Why are ATO reservoirs so friggin expensive?

[Krixic]

Could someone explain to me the reasoning behind ATO reservoirs being upwards of a hundred dollars?? 5 gal tanks are like no more than 10 dollars and a lid might add another ten. It just does not add up to me. I really want a reservoir (cause they look clean) but I cant justify paying 100 and thats on the low end lol

 

[terraincognita]

Because this is a hobby, and when people make things custom made basically for small hobbies like this, they become expensive.

Mis-read but still applies, you can get one made out of acrylic for $40 rfom a local acrylic shop. They will make all kinds of acrylic things for you super cheap.

 

[JCTReefer]

You could always build one out of acrylic? Takes a bit of practice to get good welds, but is definitely doable! I know what you mean though. Just spent 170.00 on a 10 gallon Trigger systems ATO reservoir.

 

[Krixic]

Because this is a hobby, and when people make things custom made basically for small hobbies like this, they become expensive.

You can DIY one for $30-40 if you know how to do basic wiring etc.

I get it but I feel like the demand is high enough where they could mass produce at a lower cost no? I though thats how it works...where high demand = more efficent costs therefore lower product costs. Maybe not for sure like that but at least along those lines. Cause its not like the materials are inherently expensive right? I'd guess no more than 10-15 to build each one...maybe even less

 

[JCTReefer]

Bashsea makes some nice ATO reservoirs. They’re about the same price as what you’ve been looking at though.

 

[Krixic]

You could always build one out of acrylic? Takes a bit of practice to get good welds, but is definitely doable! I know what you mean though. Just spent 170.00 on a 10 gallon Trigger systems ATO reservoir.

I might have to do that. Just seems odd to me lol

 

[GlassMunky]

Niche market means higher prices.
If you want one of the acrylic ones that’s how much they cost. Even if you find a local acrylic maker and have them custom make you one you’re still likely looking at 75% the cost or maybe even higher than the mass produced ones.

that said, you can use ANY container as an ATO res.
There’s tons of different sized jugs available online at all price points. Some people even just use tubberware

 

[Krixic]

Bashsea makes some nice ATO reservoirs. They’re about the same price as what you’ve been looking at though.

Yea im trying to pay no more than 50 and even then I feel like thats a bit on the high end. Maybe I'm just cheap? Hahaha

Maybe one will pop up on the market

 

[Flippers4pups]

Basement sump helps.

16 gallon conical tank and stand $65!

As far as aesthetics and space limitations are concerned, people find simple containers that fit under their stands that are cheap and work well, but may look unappealing. If you want aesthetically appealing box, like made of acrylic you're going to pay more money.

 

[Krixic]

Niche market means higher prices.
If you want one of the acrylic ones that’s how much they cost. Even if you find a local acrylic maker and have them custom make you one you’re still likely looking at 75% the cost or maybe even higher than the mass produced ones.

that said, you can use ANY container as an ATO res.
There’s tons of different sized jugs available online at all price points. Some people even just use tubberware

Gotcha, I just felt its gotten to the point where enough people want them that they could increase production at a lower cost (making the same product of course). But maybe not....I was never sure great with numbers so who am I to talk xD

I use a homedepot jug now, but just trying to get something that is a bit sleeker

 

[JCTReefer]

Cell cast Acrylic isn’t cheap. Even the thinner stuff is pricey. And then, you figure in the time and labor. They’re still way over priced IMO though!
Every once in a while you can find a sale though! Might even be one coming up with the next holiday.

 

[GlassMunky]

Yea im trying to pay no more than 50 and even then I feel like thats a bit on the high end. Maybe I'm just cheap? Hahaha

Maybe one will pop up on the market

For that price point you’re only option are used ones or some sort of DIY like a Tupperware tote or something.

its not like the materials are inherently expensive right? I'd guess no more than 10-15 to build each one...maybe even less

everyone seems to know everything involved in a manufacturing process they have no part in these days...

Go try and get that much acrylic, you’ll be surprised how much the materials alone cost

 

[Krixic]

Basement sump helps.

16 gallon conical tank and stand $65!

As far as aesthetics and space limitations are concerned, people find simple containers that fit under their stands that are cheap and work well, but may look unappealing. If you want aesthetically appealing box, like made of acrylic you're going to pay more money.

Solid set up! I suppose thats the price you are paying for, plus thats what market price has been set to. Just seems odd to me but what do I know

 

[JCTReefer]

I used to use a trash can for my ATO reservoir!

 

[Krixic]

Cell cast Acrylic isn’t cheap. Even the thinner stuff is pricey. And then, you figure in the time and labor. They’re still way over priced IMO though!
Every once in a while you can find a sale though! Might even be one coming up with the next holiday.

Hm, but whats the reasoning for using expensive material on a reservoir? Its just a water holder....

 

[Robatusan]

I got mine at Walmart.

Mainstays 46-Cup Bulk Food Storage Canister, 2.87 gal - Walmart.com

Buy Mainstays 46-Cup Bulk Food Storage Canister, 2.87 gal at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

 

[Krixic]

I used to use a trash can for my ATO reservoir!

Hey if it works, it works haha. I have no room in sump area and would like something that at least looks decent along side the tank.

 

[GlassMunky]

Hm, but whats the reasoning for using expensive material on a reservoir? Its just a water holder....

Expensive compared to what?

 

[JCTReefer]

Hm, but whats the reasoning for using expensive material on a reservoir? Its just a water holder....

You don’t have to use anything expensive!!! I was just saying most the ones for purchase are made out of acrylic. Any container that will hold water will work for the most part!!! No need for fancy acrylic!!

 

[SMSREEF]

I really want a reservoir (cause they look clean)

This is why they are expensive... a lot of people like the clean look and they will pay the high price for it. I think they are way overpriced and not worth it like you do though.

My suggestion is to get a 5 gallon bucket or 10 gallon aquarium and hide it in a piece of furniture.
This is mine and it serves multiple purposes, top off water, rags for spills, a workstation on top for testing...