DIY ATO reservoir

[thesassyindian]

After a tank crash scare last week, I finally started taking the first of two remaining steps towards automation.
Set up the FMM/ATK v2 with a DIY reservoir.

Found these 5.8qt OXO Pop container at Target for $20 and decided to use that as a reservoir to save some $$$. (Why are ATO reservoirs so expensive?)

Drilled two holes through the lid for the pump power and water tube.

Next, for the siphon break, I printed a small magnetic bracket to keep it in place above the water line.

FMM Program:

 

[Matthew Meyer]

I just setup a new ato and reservoir. I just used a old salt bucket.

 

[rdriggett]

I use a 2gal dog food container! Free and comes with a cord pass through.

 

[JVU]

I use an orange 5g Home Depot bucket with a Tunze water controller filling it from RODI so I don’t have to.

 

[thesassyindian]

Wish I had as much space as y'all!
As mentioned in my tank journal, my tank is siting on our kitchen/bar counter, so I don't have space for a 5gal bucket other floor kept reservoirs.
So I had to improvise.

 

[NanoCrazed]

After a tank crash scare last week, I finally started taking the first of two remaining steps towards automation.
Set up the FMM/ATK v2 with a DIY reservoir.

Found these 5.8qt OXO Pop container at Target for $20 and decided to use that as a reservoir to save some $$$. (Why are ATO reservoirs so expensive?)

View attachment 42963

Drilled two holes through the lid for the pump power and water tube.

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Next, for the siphon break, I printed a small magnetic bracket to keep it in place above the water line.
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FMM Program:
View attachment 42969

Exactly what I used for all my nanos...

 

[Matthew Meyer]

How big is the tank? My 13.5g evaporates like galf of that ato in a day.

 

[thesassyindian]

How big is the tank? My 13.5g evaporates like galf of that ato in a day.

I have a Fluval EVO 13.5gal tank.

 

[Matthew Meyer]

I have a Fluval EVO 13.5gal tank.

Do you use the lid? Interested to see how long it takes before you have to refill the ato. Maybe i went overboard with 5g.

 

[thesassyindian]

Do you use the lid? Interested to see how long it takes before you have to refill the ato. Maybe i went overboard with 5g.

I have a mesh lid made from a window screen kit. I may have to refill the reservoir every week or so, but I am fine with that. I don't have space for a large reservoir, so its either refill it weekly, or top-off the tank daily.

My evap is definitely not 1/2 gallon a day. Its more like 1/8gal a day.

 

[Matthew Meyer]

I have a mesh lid made from a window screen kit. I may have to refill the reservoir every week or so, but I am fine with that. I don't have space for a large reservoir, so its either refill it weekly, or top-off the tank daily.

My evap is definitely not 1/2 gallon a day. Its more like 1/8gal a day.

Most screens limit airflow by 50%. I may have to invest

 

[BAYMAC]

Most screens limit airflow by 50%. I may have to invest

Use clear 1/8 knotless netting. I posted a source here years ago, but ehre it was again: https://www.industrialnetting.com/extruded-square.html

Pretty sure there are online aquaria dealers selling it now as well. Its the same stuff used to make hand nets and drift nets for collecting marine ornamentals.

 

[BAYMAC]

Most screens limit airflow by 50%. I may have to invest

they also block light. Check out the link I posted, you can get smaller even.

 

[thesassyindian]

Exactly what I used for all my nanos...

Sweet!!
How do you run your tube and wire through the lid? Is it as ghetto as I have? Or do you use a grommet / bulkhead?

 

[thesassyindian]

Oh I forgot to add the sensor mount. The one that ships with the ATK V2, was too big for the chamber 3 of the Fluval EVO 13.5.
So, I designed and 3d printed one from PETG.