Container for ATO?

[TanksNStuff]

I'm looking into purchasing an ATO and think I've found the unit I will get. Here is the Reef Fanatic kit. I'll get something like this pump to feed the sump and keep it level.

Since I have about 10 gallons or so of room to spare in my sump if my return pump fails, I'd think a 3-5 gallon ATO container would be safe if the floats stick and the ATO pump doesnt shut off.

I'd also like the container to be sealed, but easily fillable. I'd either remove the container to fill it up, or remove a cap/lid and use a small powerhead to fill it up. The cap or lid would have to be big enough to put the pump in the container obviously. I suppose it should be translucent so I can easily see when it's empty too.

Here is a pic of my stand. I will put the container on that little shelf on the right hand side, so something rectangular would be preferred. (It's a pretty sturdy shelf by the way.)

Given all that info, what do you think I should get for the actual top off storage container? And where would be a good place to buy it?

 

[Mbodell]

you might be able to get one of those camping drinking water jugs. I use a 5 gallon bucket with a float switch wired into it.

 

[TanksNStuff]

Yea, I thought about using one of those. The problem is that they don't have a lid opening big enough to put the pump inside of it.

 

[Mbodell]

Just run the pump externally with a piece of hose in it. That is how I do mine.

 

[JRWOHLER]

I remember someone has a square two part jug....maybe someone remembers and can chime in. Sorry I don't remember but think it would fit great.

 

[TanksNStuff]

Hmm, now that you mention it, I'm not even sure if that pump is submersible or not. It may be an external for all I know.

Thanks for the replies Mbodell.

 

[TanksNStuff]

I'd be interested in that I think JR... if you remember or if anyone else knows what he is talking about, please post a link.

 

[mnat]

Not sure where you live, but tropiquarium sells 5 gallon jugs. They have a screw off top and that is what I am going to use when I setup my ATO eventually. I was going to put the pump on the stand and have the jug on the ground. Was also looking at the exact same setup that you want to buy.

 

[Gonzapa]

I built a container made of acrylic, to fit exactly on the rails of the sump. Instead of an ATO I put an nptf connector at the bottom and connected it to a float valve with standard tubbing.
It is pretty much fail proof that way

 

[JRWOHLER]

Yeh the Trop jugs are pretty decent but I was thinking they were too big sorta short as squat.

 

[TanksNStuff]

I'll have to find out where this Tropiquarium is and see what they look like. They have a website?

 

[Jcurry@wesketch]

This thing would work for what you want to do.

http://www.aqualan.com/products.html

 

[vangvace]

Check out the camping section of stores. There are a ton of options that could work for you there. A jerry can sounds like it would suit you needs being 5 gallons and only 7 inches wide.

 

[ds4x4]

Check out the camping section of stores. There are a ton of options that could work for you there. A jerry can sounds like it would suit you needs being 5 gallons and only 7 inches wide.

wally world sells those blue water cans. Basically a jerry can and that would work.. could even use a 5 gal water jug if you needed to.

 

[adesimone1]

We have a 7 gallon container a pump for ato can go in

 

[mnat]

I'll have to find out where this Tropiquarium is and see what they look like. They have a website?

Here is there website http://www.tropiquarium.com/ very bare bones. They have beautiful display tanks, if you are close check it out.

 

[TanksNStuff]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I'll probably check out that link mnat and hopefully find something. It will just have to fit on that shelf and the bigger the better I guess.