Do I need a fancy ATO bucket?

[TheOneWhoIsThere]

I am new to the hobby, and am planning on getting an ATO pretty soon. When I look on Bulk Reef Supply they have these expensive $100+ water containers. Do I need one of those? Do they have any advantages? Can I use a bucket or something really cheap?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I use a 2.5 gal plastic jug from kitty litter.
Fits perfectly with the sump and dosing gear. And has a handle.

Really not sure why $100 ones never have handles.

 

[SashimiTurtle]

I have a 5g tote... its ugly but it holds water, it's pretty much closed, and I have 2. When one gets empty I pull the pump out and set the other one it its place. No pouring water...

 

[Kendrid]

I use a 10g aquarium I bought from Petco for $10.

 

[Hypen2000]

No you don't! If you're into everything looking professional then maybe. But most buckets would work. Something transparent would be advisable so you can see how much water you have in it. I use a 10 gallon pet food container for my 120 gallon and the water lasts 3-4 weeks. If you go too small of a container than you're constantly having to refill it. But that is up to you. Good luck and welcome to the hobby!

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

custom ato containers are great if you have a specific amount of space to work with. if not, then it doesn’t really matter what you use as long as it’s rated for potable water, or doesn’t contain any plastics that can leach harmful chemicals.

 

[Ariel V Rosa]

I use a fancy Home Depot Homer 5 gal bucket.... lift the lid... fill it up close the lid.

Just drill holes to feed water line and cable and done.

 

[Victoria M]

I use my Salinity 7 gallon bucker that the salt came in.

 

[timrocks311]

I use these.

 

[ihavecrabs]

I use a brute trash can. I use so much top off water [emoji23]

 

[acro-ed]

Second on the brute trash can!

 

[dieselkeeper]

I use a salt bucket. You will accumulate a bunch while in this hobby.

 

[Mikedawg]

Yes to above; would rather spend my money on coral and fish than a bucket I rarely see. There are some good marketers supplying our hobby.

 

[juniorrocketdad]

I use a 20 gallon tall from petco for my 70 gallon, it was 20$ and I painted it black to match my stand and left a strip unpainted on the front so I can see the water level.

 

[Wildcats1023]

I use a 10 gallon aquarium

 

[xaflatoonx]

It’s about how you good you want your setup to look.

I know people who have their sump section looking as good if not better than their DT.

Ofcourse a 5 dollar bucket can serve the purpose. But if you can afford and want to have your sump section look good. You gotta pony up the cash.

 

[AdamNC]

5 gallon bucket from Lowes or Home Depot, just pick your color.

 

[andrewkw]

Salt buckets have the added bonus of initially containing salt.

 

[Scorpius]

You can find BPA free food safe food containers at petsmart that can hold 7ish gallons of water.

 

[lapin]

I use a old 15 gallon poly drum I got from a chemical place. The only problem was they said I had to take 2.