ATO Reservoir Prices....RIDICULOUS!!

[PacoPetty]

I use a sister-in-law 2.0 manual ATO. Every time we are out of town for an extended period the sister-in-law 2.0 manual ATO/Feeder kicks in and takes care of the tanks while we are gone.

 

[flagg37]

I use a sister-in-law 2.0 manual ATO. Every time we are out of town for an extended period the sister-in-law 2.0 manual ATO/Feeder kicks in and takes care of the tanks while we are gone.

I must have sister-in-law 1.0; I always end up with water on the floor.

 

[52728299]

I was using a trash can that I cut a corner off the lid I was using. It only held like 3.25 gallons and after a couple months the flimsy latch for the lid stopped working. So, I found this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07MTQRMN9?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

It holds just under 5 gallons and has a hole through the top for an included pump. I had to remove the holes plastic lining to get my ato hose and power cord through but it felt like an upgrade heh. Not the cheapest option but far cheaper than an official reservoir. Since I have to have it sit next to the tank in the living room I didn't want just some bucket..

 

[Max93]

I got my own custom made one from a local guy that has been building them and skimmers. He ships as well.
Built me a nice 24g acrylic reservoir with a lid for $140. To the dimensions I wanted.

 

[Raptor72]

I used to have a 15 gal drum that I spray painted and camouflaged with a plant. It was a pretty inexpensive way to have my ATO near.

 

[mjw011689]

Not my photo, but I’m using this from ikea. It is a few years old, they’ve changed the design a little bit but it’s the same thing pretty much. It’s by their trash cans and stuff. I’m not sure if they considered this to be a trash can or a storage container, but the one I got was 10 bucks and holds 7 gallons

 

[Joe's Coral Reef]

I've always like to use a 5 g or 10 g tank with a homemade lid. I like how they are easy to clean. Although an old salt bucket also works decent for the cost.

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

Bucket for ATO is fine if its the tank is in the basement and used for a grow out. But its an eye sore if that tank is in your living room. I agree tho , prices is ridiculus

 

[Unheardreefer]

Target has great pet food containers I use under my 30 gallon tank. If you want a pretty one, trigger systems sells their “blemished” ones on their page. Currently $80 for their clear 5 gallon and $100 for their 10g Ruby. I bought my Ruby sump and the 10g ato from their blemished and I couldn’t find any issues or even the blemish

 

[blaxsun]

I sprung for an IM Hydrofill reservoir. It's external so I wanted something that looks sharp sitting beside the tank, and the pull-out drawer makes it easy to replenish. All things considered, it wasn't that much more than one of my auto feeders...

 

[Natural_Reefer]

Man, you guys got it made! There is absolutely no way my wife would let me do anything like that
I got this 22gal Tenecor ATO reservoir (based on recommendations of some members here).
I got it for $125; one of the best purchase for the tank (tired of refilling 5gal reservoir in the back of the Redsea).
The best part is wife approved

 

[Bucs20fan]

I literally use a food safe 5 gallon bucket I paid 10 bucks for with a lid, and drilled holes for the hoses. Works just as good as any 100 dollar reservoir.

 

[snorklr]

5 gal igloo picnic cooler jug...inscrew the spout and replace with mur-lock fitting

 

[Natural_Reefer]

I literally use a food safe 5 gallon bucket I paid 10 bucks for with a lid, and drilled holes for the hoses. Works just as good as any 100 dollar reservoir.

You paid $10 for a 5gal bucket? I used the 5gal Reef Crystal bucket; drilled a hole in the lid and work just fine! The problem was the wife not happy with the bucket sitting on the side of the tank

 

[Bucs20fan]

You paid $10 for a 5gal bucket? I used the 5gal Reef Crystal bucket; drilled a hole in the lid and work just fine! The problem was the wife not happy with the bucket sitting on the side of the tank

Yeah wife wanted a black one since I was putting it under the tank in the stand or I absolutely would be using an IORC bucket lol.

 

[flyingscampi]

I used a 25 litre (approx. 6.5 U.S. Gallon ) water container. Drilled a couple of small holes in the top. It's half the size of my aquarium and I only need to fill it up once a month

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

Square Jar Pretzels came in, for my 29 gallon, holds about 1.5 gallons. 2.5 Gallon square Jug for my 65, I hook two together when I'm out of town, via the Valves and Tubing for RO/DI. 5 Gallon Square Jug for my 120 Gallon. All have a Caps Drilled and Rubber Bushings, for Hose/Wire. All fit Behind Cabinet or in the Cabinet. I saw a Pickle Barrel that was covered by a Rattan Hamper, for ATO. They cut the bottom out of the hamper. The bottom was torn, and he got it for next to nothing from a store.

 

[Kellie in CA]

I bought the IM reservoir back when it was $99. I see the price has jumped quite a bit since then.
I do really like it. The drawer is a cool feature, and it's the kind of thing I should never have to replace.

 

[Natural_Reefer]

Yeah wife wanted a black one since I was putting it under the tank in the stand or I absolutely would be using an IORC bucket lol.

Hehehe...I guess we just have to do anything to keep the Mrs happy
I guess it is all depending on the setup. I would definitely use a large Brute trash can if it was out of sight.

 

[fish farmer]

Target has great pet food containers I use under my 30 gallon tank. If you want a pretty one, trigger systems sells their “blemished” ones on their page. Currently $80 for their clear 5 gallon and $100 for their 10g Ruby. I bought my Ruby sump and the 10g ato from their blemished and I couldn’t find any issues or even the blemish

I'm using a 3 gallon pet food container for my ato.