$1K Tank Upgrade???

[Bengals888]

Hi,

I would appreciate your thoughts/suggestions on a possible tank upgrade.

My current setup:

Nuvo Fusion 25 AIO
Custom stand 24” x 24” *internal dimensions smaller
Jebao DCP-2000
AI Prime HD
CPR HOB fuge2 Small (most likely not use with sump setup)

I was looking into the Nuvo EXT 40 Gallon which allows for external sump.
I could keep using my stand and Jebao pump.
How much evap per day I would expect with a 40 gallon tank sump setup?

Nuvo EXT 40 $600 shipped
Icecap k2-50 Skimmer $130
Trigger Crystal Sump Cube 18 $265
Total $995
Plumbing parts $?
NO ATO

Only other option is the Cadlights Versa II 68Gallon for about same price.
I have read many mixed reviews, seems hit and miss with quality.
Very tempting cadlight setup.

 

[Rover]

Its hard to give an exact number.... Surface area is the big one, as well as the temperature of the room and the temperature of the water of the tank, and if you have any air movement across the tank.

You are going to be doubling your surface area of water at least, so look to probably at least be dealing with twice as much evaporation, if not more.

I couldn't afford an upgrade like that myself, but if I were you I would try to get an ATO. Especially in a sump. In my 75 gallon tank with a 40ish gallon eshopps sump, the sump compartment will go dry in less then 24 hours if I don't add water.

 

[Retro Reefer]

Don’t forget lighting for the 40 that’s going to add a lot to your totals.. My 40 evaporates about 1/2-3/4 gallon per day and IMO an ATO is a must have piece of equipment.. you can can save a lot by taking your time and shopping around for deals, I scored a nice sump and DC skimmer for around $280 total shipped to my door..

You can also save hundreds by going with cheaper tank.. I only paid $50 for my 40 gallon tank on sale!

 

[Bengals888]

Wow, sump evaps that quickly in 24hrs? or both sump and tank evap? How big is your ATO?

Does covering the sump help reduce evap?

It is mainly I have already built the stand with 2x4’s. It is heavy and 24”x24” so I am kind of stuck with cube shape sump unless I ditch what I have. Same for tank size.
2x4’s not treated either so that is a concern.

I have the AI Prime HD, good enough for my use.

There is such a huge jump in price when it comes sump type setups and going slightly larger.

 

[Rover]

Its not that the ENTIRE sump evaporates; The sump chamber that has the return pump in it is the only part of your sump or tank that will show falling water levels. Once you have a sump, the surface level of your tank will remain constant. But in your sump, at the lowest baffle, is the 'return' section, where your pump goes. That is where you aim your ATO sensors to refill.

Mine is probably 4-5 gallons? My ATO is about 30 gallons and I refill it once every 8-9 days or so. (Typically I just fill it up every weekend as thats easier then waiting for it to need to be filled.

Covering your sump will reduce evaporation.