Cheap ATO Reservoir Ideas

JamesUcla1 · Oct 23, 2019

Hey all,

What are you using for your ATO reservoir? I can’t justify $100+ for a nice acrylic one so I’m looking for budget friendly ideas. I saw people using the standard 5g water buckets which seem to work good...any other ideas floating out there? Thanks all

SPR1968 · Oct 23, 2019

You can use pretty much anything made of plastic, for example, maybe stick to food grade, but I just use a 90 litre plastic storage box I got from a DIY store. For me a rectangular box fitted exactly were I needed it to.

I have to admit, I spent weeks over complicating what to use. And then my wife said why don’t you use that box.......... lightbulb moment! Lol

It’s just a matter of finding something that fits into the space available, buckets, boxes whatever.

And Welcome to R2R as well!

kkiel02 · Oct 23, 2019

For my qt I just use a trash can. I think it’s like 5-7 gallons.

Raptor72 · Oct 23, 2019

Amazon has 7 gal buckets. Get that and a Gamma lid and you’re good to go.

LesPoissons · Oct 23, 2019

I wouldn’t use just anything. I had a Rubbermaid bin leaching phosphate into my tank. I now use a modified 30g water tank made for a RV. Stick to food grade, IMO.

gotmesalty77 · Oct 23, 2019

JamesUcla1 said:
Hey all,

What are you using for your ATO reservoir? I can’t justify $100+ for a nice acrylic one so I’m looking for budget friendly ideas. I saw people using the standard 5g water buckets which seem to work good...any other ideas floating out there? Thanks all

So i built a stand above my sump and put a 10g tank there. I use a hydor smart level for the ato and a toms aqualifter for my pump. I drilled a hole on the far end of the new stand so it could fit a 3/4" pvc pipe. The pipe ends above the ato water level providing a siphon break while dumping the rodi into sump. Simple not all that pretty but works flawlessly..

TheKingInYellow · Oct 23, 2019

Food grade containers. Check for a local restaurant supply store.

5G food grade container

Buy a 5 Gallon Auto Top-Off Container for your reef aquarium

www.reefsupplies.ca

Letterkenny · Oct 23, 2019

I was originally planning a 5 gallon food grade bucket with a gamma seal lid but then that didn’t end up fitting in my stand. I ended up with a cheap 5.5 gallon aquarium from pe and currently a cardboard donut box lid for evaporation.

HawaiianReef · Oct 23, 2019

I was lucky enough to have a standard 5g tank fit next to my sump. They cost like 15-20 bucks new at petco and it's clear glass so I can see if any debris has gotten into it.

Juka087 · Oct 23, 2019

The 5.5 gallon petco tank is great at 13$

tstar · Oct 23, 2019

I use one of our rubbermaid 12 quart sous vide containers;

Crystal-Clear Square Storage Containers | Rubbermaid Commerc

The Rubbermaid Commercial seven colors of storage and prep tools help to reduce cross-contamination in your kitchen

www.rubbermaidcommercial.com

Which reminds me, I have to order a replacement!!!

Tim

homer1475 · Oct 23, 2019

5 gallon water jug. I have these, but seems to me years ago I got them from like marine depot(they don't carry them anymore) for like 5 bucks.

https://www.bestcontainers.com/049-...MI_5bCkY2y5QIVAm6GCh28Ngv_EAQYBSABEgLdBPD_BwE

Retro Reefer · Oct 23, 2019

I just picked up a Food grade container from Walmart for like $8, fits my space perfectly holds about 3 gallons and last about 5 days on my system.

HotSpringsReefer · Oct 23, 2019

Picked one of these up at my local Wal-Mart

C. Eymann · Oct 23, 2019

10 gal brute tote

Jimmyneptune · Oct 23, 2019

I use a dog food storage container on one of my systems. They sell them at a good price at TJmax / Homegoods.

Deiblerj · Oct 23, 2019

Jimmyneptune said:
I use a dog food storage container on one of my systems. They sell them at a good price at TJmax / Homegoods.

Thinking of switching to one of these myself

Deiblerj · Oct 23, 2019

I just use a 5 gallon food grade bucket with a lid. Drilled two holes for the wire and pump line for my ATO. Used a rubber gasket for a snug fit on the holes.

Wish I would have drilled in the side of the bucket though and not the lid. Not the easiest to refill the ATO lol

Idoc · Oct 23, 2019

I use a 5g food grade bucket I bought from Lowes. I drilled 2 holes on the side of the bucket near the top for the pump tube and power cord to exit. Then, the bucket chimes with a lid that I just set on top without fastening it down tightly. Easy refill.