Evaporation

[barbouri02]

I know this is going to vary from tank to tank and even from region to region even.

But can anyone give me an idea of average evaporation from a 55 DT 20 Sump system? Its wide open both DT and sump, HOB overflow box, and lighting is 4 bulb 4ft Tek5 lighting system. The ambiant out temps range from 74-80 in 24 hrs but the tank stays between 78-80 constant.

I find myself (we're running only RO/DI or I would just test the salinity to be sure) having to top off the system 2-4 cups every day or two to keep the sump at our specified level. The DT of course, stays constant. Seems like ALOT of top off, but then I've never run a sump system nor had open tops so I dont know if this is normal, higher than normal, or if I should be lucky because it could be worse. lol

Thanks for any ideas.

[dunc101]

That sounds about right for that size tank.
I have a 90 gallon with 30 gallon sump and I run through my 7 gallon top off bucket about every 4 days which means I'm using around 1.5 - 2 gallons of water a day or so. My temperature is around 78-80 and I have 2 fans that turn on when the temp gets to 79.1 Fahrenheit. All I have is a canopy on top but the back of the canopy is exposed.

[thegrun]

My 50 rimless with a 20 gallon sump loses about 3 gallons a week to evaporation which would be about 3.5 cups a day.

[thegrun]

Look into purchasing an ATO system, you'll wonder how you ever survived without one after it's up and running.

[barbouri02]

That seems to be only .25 gallon a day or two. I do not have fans on the tank though. I was starting to think it was alot. lol Glad to know its not.

[barbouri02]

ATO is something we're definitely going to be looking into in the near future. What would one suggest, a already made system, or a DIY? Im not very DIY savvy.

[dunc101]

Yeah. I tried doing it without an ATO for a couple of weeks and gave up. I now just wish I had a bigger can for my top of water, but nothing else would fit under the stand and my wife doesn't really want a huge brute trash can sitting beside the tank lol. I guess I am really only using about 5 gallons of water every 4 days because I don't let the pump run dry and I always use my 5 gallon bucket to refill. That still equates to 1.25 gallons a day or so.

[dunc101]

Originally Posted by barbouri02

ATO is something we're definitely going to be looking into in the near future. What would one suggest, a already made system, or a DIY? Im not very DIY savvy.

One of the best ATO units on the market is arguably the Tunze Osmolator. It has a laser that detects when water is low and also a float switch for a backup. The cost for this though is $200.

Another option that a lot of people like is the JBJ ATO unit. It comes with 2 float switches and is only $99.

A third option that many people do is buy a reefkeeper or Apex unit and use this system in conjunction with the float switches. This option, though, is a little more than just plug and play as you need to program how the float switches work. Of course, it is also very flexible as you could add as many float switches (or some other technology such as water on the floor sensors) to the unit as you like.

I personally have the Tunze Osmolator. Although it costs a little more, having two different technologies in one unit is what sold me on it. If for some odd reason the laser were to fail, surely the float switch would not fail for the same reason. I believe you still need to buy a separate pump with the JBJ unit, but the Tunze Osmolator also comes with a pump as well.

[izzy123]

I have about 0.5 gallon evaporation per day on my 40G (with lid) and 25G sump (open)

My ATO is a diy one, it is a soda bottle (about 0.5 gallon) with a float (the same principal of a toilet filling)

But to be honest, as soon as I have the time, I'm building a new one with a pump and a float switch...... the soda bottle is too small

Ivan

[barbouri02]

Thanks for the tips guys.

Are the DIY ones expensive to make? Im not so worried about the money aspect, but would be concerned with the difficulty. Like I said, Im not very DIY savvy.

Plug and play is more my style but it does seem pricy. *sigh* But such is the hobby I suppose lol.

[sponger0]

Check out autotopoff.com. About $50 and looks pretty simple. Im going to get one for my tanks.

[sponger0]

Also....feel lucky...I replace 3-4 cups a day in a biocube SMH

[SneakyPete]

I fill on about a half gallon per day in my 40B + 29 sump. I think I lose a lot due to the HOB overflow. That makes for a lot of additional surface area.

[T Smith]

FWIW my 100 with 55 sump (around 120 gallons total system) loses 2 gallons per day...

[barbouri02]

Ouch Thomas lol. I should be grateful with my two cups. lol

And thank you Sponger0 for the link. I'll check it out.

[Brando8719]

I have a 55g DT with a 15g sump and I run through my 7 gallon bucket once a week.

I recently purchased the Tunze osmolator and I love it. I was really considering the JBJ ATO because it was $80 cheaper... but then I also would have to purchase a pump. I ended choosing the osmolator because of the great reviews and because I never read anywhere that anyone had their system fail.

[daplatapus]

I bought the Tunze osmolator and have never regreted it. Very nice unit and easy install.

[briankmarsh1980]

I evap about 10g a week but I do have a small fan in my hood.
I use the JBJ ATO great unit.

[barbouri02]

Thanks I think it will be narrowed down to those two units then. I'll research them and see what would work best for us. Thanks so much!!

[Sk8r]

Gallon a day on a 54 wedge with 250 w MH lighting and external pump.

[WetShepherd]

Originally Posted by dunc101

One of the best ATO units on the market is arguably the Tunze Osmolator. It has a laser that detects when water is low and also a float switch for a backup. The cost for this though is $200.

Thanks for the rec - This thing looks amazing. Picking one up next week and can't wait Any advice on what makes the best, low (or no) maintenance reservoir for the RODI water?

[daplatapus]

I've got mine in a 32 gal brute garbage can. Thankfully space isn't a big issue as my sump is in the basement so I have 2 side by side. One stores RODI with my Tunze pump in it and the other is always filled with mixed SW ready for emergencies or top off if my S.G. comes down a bit too much.