What are some good DIY containers for Auto Top Off Reservoir?

[Labora]

Are there any good containers that mimic the insanely $150 ATO boxes? I don't mind doing the drilling of holes and such.

Preferably rectangular-shaped to fit under tank otherwise I'd just use the standard 5-gal round containers if it didn't matter.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Poly tanks, rubbermaid tubs and mini brute container

 

[Red_Beard]

I'm using a glass 10 gallon aqueon for mine, built an acrylic hinged lid. works great

 

[jtlmnop]

I just use a Lowes 5gal bucket with a hole drilled in the lid. I refill it every 4-5 days. It’s in my cabinet, so I do t need anything that looks fancy and costs $150.

 

[polyppal]

There's some much cheaper options from custom builders on Ebay.

Or you can use those plastic camping water storage containers that are like $10-15

 

[Matt Miller]

I used an $8 plastic food storage tote from Walmart, holds over 3g

 

[lpsouth1978]

10g aqueon tank here.

 

[Raege]

I used a rectangular plastic trash can. Just has to check to find non toxic safe option. Got one dollar general for 3 but is think 7gallon

 

[Joe31415]

I have a 5 gallon (food safe) bucket with a few holes in the lid. One for RODI in, one for RODI up to the tank and one for the wire coming off the pump.
I also drilled two big holes in the side, and with some 90 degree connectors, ran some clear tubing from the bottom to the top to act as a level indicator so I can see the level when I walk past it (Looks kinda like this).
Then, on top of all that, I picked up a electrically operated ball valve and plumbed it into the copper feeding the RODI system. This valve opens when it's powered on and closes when it loses power. It's plugged into this countdown timer.

A few pieces of tape on the water level indicator and now I can check it once a day and hit the 15m/30m/1h/2h etc button and be confidant it A)won't over fill itself because I forgot to turn it off and B) it'll be reasonably filled up enough that if I forget to do it for a few days it won't be empty.

 

[Reefer37]

I think it's ridiculous the amount of money they charge for plastic cubes and throw "ATO reservoir" and charge an arm and a leg. I just took a trashcan with a lid and just drilled a small enough hole for my tubing and cord for the pump to fit through and works perfect for me.

 

[Joe31415]

I think it's ridiculous the amount of money they charge for plastic cubes and throw "ATO reservoir" and charge an arm and a leg.

The only way I could justify spending that kind of money is when I thought my ATO reservoir was going to be in plain sight since it wouldn't fit under the stand, it was going to be next to it. Once I decided to put it in my basement, a $5 bucket was more than adequate.

 

[Chrysemys]

Search stackable water storage. There are a few shapes and sizes. A lot of them come with lids which you can thread plumping into. A company we order from ships their product in these and I have found so many uses for the empties.

 

[Even Further]

This what I use. The way the lid flips open makes it easy to refill.

 

[Weasel1960]

I have been looking at this lately as well. Amazon has a whole bunch of different sizes and styles from 2 gallon on up. I am not going to fill my ATO from RODI so looking at toting 5 gallon containers with caps and handles up the steps. Want to fit 2 in the stand and have 2 in basement ready to go.

Right now thinking this but haven’t decided

 

[X-37B]

5 gallon bucket ony 45 frag.
Its in a cabinet.
Bashsea $150 on my 120 only because I run an open stand design and look at it every time I look at the tank, lol.

 

[Be102]

I use this and love it.. somehow it holds like 15+ gallons of ato water.. unsure the size I have but you get the idea! .. Gamma2 Vittles Vault Airtight Pet Food Storage Container

 

[X-37B]

I use this and love it.. somehow it holds like 15+ gallons of ato water.. unsure the size I have but you get the idea! .. Gamma2 Vittles Vault Airtight Pet Food Storage Container

Nice! I use those for dog and cat food. They have a few sizes too.

 

[Dryanimtt]

I use this. Works like a charm.

 

[jpil]

This what I use. The way the lid flips open makes it easy to refill.

How much water does this hold? What are the actual dimensions of it? I see two listed on the Amazon page

 

[New&no clue]

I have been looking at this lately as well. Amazon has a whole bunch of different sizes and styles from 2 gallon on up. I am not going to fill my ATO from RODI so looking at toting 5 gallon containers with caps and handles up the steps. Want to fit 2 in the stand and have 2 in basement ready to go.

Right now thinking this but haven’t decided

I use this on mine it works great.