Auto top-off: Where do you put your water?

[thinktank]

I've never had an auto top-off before, but over the last decade I have started so many aquariums that I'd really love to have an auto top-off system for my tanks, especially my saltwater since the sump running low on water results in the pump running dry and dumping fresh RO/DI water can be a shock to some of the inhabitants. I spend each day, about 3 times a day, hand pouring small amounts of water (maybe 1 or 2 cups) to keep the water level up. I'd rather a system just do this on it's own.

I've done some research on setting up an auto top-off but the designs are absolutely hideous. I mean...you got people duct-taping water bottles, upside down, on their tanks; people setting up 55 gallon drums next to their tanks or trash cans full of water; 5 gallon water jugs on stands...I don't want any of that (no offense if that's how you do it).

These tanks are in the heart of my house where everyone sees them and I don't want some ugly water container next to the tank - and neither does my girlfriend or the rest of my family.

So...how do guys do it? Is anyone in a similar position and has worked out an aesthetic solution?

I have no room under my tank, as it is completely taken up by the sump. So putting water there isn't an option.

Thanks!

 

[Texas Reefer]

Currently, I have room under my tank. For my last tank I bought a cabinet and put it next to the tank, with the tubing and electrical running behind between the two.

 

[thinktank]

Currently, I have room under my tank. For my last tank I bought a cabinet and put it next to the tank, with the tubing and electrical running behind between the two.

What did you place on top of the cabinet? A 5 gallon jug, another type of container? Just curious, since I might utilize bits and pieces of everyone's methods.

 

[Texas Reefer]

A 5 gallon jug fit inside the cabinet

 

[TritonsGarden]

Do you not have any room under the tank or just not enough room? You can buy RV freshwater tanks in various sizes. I found one that fit nicely at the end of my sump.

 

[jasonrusso]

This is on the side of my tank. It looks nice and I'm not ashamed to have it seen.

Also, when it is outside the stand you can fill it up easily.

https://www.marinedepot.com/Innovat...749EbJpyc4DLPjgIQbAeWShDx8dkaS5QaAiG7EALw_wcB

 

[Flippers4pups]

16 gallon.

 

[mfinn]

The top off container doesn't have to sit next to the tank.
My top off container is 11' away from the tank out in my garage.
It could be even farther away.
I use a JBJ ATO unit and a maxi-jet 1200 for the pump. The pump is only going up hill for about 4'. If it were more a stronger pump could be used.
The top off container could actually be anywhere. Just a little imagination is all that's needed.

 

[DracoKat]

I have a large glass vase that holds about 10 gallons of water. Decorative vase and have that next to my tank. looks like it's part of the decor

 

[OnlyTono]

I keep a 6.5 gallon ATO container under the tank with the sump. It's basically an acrylic box that holds water, has a small pump that is attached to the ATO system with a float switch. Super simply, and effective.

The 6.5 gallons last anywhere form 3 to 5 days depending on the time of year.

 

[reefrf]

My 250g reef sits in our great room in the middle of our living space. I have a 55g drum in my garage. Connected to to drum is 1/4" ro tubing that travels approx 75 feet through my attic & attaches to a liter meter pump that fills the sump automatically from float switch. Works perfect.

 

[Sacohen]

I had a 10 gallon tank sitting next to my 55 gallon display tank.
It held about a weeks worth of top off water.
I'm going to set up a 35 gallon container in the garage and run tubing through the wall to the tank in my new house.

 

[Jakes2514]

I guess it all depends on how long you want your ATO to last, the RedSea Reefer systems are pretty non-intrusive and slick

https://reefbase.co.uk/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2477.0;attach=11704;image

 

[Flameback Pair]

I have a 35 gallon Ace Roto-Mold ATO container sitting next to my RSR 250.

Do you have room to sit a container directly on top of your sump?

 

[CastAway]

I use an ugly water container next to my tank.

 

[code4]

My husband and I just ordered one from Trigger to match the existing sump. Then we ordered the Neptune ATO unit to add to our existing system. I like the idea of running it from another area that some folks have given you. And the small cabinet sounds good also. Good luck.

Shelley

 

[code4]

My husband and I just ordered one from Trigger to match the existing sump. Then we ordered the Neptune ATO unit to add to our existing system. I like the idea of running it from another area that some folks have given you. And the small cabinet sounds good also. Good luck.

Shelley

 

[Jlentz]

Brute in the garage. You can get really creative with a peristaltic pump and 1/4" RO tubing.

 

[myrjon]

35 gal brute under tank in basement . dc pump into tank when needed. I do not trust float switches.

 

[Bunnee911]

I use a kitty litter jug behind my stand. It will go most of a week. Get the unscented kind.