DIY sight glass for ATO jug

[benapilot]

I have a blue 15 gallon barrel that I use for my RODI storage. Right now I just have a drain on the bottom that I use to fill my ATO jugs that sit under my aquarium. I fill those, then open the RODI valve to refill the barrel.

On my new 75 build I'm going to plumb my ATO directly from the barrel. I don't want to have the RODI valve on all the time (TDS creep/safety), so I need to be able to tell when the water level is getting low.

Has anyone DIY's a sight glass installed on their water storage containers?
I'd love to see them for ideas!

Thanks!

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

You can probably just use some plastic compression fittings and clear vinyl tubing to make your own level gauge.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

You would need to cut a viewing window and glue in a piece of clear plastic. the issue would be finding the appropriate glue. and no, silicone wouldn't work well. Better to make an acrylic ato container.

 

[WilRams]

A simple clear hose from top to bottom will do the trick.

Heres a couple examples from a quick google search. Of course no metal in your build but you get the idea.

 

[benapilot]

Great ideas! Thanks!

 

[redfishbluefish]

I made a sight tube on my DIY skimmate container by using two quick connect elbows and clear vinyl tubing.

You can see the DIY HERE.

 

[dbl]

Another example...used it before switching to clear containers on mixing station. The links on the clear pipe are 5 gallons each.