How much are you guys topping off?

[thirty5]

Today I am actually manually topping off my system. I don't have my ATO right now (i was using float valve from RO unit for the time being).

I can't believe actually how much I need to top off this system. 75 display and 90 sump, so there is a lot of air water contact.

I didnt calculate it, but it seems to be alot.

 

[KathyC]

Come on, use that handy measuring cup you figured out the gallons in the Brute can with! lol

My 120 - with a 33g sump uses maybe 2 G per day, My 45G w/ 20g sump about 1 g per day.

Your evaporation rate will depend mainly on how fast you are moving the water through your sump and the amount of agitation on the surface of both the DT & sump.
If it is a concern you can reduce the amount you are evaporating by slowing down that flow rate some what.

 

[guarda]

Haven't tried this and I failed physics but I am considering trying a humidifier in my living room during my next long vacation as my top off chamber only holds a weeks worth of topoff water.

 

[Imbarrie]

You could use a siphon tube in a bucket next to your stand to expand your sump while you are on vaca. As long as it is the same height as your sump you will be fine.
I think the humidifier would empty quickly also.

 

[FlyTekk]

If u have big skimmer and lots of evaporation i think its okay to slow surface agitation a little. Assuming your skimmer does a good job of aerating ur whole system.

 

[thirty5]

I have a good size skimmer and actualy my drain into my fuge actualy bubbles. I have a lot of surface agitation.

Also prob does not help that I have forced hot air and no humidifier so the air just sucksup the moisture

Sent from my Piece of crap Sprint Epic

 

[wonderballz]

I evap anywhere between 1 and 2 gallons per day from my 40 breeder/20g sump. usually about 1 or less though

 

[motortrendz]

my 92g with a 54g sump both bowfront corners, have huge surface areas 36across by 34 depth in a triange shape, i go thru almost 4 gallons a day!!!

 

[Domboski]

There's always more evaporation during the winter months when the air is more dry.

 

[motortrendz]

i got my ATO hooked up abt 3 weeks ago so now i dont have to worry abt it.. it just clicks on and off when needed...

 

[NYC Joe]

Few gallons each time but I check every wed and sat.
Manual style here!

 

[thirty5]

I am starting to think that ato is a very important item. Depending on system size not sure ha the SG swings is good for the animals. While thy appear ok. They may be better with more consistant levels

Sent from my Piece of crap Sprint Epic

 

[Imbarrie]

Stability is key

 

[duke62]

salinity and temps change in the oceans as well.i manually top off and never noticed any effects on my corals or fish when i forget to top off and im missing 2 or 3 gallons

 

[thirty5]

salinity and temps change in the oceans as well.i manually top off and never noticed any effects on my corals or fish when i forget to top off and im missing 2 or 3 gallons

Right but 2 or 3 gallons from what size tank??? In a large system a couple gallons may not be much at all, but if you are running a small system 2 or 3 gallons may effect it drastically.

As posted above the change in SG in the ocean is prob not as drastic,

Stability is what I am looking for.

 

[Imbarrie]

Tidal swings will bring changes in temp and a small change in salinity. However these tides decrease as you get close to the equator. Between the tropics the tidal range exerts little change on the reefs.
We also exert a huge destabilizing force by confining our livestock in tanks. Any way I can minimize further stress seems like the right thing to do.iMO

 

[thirty5]

Tidal swings will bring changes in temp and a small change in salinity. However these tides decrease as you get close to the equator. Between the tropics the tidal range exerts little change on the reefs.
We also exert a huge destabilizing force by confining our livestock in tanks. Any way I can minimize further stress seems like the right thing to do.iMO

Exactly what he said!!!!! LOL

 

[motortrendz]

i noticed a big difference after the ato was hooked up.. things look healthier, skimmer functioning better and water is clearer...