Bigger ATO or bigger sump?

Canuck007 · Mar 31, 2020

Hi, getting ready to set up a 90 (3x2x2) gallon rimless mixed reef. I have 2 options for the setup because of the sizes of sumps and ATOs that I have and space under the cabinet. Should I have a bigger ATO with smaller sump or smaller ATO with bigger sump?

Hemmdog · Mar 31, 2020

Bigger sump. 8 gal ATO is decent size unless you are gone for more than a week at a time.

Canuck007 · Mar 31, 2020

I'm in Arizona so I thought maybe I'd lose about 1.5 gals a day in evaporation so it would be good for maybe 5 days. Just thinking out loud. But yeah good point about being away for a week.

Hemmdog · Mar 31, 2020

Canuck007 said:
I'm in Arizona so I thought maybe I'd lose about 1.5 gals a day in evaporation so it would be good for maybe 5 days. Just thinking out loud. But yeah good point about being away for a week.

I have a 10 gal ato res on my 90 gal in CA, low humidity here too. It lasts me about 8-10 days.

Albertan22 · Apr 1, 2020

My 120 Gallon used to evaporate about 10 gallons per week. 8 should be plenty for a 90g. If you go away for any extended vacations just get a brute trash can or other big food grade bin of your choice and set it temporarily next to your stand and just move the ATO pump into it. That's what I've always done.