ATO design question

[Todd A.]

I'm preparing to switch over from a 90 gal to 210 gal(!) and need some advise. The sump/refugium I'm planning to use has a built-in float valve in the return chamber for ATO. But as this is simply a "manual" valve, I can't figure out how to utilize an under-tank ATO reservoir without adding a pump. I could obviously install the reservoir on a stand above the sump to gravity feed the water but that would be too difficult to refill. Is there any suggestions on an ATO set-up that doesn't require pumping the water into the sump with added level sensors? I've considered a pressured reservoir but that would be a bit of a pain and I figure someone out there has already thought this one thru. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[Ruben's Reef]

I use a gravity ATO but in your case in order to refill the ATO reservoir you may have to use a little pump and plastic hose to get the water from a bucket to the reservoir.

 

[Todd A.]

That's not a bad idea. I've only got 26" under the tank and since the sump is 16" tall, I've got 10" for the reservoir if I gravity feed.

 

[Ruben's Reef]

Yeah, really tight. On mine, I have a separate container for the ATO behind the wall and the 1/4 hose goes thru the wall to the return side where I have the eshopps float valve.