5 gal ATO Reservoir Recommendations

[D.WhiteShark]

Hi all! I'm downsizing and starting fresh.

I'm setting up a new 20 gal AIO tank and I'm hoping to get some ideas on a decent ATO reservoir for a decent price. My thought was to get one of these 5-ish gal rimless tanks off of amazon but unsure of how the actual reliability is. I don't need anything special, and I can build my own lid for it. I just can't see spending over $100 for such a small water holding tank that will almost never be seen. Is anyone using one of the small betta type tanks off Amazon? How has it been? Does anyone have a better recommendation for around 60 bucks that isn't too "janky"? The available area is only about 11"x11" and I have 20ish inches from the bottom up

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I use a 5 gallon standard tank that cost $12, I put plastic covering over it to protect it from dust. no need for something fancy, it will probably be hidden anyway.

I also use slim water containers from amazon that were less than $20, they have them in all sizes at amazon.

 

[X-37B]

5 gal bucket with lid next to my IM 15g.

 

[NC AL]

Petco sells 5 gallon tanks for about $14. You just have to catch them on sale. I build lids out of cutting board material. I have 2 reservoirs. One for ATO, one for kalkwasser. I probably have $20 in total for each.

For a 20 gallon tank, you might want to consider a 2.5 gallon. That is what I have on my son’s 20 gallon. Even then unless we are going on a long trip, he doesnt fill it more than 1.5-2 gallons. Heaven forbid something happens to your ato pump, but if it does you want to be able to have all of your reservoir water to be able to fit into the rear filter chambers and not onto the floor. Here is my sons 2.5 g reservoir.

 

[D.WhiteShark]

5 gal bucket with lid next to my IM 15g.

Not a bad plan but my OCD would NEVER allow that to happen...lol. I have to be able to fit it inside the cabinet under the tank

 

[NC AL]

The available area is only about 11"x11" and I have 20ish inches from the bottom up

I just saw this. My son’s 2.5 gallon has a footprint 12” x 7”. The 11x11 will be hard to find in anything larger.

 

[D.WhiteShark]

I just saw this. My son’s 2.5 gallon has a footprint 12” x 7”. The 11x11 will be hard to find in anything larger.

I can probably make 12" fit..might be tight. I saw a "tall cube" on amazon that had a 10 x 10 footprint so that was the basis for the post. I might have to make a run to Petco and see what they have going on though.

 

[mmorrison55]

Cheap and basic

5 gal Natural HDPE Plastic Carboy with Vent Hole (Screw Top Cap) - 1978B02

5 Gallon Space-Saver Container/ Carboy - HDPE are natural in color. Features a square, space-saving shape and easy-to-carry integral handle.

www.berlinpackaging.com

A step up with graduated levels

7 Gallon Flat Bottom White Utility Tank | Norwesco 44852

www.ntotank.com

And acrylic stylish

Crystal ATO 5 Gallon Reservoir

Crystal ATO reservoirs feature crystal clear acrylic to hold top off water for your aquarium in a closed container to help keep dust and debris out. The Trigger Systems ATO containers have a removable lid to prevent excess evaporation, while providing a large opening to refill the reservoir as...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

Not a bad plan but my OCD would NEVER allow that to happen...lol. I have to be able to fit it inside the cabinet under the tank

I totally understand that, but if you ever start dosing and/or upgrade, you will most likely not ever have all equipment contained under cabinet unless you have a very custom cabinet

I liked the guy that mentioned petco. Looks nice and neat

 

[D.WhiteShark]

I totally understand that, but if you ever start dosing and/or upgrade, you will most likely not ever have all equipment contained under cabinet unless you have a very custom cabinet

I liked the guy that mentioned petco. Looks nice and neat

I agree it does look nice and neat. I do not plan to ever go bigger. I've actually had bigger for the last 25+ years and have decided to permanently downsize for simplicity. Dosing is a possibility later on but dosing extensive additives and having over complicated controllers is pretty much out at this point in my life.

This is pretty much the current equipment located in my garage. My tank is built into the wall on the other side. This is also the reason I want to simplify.

 

[exnisstech]

I know its more money than its worth but I have one of these 5g trigger blemish reservoirs and its pretty nice. I have no idea what the blemish is. It's 14" deep x 6" wide x 15" tall.
EDIT: I also have a 10g version in red dimensions are 16"Dx10"Wx 15"T

link to the blemished items

 

[D.WhiteShark]

I know its more money than its worth but I have one of these 5g trigger blemish reservoirs and its pretty nice. I have no idea what the blemish is. It's 14" deep x 6" wide x 15" tall.
EDIT: I also have a 10g version in red dimensions are 16"Dx10"Wx 15"T

link to the blemished items

Just checked out your IM NUVO 20 build. I just got the IM Fusion 20 long for my downgrade. Nice build.

 

[NC AL]

. I just got the IM Fusion 20 long for my downgrade. Nice build.

So the 2.5 gallon reservoir for my sons tank is for a IM 20 long.

Bobo’s tank

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Hi all! I'm downsizing and starting fresh.

I'm setting up a new 20 gal AIO tank and I'm hoping to get some ideas on a decent ATO reservoir for a decent price. My thought was to get one of these 5-ish gal rimless tanks off of amazon but unsure of how the actual reliability is. I don't need anything special, and I can build my own lid for it. I just can't see spending over $100 for such a small water holding tank that will almost never be seen. Is anyone using one of the small betta type tanks off Amazon? How has it been? Does anyone have a better recommendation for around 60 bucks that isn't too "janky"? The available area is only about 11"x11" and I have 20ish inches from the bottom up

Do you have a photo of your stand? trying to get a visual image of it

 

[D.WhiteShark]

Do you have a photo of your stand? trying to get a visual image of it

It's just a cabinet like you would have under a countertop. There is not a "stand" really. I'm just planning to set it up on the counter