Auto top off recommendations

slipknotgrrl83 · Mar 28, 2017

I have been debating getting an ATO to make it easier to keep salinity in check if I'm not home all day. My dilemma is I have no room in cabinet and only about 5 inches on the side/back. My Rodi is in the basement so I can't really connect directly and will need a reservoir. Any suggestions? I have been leaning towards the Tunze nano but it doesn't come with a reservoir I don't think. Tank is a 29 gal with 10 gal sump. Thanks!

AllSignsPointToFish · Mar 28, 2017

Any idea how much water you need to add each day?

slipknotgrrl83 · Mar 28, 2017

I usually add close to a gallon. Screen top so it evaporates more quickly. In summer can be Sometimes a gallon and a half

AllSignsPointToFish · Mar 28, 2017

So you have a 5" space behind the tank where you could place an ATO reservoir? What are the approximate dimensions of that space?

cromag27 · Mar 28, 2017

I only use spectrapure atos. not sure any ato setup would come with the reservoir, but I could custom build you one.

aquaman30k · Mar 28, 2017

I'd go with the Tunze 3155 if you can and get any ATO container that will fit the space. Possible one of those drinking water containers for the refrigerator. The light sensor and advanced controller keeps the pump from short cycling plus it come with a built in safety float switch. I used the Tunze nano and a Smart ATO on a 8g and the Tunze would kick on and off whenever I would clean the filtration section. Same for a larger tank with the Tunze nano on a 75g with sump. The 3155 doesn't do this but it does automatically top off when the controller is power cycled. I haven't looked into why it does that.

slipknotgrrl83 · Mar 28, 2017

It's basically just 5 inches deep and the runs the length of tank. On side I would say 5"x5

aquaman30k said:
I'd go with the Tunze 3155 if you can and get any ATO container. The light sensor keeps the pump from short cycling plus it come with a built in safety float switch. I used the Tunze nano and a Smart ATO on a 8g and the Tunze would kick on and off whenever I would clean the filtration section. Same for a larger tank with the Tunze nano on a 75g with sump. The 3155 doesn't do this but it does automatically top off when the controller is power cycled. I haven't looked into why it does that.

So you just pick whatever reservoir you want to go with it?

Gargamell · Mar 28, 2017

I would suggest the smart ato micro but the biggest concern is going to be a container for the water, I had no room in my stand and ended up buying another cabniet to put my ato water and controllers in

AllSignsPointToFish · Mar 28, 2017

Yes, you can pick whatever reservoir you would like. I may have misunderstood you...I thought you were also wanting to fit a reservoir in that 5" space behind the tank.

cromag27 · Mar 28, 2017

Whatever fits and is made of appropriate materials.

aquaman30k · Mar 28, 2017

slipknotgrrl83 said:
So you just pick whatever reservoir you want to go with it?

Essentially yes. Most ATO's have a small pump that you place in your reservoir. As long as you can get the pump in there you should be able to use the container.

slipknotgrrl83 · Mar 28, 2017

AllSignsPointToFish said:
Yes, you can pick whatever reservoir you would like. I may have misunderstood you...I thought you were also wanting to fit a reservoir in that 5" space behind the tank.

I would like to if I can!

slipknotgrrl83 · Mar 28, 2017

Gargamell said:
I would suggest the smart ato micro but the biggest concern is going to be a container for the water, I had no room in my stand and ended up buying another cabniet to put my ato water and controllers in

That's what I'm trying to avoid...

AllSignsPointToFish · Mar 28, 2017

slipknotgrrl83 said:
I would like to if I can!

How much are you willing to spend on the container?

slipknotgrrl83 · Mar 28, 2017

AllSignsPointToFish said:
How much are you willing to spend on the container?

Haven't thought of that but I'll pay more if I can save needing another cabinet lol

AllSignsPointToFish · Mar 28, 2017

Here is one that should fit:

https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=31165

or you can have a custom one made

cromag27 · Mar 28, 2017

You also need to make sure you can fit it where it needs to go.

slipknotgrrl83 · Mar 28, 2017

Thank you all. I will check out my options

BMan · Mar 29, 2017

I have the same issue with space in a small JBJ 28 Nano cabinet. I use a decorative glass floor vase/bottle as a ATO water storage vessel. In my quest for finding a suitable container, I have found the possibilities are endless in regards to finding something that is decorative that can be placed beside the display tank and not look like a industrial chemical tote. I'm going to change the bottle I'm using now for a taller cylindrical one that will accommodate a larger volume of water. I used a cork stopper as the lid. I drilled two holes in the cork and inserted a 3/16" rigid tube for suction and the other hole is to prevent a vacuum. I then slid a 1/4 air line tube over the ridged tube and ATO water is delivered to the tank via a JBJ ATO controller and KollerCraft aqua lifter.

I was thinking the Cork plug could even be fitted with something that a vase would hold as decoration, like dry curly willow branches or something like that.