Hey Reefnutz, your right... not exactly inexpensive but that would be perfect. Im thinking I might just get a custom made tank from glasscages.com. It will be heavy but a lot cheaper.
www.Agri-Supply.com they have the brand Tuff Stuff Products, heavy duty Oval tanks #39389 180 gallon $89.95 and #39391 110 gallon $39.95 can't beat those prices!!!!!!!
IM seriously considering buying the rubbermaid 300 Gallon stock tank at Tractor Supply,their are several local to me. I want to make prop tanks with them.
Heat gain effects? That's the first time I've *ever* heard someone mention this as an issue and I've seen a LOT of people using the black rubbermaid stock troughs with no ill effects.
I could understand not wanting to use black containers in southern climates because of the attempts to keep everything as cool as possible. In the northern climates I could see it as a benefit. Plus once the tanks are filled with rock, coral, etc. there isn't that much black surface area exposed anyways. The outsides could be covered in a reflective material if need be.
What ideas do people have about flow patterns for the vats?? I was thinking that using airlift pvc tubing placed every 2 feet on the rim of a 300 gallon rubbermaid. They would be pointed to have a circular flow.