1 - You could get a bunch of hides and try to fill up the tub with some decor.
2 - I dont think the deli cups thing is an advantage for a small collection. I wash 3 or 4 ceramic bowls no problem.
3 - This is up to you really. I've used aspen, cypress much and newspaper. Newspaper is the easiest.
4 - The grooves are not much of a big deal. I started out with sterilite 32qts that had them. I think is more of a sales point.
5 - Just put the probe in there by the edge. I would place it in the middle tub. Use aluminum tape.
6 - Like I told you before, try and see if one of the 32qt sterelite will fit in there.
7 - Dont worry so much, just try the danm thing out![]()