ATO freshwater container?

[EdsonFOWLR]

I just ordered the Hydor Smart Level Auto Top Off Controller and Eheim Compact Pump 600 to put a ATO system together for my 122 Gallon FOWLR system with a 60 Gallon Sump. What does everyone use to hold the freshwater for their ATO systems? Also I was planning on using a rubbermade garbage can and wanted to put it beside my tank 2' off the ground, will it be a problem having it this high or should it be level with the sump?

[rynoe]

I use a 30 gallon tank for ato water. Be careful with your ato container higher then the sump you may create a siphon and drain the entire thing.

[intarsiabox]

A garbage can would work just fine but I would have it hidden. I have used a tall column type aquarium for one holding tank and built a section directly into my sump on another aquarium.

[EdsonFOWLR]

The reason I wanted to use a garbage can is so I have enough capacity for when I go on vacation and the friends that are taking care of my tank don't have to fill anything. I figured it should be good for the 2 weeks I am gone.

[EdsonFOWLR]

Originally Posted by rynoe

I use a 30 gallon tank for ato water. Be careful with your ato container higher then the sump you may create a siphon and drain the entire thing.

If I have the discharge hose for the ATO not submersed under water I was thinking then I wouldent have a problem with siphoning back, or will I run into other issues?

[monza]

It's always a good safety feature to have a smallish fresh water top off container, say a five gallon bucket. That way if some thing fails in the auto top system and it sticks on or a syphon is created you don't flood your tank with to much fresh water. Another float switch/ timer can feed the five gallon from a larger storage container.
Very important it can't continue a syphon for sure.

[craigwmiller]

I use a clear plastic sterilite bin (kind with the white lids). It's about 5 gallons, and he a float valve in it, and a ball valve that only let's it refill very slowly from the RO storage container... (so if something happens with the topoff process, there is limited water that can be added.

[intarsiabox]

Originally Posted by EdsonFOWLR

The reason I wanted to use a garbage can is so I have enough capacity for when I go on vacation and the friends that are taking care of my tank don't have to fill anything. I figured it should be good for the 2 weeks I am gone.

I've only sized my ATO reservoir to hold no more fresh water than the empty part of my sump can handle without over flowing. I would personally use a smaller reservoir and have 5g pails of fresh water for your friends to add if needed. You can even leave them a powerhead with a hose attached to fill the reservoir up without having to even lift anything. The garbage can would probably work just fine but there is always a chance it will fail and put a lot of water on your floor in a very short period of time. I do things my way for my own peace of mind and this is all just my own opinion.