ATO built into back of tank - Potential issues?

BlakeyBoyR · Nov 5, 2021

Hi there.
I'm doing a custom build and was thinking of building the ATO reservoir into the back of the tank, similar to the CADE pro reef tanks.
The sump will be down in the cabinet and that's where the float switch/sensor will be.
I was wondering whether anyone can think of or anticipate any potential issues of having this sort of setup?
Thanks!

GoVols · Nov 5, 2021

BlakeyBoyR said:
Hi there.
I'm doing a custom build and was thinking of building the ATO reservoir into the back of the tank, similar to the CADE pro reef tanks.
The sump will be down in the cabinet and that's where the float switch/sensor will be.
I was wondering whether anyone can think of or anticipate any potential issues of having this sort of setup?
Thanks!

Own a 2013 Red Sea S-400 with a built-in 6-gallon top-off reservoir right under the overflow box.

The S-400, S-500, and S-650s all have back-side built-in reservoirs that are gravity fed.

It has never failed, but I sure would not run Kalk in it.

BlakeyBoyR · Nov 5, 2021

Thanks for that. It'll just be RO water in there. Cabinet space is limited so it seemed like a good way to have a good size ATO reservoir.

Floyd- · Nov 9, 2021

Agreed. My Max S650 has maybe a 12-15 gallon tank under the overflow area. Works a treat and its all mechanical with no electronics to fail.

BlakeyBoyR · Nov 9, 2021

Floyd- said:
Agreed. My Max S650 has maybe a 12-15 gallon tank under the overflow area. Works a treat and its all mechanical with no electronics to fail.

I had a look at a diagram of your tanks ATO. Does it feed down to the sump using a float switch and pump? Thanks

malacoda · Nov 9, 2021

My biggest concern would be access to the interior for cleaning.

It may stay clean and work just fine for years. But if it does get dirty and/or mold should start to grow in it, cleaning would be much easier you had enough access to at least get in there with a bottle brush.