Small ATO Container Build or Buy?

[scfurse77]

So right now i have a garbage can for my ATO container and it is has been leaching for sure, I got a TDS meter and i'm showing up near 80 PPM. I guess that's what i get for buying a cheap container.

Any ideas on a container for me. I have a very small space that's why i chose this garbage can in the first place. I'm looking at 6.5" width and 11" deep height really isn't an issue. I think the one that i have now is 4 gallons which is perfect for my 42 gallon.

Is there one i can buy or am i going to need to build something?

Here is what i am working with now.

 

[TaylorPilot]

Do you enjoy DIY? Do you want to have it be acrylic or glass? I built mine for my tank and it literally fits with 1/4" on all 4 sides. I used a CNC, but if you have a router and a table you can clamp a long straight edge on, you could make it out of acrylic. Honestly though, by the time you buy a bit, and get some acrylic, ruin a few pieces learning how to do it, get pins, applicators, solvent and a decent blade, you will have spent more than you would buying one from a vendor.

 

[scfurse77]

Do you enjoy DIY? Do you want to have it be acrylic or glass? I built mine for my tank and it literally fits with 1/4" on all 4 sides. I used a CNC, but if you have a router and a table you can clamp a long straight edge on, you could make it out of acrylic. Honestly though, by the time you buy a bit, and get some acrylic, ruin a few pieces learning how to do it, get pins, applicators, solvent and a decent blade, you will have spent more than you would buying one from a vendor.

Yeah your probably right. That's why i wanted to make this post. Maybe to find me a cheap option.
thanks

 

[cracker]

how about a plastic 5 gallon jerry can. I see them at the army surplus . Some are for fuel some for water. That should make it food safe plastic I'd think.

 

[TaylorPilot]

One thing you should realize also is that ultra pure water soaks up stuff in the air like a magnet. It may not actually be leaching anything. Are you having any issues in your display?

 

[scfurse77]

One thing you should realize also is that ultra pure water soaks up stuff in the air like a magnet. It may not actually be leaching anything. Are you having any issues in your display?

That's a good idea. Maybe i'll try putting a lid on it. Not really much trouble in DT. I tested the water coming out of my blue lowes bucket and it was at 2ppm thats after coming out of my RO unit at 0 ppm. Then a day later i tested the garbage can with the same water and it shows 80 ppm.

 

[josh.j.avila]

I like it, it works it's hidden wide open so you don't have to worry about making a mess filling it up.

 

[scfurse77]

I like it, it works it's hidden wide open so you don't have to worry about making a mess filling it up.

What is it that you use?

 

[josh.j.avila]

I use a 5 gallon water container. I'm having an acrylic smith make me a top off container that will slide and hide my avast marine vibe as well since it's external and I don't have room under my stand because of my calcium reactor and over sized sump.

 

[reefwiser]

Here is what I use
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-acrylic-ato-container-help-needed.229934/#post-2675121

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Not all plastics are made the same, and yes airborne contamination can be an issue. I'd do some tests before you conclude the container is the issue.

 

[shred5]

 

[Philt56]

I used the bucket that instant ocean comes in (200 gal mix)? Drill a hold in the lid for the tube from the ATO pump.

 

[scfurse77]

One thing you should realize also is that ultra pure water soaks up stuff in the air like a magnet. It may not actually be leaching anything. Are you having any issues in your display?

Well you were right. Put the lid on and it fixed the problem. After 2 days ppm was at 2

 

[reeferfoxx]

Just as another aspect. I used a 5 gallon container for my 30 gallon nano. Seemed great at first because I didn't have to refill it but once every 3 or 4 weeks. Lol.. The downside was the amount of phosphates that accumulated. I guess the water was getting old. So my ato water was basically dosing po4 directly into the tank. I now fill that bucket to 2 gallons or less. Refill once a week and no more issues. Fish street sells a 1.5 gallon acrylic reservoir for $50. I'll be getting that soon.

 

[scfurse77]

4 gallons is perfect for me. Last about 4 days sometimes 5. Maybe now it'll last a little longer now that it has a lid on it.

 

[DVR]

I would think if the container is covered you will not get any additional phosphates from the water sitting.

 

[klloyd]

With the way I build my stand I was going to use 4 inch PVC pipe hanging from the underside of my top with a small hose to a float. Its both closed and far out of the way