquatics controller that maintained ATO in my previous tanks and will incorporate that into this new build. Was thinking using a dosing pump under the display to pull freshwater from the basement. Not sure what to go with that can pull water 11-12 feet with some horizontal runs. Maybe a smaller utility pump. If I go that route, then I start considering AWC and that rabbit hole of choices.