I can't imagine having a reef tank without some sort of ATO.
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I’m setting up a 10 gallon for my daughter and putting an ATO in it. No sense in risking messing with salinity because someone forgot something.I can't imagine having a reef tank without some sort of ATO.
If you're cheap, reefing might not be for you.Y
I suppose I’m cheap, and I really shouldn’t be.
The ATO solution solves all of my concerns, it’s just another added cost. But probably worth it?
Same here, my 210 evaporate about 5 gal a day too.My 180 evaporates like 5+ gallons a day heh
its not just top off. its the beginnings of your quest for stability. letting the water level fluctuate will cause hypo or hyper salinity which will stunt your coral growth. the ato may be the most underrated piece of equipment for a reef tankI suppose I’m cheap, and I really shouldn’t be.
The ATO solution solves all of my concerns, it’s just another added cost. But probably worth it?
I have the hose from my salt mini station pump in my sump I turn it on 15 seconds a day and refill above the water line in the sump.Y
I suppose I’m cheap, and I really shouldn’t be.
The ATO solution solves all of my concerns, it’s just another added cost. But probably worth it?
Your condescending statement “if you’re cheap, reefing might not be for you” made me laugh. As if I’m actually cheap, and wavering on my long term participation in the hobby.If you're cheap, reefing might not be for you.
My first tank was a 120 gal with metal halide lights and no ATO. Every morning before work I went down to the basement to bring up 2 gallons of water to top off the tank. Not only does this get old after a while, but makes vacations and long weekends impossible. So, in my opinion, the ATO is money well spent.
I go through 1 gallon a day in my 109.Why are you so concerned with evaporation? That's why God invented ATO systems? My 5 gal ATO reservoir/jug typically lasts 7-9 days with my 90 gal tank.
My apologies. I did not mean for that to come across as condescending. Sometimes words just sound different in your head than they do when someone else reads them.T
Your condescending statement “if you’re cheap, reefing might not be for you” made me laugh. As if I’m actually cheap, and wavering on my long term participation in the hobby.
Great advice, after all these years I should just quit. Your advice has greatly influenced and improved my reef husbandry. I appreciate your deep minded insight, and urge you to continue providing us all with your vast expertise and philosophical words of advice.
Ok, no worries. I took it the wrong way. My bad.My apologies. I did not mean for that to come across as condescending. Sometimes words just sound different in your head than they do when someone else reads them.
I never even considered glass as an option.Which is best, mesh or solid glass/acrylic lid top?
Is there a reason one is better than the other?
What do you have on your Aquarium?
Humid where you live right.? In winter with low humidity, I'd go though that in 2 days.Why are you so concerned with evaporation? That's why God invented ATO systems? My 5 gal ATO reservoir/jug typically lasts 7-9 days with my 90 gal tank.
I'm like you, as water evaporation is one of my biggest concerns regarding tank lids. I personally prefer acrylic as it really saves my water bill as I have to make nowhere near as much RODI for topoff. When I get my custom cut acrylic lids, I make sure to get them with half inch holes, to allow for gas exchange, while trapping almost all of the water. You'd be surprised. The only downside that I can possibly think of is the initial cost, as the lids themselves can get quite pricy with acrylic. But its a one time pay and in the long run I believe it is worth it. But really you can do what you want, and that no option is really "better" than the other. Just depends on what you're looking for.Y
I suppose I’m cheap, and I really shouldn’t be.
The ATO solution solves all of my concerns, it’s just another added cost. But probably worth it?