Design for IBC 275g Tote larger opening and latch?

[Suckmytap]

Hi everyone - I have a couple 275g IBC totes for sap tanks and am about to cut open a hole in the top to fit a sinkable heater inside (they are totally full and frozen). I also like the idea of a larger opening on the top for cleaning. Does anyone have ideas or pictures of their own design for cutting out an opening and making a weather proof cover? Thanks.

[Sugarmaker]

The size of a 5 gallon bucket in one corner so you can use the bucket to fill the hole?
Regards,
Chris

[Ghs57]

http://mapletrader.com/community/showthread.php?29380-Need-access-hole-lid-for-IBC

Pictures of a modified IBC

[GotSap?]

This is what I used on mine. Much easier to clean and access.


https://www.amazon.com/Catch-Cover-CC01-Round/dp/B001U16WIW/ref=lp_7487992011_1_2?srs=7487992011&ie=UTF8&qid=1490287545&sr=8-2

[Ghs57]

That looks pretty good. Does that cap screw on?

[RileySugarbush]

I thought about a bigger hatch like that, but in the end, just cut the whole top off just short of full width. Threw a sheet of clear 1/4 polycarbonate over it just inside the cage and bungie it down. So happy with this setup. You can look down in easily, and just as easily remove the whole top. If it is time to clean it, I remove the sheet and toss in a towel to stand on and hop in there. Wipe down the sides with a damp cloth, or some peroxide if needed and hop back out. We just added an outdoor fireplace cover that can cover the top third of the tank to keep stuff from blowing in around the edges, which does happen since the seal is far from perfect.

[GotSap?]

That looks pretty good. Does that cap screw on?

No, it just snaps in. It isn't a watertight seal, so if water pools on top of your tank, it could leak in around it. My tanks are undercover, so it works fine for me.

[bees1st]

As Sugarmaker said. This what I have done. Cut the bottom of the bucket out. You can seal around the bucket with food grade sealant if desired

[DocsMapleSyrup]

1620816209

I use the catch cover and remounted the original tote openong to a corner. I have three 3/16 lines running into the tank and suck the sap out th larger cover via a bilge pump to my transfer tank. Everything stays nice and clean.