Evaporation on nano tanks

[NumberFish]

Hi. I'm am doing my research before setting up a 20 gallon high nano tank. Something I was curious about for those with smaller tanks is how do you handle evaporation? I live in South Louisiana and during the hottest part of the summer A/C's run constantly and suck all the moisture from the air. How do you keep it from becoming an issue? Thanks!

 

[brandon429]

People with larger nanos tend to use automated top off systems controlled via various float switches and mechanics

As size decreases other top off controls become possible...Google hamster bottle top off for nano reef

And then the smaller nanos, ironically, have no requirement for automated or drip systems because you can either fully or partially seal them to have little or no topoff at all. Tight fitting lids afford a full seal, but can be lifted for service. My current pico reef has a partial sealing lid, and needs topoff every three days only. Even a 200 gallon reef can't get away with that ! Smaller nanos are easier to control salinity vs large reefs, ultimate irony.

 

[FeliciaLynn]

Hi. I'm am doing my research before setting up a 20 gallon high nano tank. Something I was curious about for those with smaller tanks is how do you handle evaporation? I live in South Louisiana and during the hottest part of the summer A/C's run constantly and suck all the moisture from the air. How do you keep it from becoming an issue? Thanks!

In a small tank, its always an option to just manually top off every day with fresh RO/DI water, but that can definitely become a pain. Especially if you travel or have days where you're busy and wouldn't be able to deal with daily top offs. Also, if you have a lot of evaporation, in a small water volume, that would create quite the salinity swing which could stress the corals and fish. Personally, I'd recommend setting up an auto-top off system even on a small tank. They aren't that expensive and are well worth the investment. There are a ton of different options on the market, but I just use a JBJ Auto Top Off Controller, which has been on the market for a long time and is inexpensive. Its worked great for me for 3+ years now and makes life so much easier. I just have a reservoir of fresh water in my stand and a Toms Aqualifter pump hooked to the JBJ Auto Top Off Controller. Inexpensive and easy! I used this same system on a 10 gallon reef, a 30 gallon, and now a 40 breeder. For a small tank, you can get away with a smaller reservoir of top off water. My reservoir hold 4 gallons of water and lasts 5-6 days for my 40 breeder.

 

[Jisko]

I have a 10g nano and i buy about 3g of RO water every week. 1g is for evaporation an the other 2g are for a water change. Its just super east to slowly add in water as it evaporates. I do have the Hydor Smart Level Controller but Its just a pain to mess with it and if you arnt running a sump it looks really cramped in the tank.

I normally do the top off all in one shot... normally 3-4 days after the water change I add the whole 1g to the tank. If I know I'll be gone I put a glass lid on the tank which slows the evaporation down a lot.

 

[NumberFish]

Thanks everyone for the replies. This helps me get an idea!

 

[webbrage]

Im thinking of putting a 55 gallon drum in my closet with a powerhead in it with RO water so i can top off instead of having a RODI system I'm not staying here for long. So ill just fill it up ever now and then from the Fish shop