Pictures of ATO's.

[ptomoson]

I have limited space under my tank and need ideas to build an ATO. Post your pic if you could please.

[Michael]

well i havent got a pic at the moment, but i use an old salt bucket for the resevoir and its tight under my cabinet but it squeezes in

[qfrisco]

I don't have a pic either, but it probably wouldn't make much sense anyway. :-)

Do you already have a sump? If you do, then all you need to do is find a container that will fit in the space you have left. The container will be your ATO reservoir. Trash bins make good reservoirs as they're usually skinny, tall, and cheap. Make some measurements under your tank, and go to your local Walmart, Target, etc. and look for trash bins that fit those measurements.

You'll then need a float switch, but that will go in your sump and shouldn't take any more room under your tank. You'll also need a small pump to put in your reservoir to pump water into your sump when the water level gets low. I use a MicroJet powerhead with tubing attached to its output. Works really well.

[EvMiBo]

www.autotopoff.com has some pictures that explain their product pretty well imo.

[jsr]

Here is what I use. This is a dual float switch setup from autotopoff.com.

[ScottL4619]

I got something like this. Not sure the size of this one, but mine holds about 11 or 12 gallons. It's tall and narrow, and deep enough to slightly stick out the back of my stand, but it's up against a wall anyways, so it doesn't matter. You could probably fit it inside a stand at a slight angle. It fits between my sump and ballasts on my 125...

[ScottL4619]

Oh, and I use this topoff system and love it. It uses a laser level system with a secondary float valve to prevent overflow. The other advantage of this unit is that it tells you when your sump water is low because the laser can detect the distance from the probe to the water. It also turns the pump off if it runs for more than a certain amount of time without the level rising.

**Not my picture...**

[jbird69]

This is my idea of limited space. The unit to the right of the tank is my ATO



This is my solution. I built a hinged top box (with no bottom) that fits over the top of my 7gal container. I made the box with cabinet grade, 1/2" birch plywood and stained it to match the tank stand (kinda).




The auto top of system was taken from here.
http://www.melevsreef.com/plumbing/auto_topoff.html

Its ghetto, but it works great!


Jay

[ptomoson]

Cool setup Jay! I guess I was not thinking of outside of the stand but I could totally get away with it.

[will16]

I don't have much room either. I found a custom built tank that fits perfectly behind the stand. It holds about 6 gal. Not great but works. I have to top it off every 3-4 days. I built a little cart with castors so I can wheel in in and out to fill





Made a top for it out of lexan and silicone




I also use the Tunze Osmolator

[Indymann99]

Rubbermaid office trash can ( 4.5gal??)

Left of the sump.

Controlled by inexpensive JBJ ATO (controller upper right).

I am going to build an acrylic container that should hold 7gal so I can go a full week on vacation.



hope this helps

[ser_renely]

hmmmm

[Stray32]

I used one of the 5 gallon water jugs from a water cooler. I cut the neck off with a Dremel. It fits perfectly right next to me sump.