ATO reservoir

[Big_Mclargehuge]

Hey! I'm adding an ato to my tank. I am just curious as to what I can use for a reservoir. Can i just use basically anything that holds water and I can fit the pump in? I see reservoirs for sale for hundreds of dollars. Why would you spend that kind of money on something like that if you could just use a bucket? I'm genuinely wondering. I'm leaning towards the Reef Breeders EXO auto top off. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Fernthereefer]

Can be anything really (food-safe). I use a plastic aquarium, the ones used for betta fish. Depends on your needs (size-wise), and if you can hide it or make it esthetically pleasing.

 

[boehm742]

I use a 10G tank.

 

[X-37B]

I have a bashsea 10 gallon on my 120.
I have a 5 gallon bucket on my 45 frag system.
A couple bucks vs $150.
Oh well its only money, lol.

 

[Big_Mclargehuge]

I have a bashsea 10 gallon on my 120.
I have a 5 gallon bucket on my 45 frag system.
A couple bucks vs $150.
Oh well its only money, lol.

I was just curious. I figured you could use anything but wondered if there was a reason beyond aesthetics for something more expensive.

 

[LegendaryCG]

The expensive ATO containers don’t do anything different but look nicer than a 5G pail in your living room.

 

[piranhaman00]

I use a 29 gallon from petco for two systems, 29$ right now $/gal until Jan 31

 

[X-37B]

I was just curious. I figured you could use anything but wondered if there was a reason beyond aesthetics for something more expensive.

Yea my 5g is in a cabinet.
The bashea is visible because my stand is open. Plus I evaporate 2g's a day in my 120.

 

[Spieg]

I've used a 5-gallon bucket many times... nothing wrong with it if it's out of site. Don't have room for ATO under the stand currently so I got one of these ($50 on Amazon) because it's less of an eyesore.

 

[danieyella]

I used a 5g water storage container for ages. I just recently purchased a branded ato container because it was on sale and I needed to open up better space in my cabinet. Plus it seals better and isn't evaporating out of the container...

 

[qhduong]

Ikea garbage bin... Tall, slim, and comes with a lid.

 

[Dvanlier05]

If you got some DIY skills. I made a 11.5" acrylic cube and got 2 storage ottomans online. Cube went in one and fish stuff in the other. Total cost about $75.

 

[neo1738]

I only got the IM 15g because I didn't want to have to refill all the time and wanted the aesthetics. Good thing bc it doesn't fit under the tank and currently sites next to it.

 

[Philly Reefer]

I use a water jug

 

[Jeffcb]

Tunze even sells a 7 gal bucket

 

[Defclone80]

Use something that's easy to refill and clean.

 

[Galiant50]

If you got some DIY skills. I made a 11.5" acrylic cube and got 2 storage ottomans online. Cube went in one and fish stuff in the other. Total cost about $75.

I looked at doing this DIY with some acrylic from Lowe's but was concerned about the pressure being too much for the seams. Can you go over your process? What thickness/bonding agent did you use?

 

[Dvanlier05]

I looked at doing this DIY with some acrylic from Lowe's but was concerned about the pressure being too much for the seams. Can you go over your process? What thickness/bonding agent did you use?

I used 1/4" thick extruded acrylic and bonded it together with Weld-On 4

 

[Flexin]

I’ve used a water pitcher on one tank for years. You can use a bucket, it just has to be food grade.

I also have nicer looking options like an IM 15gallon reservoir. Looks better in my office vs a bucket and holds the water I need for two weeks. Right tool, right job that also pertains to aesthetics.

 

[Fish man]

I use a 5 gallon orange Home Depot bucket. Been using it for years. Easy to refill, easy to clean.