Silly basic question: buckets?

[erinwillett]

So I'm going from a 12 gallon to a 45. With a 12 gallon I only needed a couple buckets which my weak arms can handle for a couple short hauls.

 

However, 9 or more buckets (those basic home depot orange ones) will be extremely difficult for me. I ordered my RO/DI system and salt, but while I'm waiting for that I want to get the tank wet. I'm going to buy the initial fill up from the LFS and was wondering if anyone had different buckets that are easier to carry? A method to carrying them? I won't even be able to fit all the buckets in my car at one time, so I will have to make multiple trips as it is.

 

I'm sure there is someone experienced enough to shed some light on this very basic part of keeping a tank! Or maybe not and I need to just hit the gym

[Boggers]

The initial fill is always a labor intensive part. I had my RO/Di system set up because of this. I filled up a (32G) Brute Trash can, mixed it and pumped it into the tank. Since you are using LFS they might have a truck with a holding tank already they could deliver it to you.

[smiz]

sweet talk friends... the only other way is using something like boggers mentioned but then you would also need it on a dolly plus a ramp to your car.....bribe strong friends with food and beer....

[ninjamyst]

interested in what other will say but I just made 100 gallons of water with RODI for a new build. I thought about buying the water from LFS but that would cost me over $100. It did take me 3 days to make and mix that much water but at least I can do it in my leisure time.

[chappy6107]

I did some 5 gallon containers the LFS sold. I bought 2 and just made a few trips to get the water I needed, but you could do the same w/ the HD buckets and just have the LFS fill halfway however many buckets you take to them. This will make them light enough to tote around. then use a pump and hose to pump water out of buckets into tank so you don't have to lift them over the edge of the tank.

[HarryPotter]

I just loaded up the car with 10 5g buckets initially. Took them in the house one by one and used a small pump to get the water into the tank.

[Hammerstone]

I hear you, I take fast tiny steps with those buckets. I have the store load my buckets into the car and then I get home and can't get them out of the trunk. Then I can't get the damn lids off. :-(

I have to have my husband help me and sometimes he doesn't feel like it, but he does it.

[HarryPotter]

There's usually services that will deliver water, but minimum price ranges from $50 to $100 so it's pretty expensive per gallon.

 

You could get smaller buckets- 2g. Then it'll be about 16 lbs instead of 40.

[AZDesertRat]

Wait until you get the RO/DI set up, flushed out and operating correctly, you will be glad you did. It is a great feeling knowing you alone are in control of your water quality and with a handheld TDS meter you can be assured it is 0 TDS since you control it.

[bob115]

I might just consider waiting for the RO/DI as well. It'll save you money on water for one, but more importantly you can just have the the RO/DI fill up the tank directly and mix everything right in the tank.

[erinwillett]

Wait until you get the RO/DI set up, flushed out and operating correctly, you will be glad you did. It is a great feeling knowing you alone are in control of your water quality and with a handheld TDS meter you can be assured it is 0 TDS since you control it.

 

Yeah, I suppose that's the best route. I forget sometimes that patience usually wins as far as what is best. Hopefully the RO/DI is not difficult to set up in my apartment slightly nervous about figuring that out. Doesn't come across as very straightforward.

[smiz]

I just connect mine to my sink, so make sure you have the attachment for that. and that you can screw the nozzle thingy (very technical) off your faucet.

[Biokabe]

Which RO/DI system are you using for your apartment?

[erinwillett]

Which RO/DI system are you using for your apartment?

I bought the spectrapure, seems to be the most recommended in here from what I've researched.

[ninjamyst]

I bought the spectrapure, seems to be the most recommended in here from what I've researched.

I just bought the spectrapure too. if you are connecting to your sink, you will have to take off the aerator and buy an aerator to garden hose adapter from Ace / Home Depot / Lowe. Take the aerator with you and the store will be able to find the correct adapter for you.

[North Borders]

Most UHauls and other moving places will rent you one of those 2 wheeled carts for a day for like 5 bucks. Could stack one or two buckets on that and wheel them in to the tank room. Use a 1 gallon pitcher to add water into tank.

If there's nothing in the tank yet, you could also go to home depot and get a 25-50ft run of the RODI tube and just run it right to the tank and then mix your first batch of salt water in tank.

[ReeferReefer]

Definitely use a pump to do water changes and fill the tank. If you can't wait for the RODI just have some friends help you load the jugs. When I was healthier and only had a 10g lifting buckets was not a problem, but now I pump it all. Water is super heavy... so don't feel bad.

If you wait for the RODI (which seems like a good idea since you already ordered it) you will want to get a large Brute trash can and fill that with RODI if you cant fill the tank directly. You can't move a trashcan full of water either so you will want to get a roller dolly or casters to move the full can.

[ndrobey]

I hope you have considered the weight of everything. A Brute full of water is damn heavy, about 450 pounds. The tank is going to weight over 375 pounds. Make sure the floor can support it. Also think about leaks. The RODI can leak or the Brute. Where is that water going to go?

[braaap]

A Rangers hat? BLEH.