ATO system best suited for a 5 gallon reef?

[Alex808]

What’s up folks,

Just finished a stand for my 5 gallon reef. Very stable and tied to the wall. With the level below the tank, I’d like to take advantage of the space and add a reservoir with an ATO. I’ll be adding something to cover all of the underneath so it doesn’t necessarily need to be aesthetic. Just functional.

My question is, what is a good ATO system that you’re using and would recommend?

 

[mtfish]

Not sure I understand. Are you putting on overflow to a reservoir under the tank or are you trying to put a timer on a pump in a reservoir to add water to tank? How will the ATO know when it is time to add fresh water?

 

[mtfish]

I posted but now I see an overflow. Just need a float switch and the smallest pump you can find to top off with fresh water. Around here we have Harbor Freight that have low cost pumps. Link below.

264 GPH Submersible Pond Pump

Amazing deals on this 264 Gph Submersible Pond Pump at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Alex808]

Not sure I understand. Are you putting on overflow to a reservoir under the tank or are you trying to put a timer on a pump in a reservoir to add water to tank? How will the ATO know when it is time to add fresh water?

That’s what I’m sort of trying to figure out. I don’t have experience with any ATO systems and I’m trying to get an idea of what would work best.

 

[Reef Monster]

The XP Aqua Duetto is what I use for my Aqueon 10 gal QT tank. It works well however I would advise against using one if you have snails in the tank as they can block the sensors and trigger the ATO to kick in.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

For the return pump I like to use Aqua Lifters. Check out ATO.com

 

[Quietman]

Tunze nano, AutoAqua, glass of RODI when every day when you feed.

 

[Peace River]

I have used the AutoAqua SMART ATO. I like it and will be ordering another soon.

 

[Hermie]

I posted but now I see an overflow. Just need a float switch and the smallest pump you can find to top off with fresh water. Around here we have Harbor Freight that have low cost pumps. Link below.

264 GPH Submersible Pond Pump

Amazing deals on this 264 Gph Submersible Pond Pump at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

No offense I would not trust anything harborfreight IN my tank. I use a ton of their tools and love the company for what it is, but the production quality is always questionable and has to be compared against the price.

 

[phatduckk]

I have used the AutoAqua SMART ATO. I like it and will be ordering another soon.

I have this in my nano and it’s pretty good. +1

 

[mtfish]

No offense I would not trust anything harborfreight IN my tank. I use a ton of their tools and love the company for what it is, but the production quality is always questionable and has to be compared against the price.

No offense taken. A lot of the stuff that people use in their tanks are made in china whether they realize it or not. Harbor Freight does not make things, they are a resell er. I use one of these pumps in my ATO for a 430 gallon tank. It has been working for the last 7 years. Your mileage may vary.

 

[AdamNC]

Sumpless Auto Top Off System

Xp Aqua's Sumpless ATO - Complete ATO & Surface Skimmer for Sumpless Aquariums Sumpless ATO is the first and only ATO designed specifically for aquariums without sumps. The combination of the sleek overflow box and the innovative dual-optical sensor ATO will help to keep your aquarium topped...

www.bulkreefsupply.com