Question about reservoir for ATO

[cmantis]

My tanks have been very thirsty and I don't think the rubbermaid reservoir I got is going to be big enough. I have this barrel I got from a friend who was using it on his tank but I am not sure how to set it up for use. It has a plumbers nipple drilled into the bottom with some tubing attached. The tubing is larger than what an aqualifter uses so I didn't know if maybe I could adapt it or plug it up. Figured I would ask here for some creative solutions or where I might find a suitable reservoir. Thanks.

 

[edd]

get a reducer

 

[peteyboyny]

That looks like a pretty big res. Don't know how big your system is, but be careful with large top-off reservoirs hook direct to system. In the event of equipment failure, it could flood or cause salinity swings.

 

[cmantis]

The idea is to have it connected to an aqualifter controlled by my aquacontroller with a safeguard programmed in.

 

[lnevo]

I've heard issues of aqua-lifters siphoning... which would lead to being concerned the water weight would force itself through the aqua-lifter.. I would think it would better drawing the water through a feed coming from the top. I haven't seen/used an aqua-lifter directly, but just thinking out loud.

 

[JOHANNA]

Just put a check valve on the line and you will be ok.

 

[lnevo]

Wasn't concerned directly about siphoning...a check valve wouldn't help here since i was concerned about water weight pushing through the aqua-lifter diaphragm in the same direction as desired water flow...

 

[Widdy]

Add a 3way 1/4" tee on the outlet side of the aqualifter... have tubing from one of the tee run several feet above the water level in the reservoir, this will serve as a siphon break.

 

[arnaldolex]

you should go from the top close the bottom hole i have a 20;gallon reserve and the top works the best make sure the tube line in your tank dont touch the water i messed up and it got messy i ended up putting the tubing in the overflow box works great now

 

[cmantis]

Ok so I am going to plug the hole. I found it needs a 1/2" plug and I found this at HD:

The problem is that it is brass which means copper. Any ideas on what I can use to plug this hole?

How about this: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...talogId=10053&productId=202209556&R=202209556http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/1f/1f7d67a7-313a-4489-b616-7fcc1a4cd378_300.jpg with some silicone?

 

[cmantis]

Here is another potential problem, the plastic barrel had a brass barb fitting in the 1/4" hole before with tubing attached to drain through does this mean it probably isnt good to use since I see corrosion on that fitting?

 

[dubs]

that too large of a top off for Ur system after a while after water been in it wile it will get slime on the inside of the barrel no good for Ur system and if u do decide to used it go throw the top with a pump inside the barrel it a lot more safe then using the one on the bottom

 

[edd]

they make that plug in pvc. i would avoid any metal plugs.