Active Aqua 55 Gallon Drum with Locking Lid

This drum comes with a solid locking lid without any pre-drilled holes, giving you complete freedom to drill and position your fittings exactly where you need them. The pre-drilled version has holes already made in specific locations. Choose this version if you want full customization control.

You'll need a drill with appropriate drill bits (hole saws work best for larger openings), and marking tools to plan your hole placement. Use sharp bits designed for plastic to prevent cracking. Always measure and mark carefully before drilling.

Yes, the drum is constructed from food-grade HDPE, which is safe for storing water and hydroponic nutrient solutions, making it a reliable choice for any setup, from a single Active Aqua Root Spa bucket to a large multi-plant grow. The material won't leach chemicals into your solution and is resistant to corrosion from fertilizers and pH adjusters.

While the HDPE material is durable and weather-resistant, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can promote algae growth inside the reservoir and may degrade the plastic over time. If using outdoors, we recommend placing the drum in a shaded area or covering it to block light.

Use proper bulkhead fittings or grommets designed for the size holes you drill. These fittings typically include rubber washers and lock nuts that create watertight seals when properly tightened. Apply thread sealant tape (Teflon tape) to threaded connections for added security.

Clean the drum between growing cycles using a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or hydrogen peroxide. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning. The smooth HDPE interior makes cleaning easy and prevents buildup of residue or biofilm.

The drum's 23-inch top diameter will fit through most standard doorways (typically 30-36 inches wide). However, measure your specific doorways and hallways before purchasing, especially if you need to navigate tight corners or narrow passages.

Yes, you can drill a hole at your desired overflow level and install a bulkhead fitting with tubing to create an overflow drain. This is a common modification for automated systems, often managed by a device like the Active Aqua Grow Flow controller, to prevent overfilling. For high-volume water movement, consider pairing this reservoir with an Active Aqua utility submersible pump.