Evaporation.

[WvAquatics]

Have my first tank full and cycling. But I am getting alot of evaporation. It's coming to a gallon or so a day. The tank is a 120g. Ambient temps are 70. Tanks at 78. Is 1 gallon or more a day normal? Should I look to only top off when salinity raises? I'm at 35. I marked my return section and it drops an inch or more twice a day

 

[lapin]

1 gallon seems right
Top off with 2" every day if thats what you lose.
Look into getting an ATO to make your life soooooooo much easier

 

[X-37B]

My 120 with 40 sump evaporation is 1.5 gallons a day.

 

[WvAquatics]

My 120 with 40 sump evaporation is 1.5 gallons a day.

That's my setup also. I am looking into an ATO but I don't have room in stand and worry about the kids getting in the ATO container. I have a 5 gallon I planned to use but trying to decide on what to use to hide it.

 

[WvAquatics]

I'm becoming a big fan or coralbox and reefbreeders stuff so I'm looking at the coralbox ATO.

 

[X-37B]

I run the Tunze with a 10 gallon bashea container.
I made my stand 2" oversize so it would fit.
My 45 frag tank runs a Tunze in a 5 gallon clear bucket in a cabinet next to it.

 

[X-37B]

I'm becoming a big fan or coralbox and reefbreeders stuff so I'm looking at the coralbox ATO.

I had a coralbox 300 skimmer on my nano worked well. I would not trade my tunze 9410 dc for any skimmer on the market.

 

[WvAquatics]

I run the Tunze with a 10 gallon bashea container.
I made my stand 2" oversize so it would fit.
My 45 frag tank runs a Tunze in a 5 gallon clear bucket in a cabinet next to it.

I built the stand for a 40g. Made it 50x25x40 so I have room. Well first stand and once I closed the inside I don't have the room I thought I would. I will have to set the container on the outside. Maybe I get a 5gallon bucket and drill a hole for the wires to run out.

 

[WvAquatics]

I like my curve elite 7 skimmer but I'm trying to get water just right so I'm not overflow the cup. It's been running lowest setting for 2 days with drain hose removed so I'm putting alot of bubbles in the tank but I figure it will get better in time. I'm a bit away from being done cycling so I'm in no rush

 

[X-37B]

I like my curve elite 7 skimmer but I'm trying to get water just right so I'm not overflow the cup. It's been running lowest setting for 2 days with drain hose removed so I'm putting alot of bubbles in the tank but I figure it will get better in time. I'm a bit away from being done cycling so I'm in no rush

That is why I love the Tunze skimmer.
I set it up 10 months ago and have never adjusted it. Dont have to turn it off to clean the cup or when feeding, or doing tank maintenance.
Here is my sump with ato. No baffles. Some day I will install magnetic panels lol.

 

[WvAquatics]

Yes I like the setup u have. It's my first tank so I'm learning as I go. So I'll look into a 5 gallon bucket and drill a hole. Do you heat ATO water I figure it is such a small amount that it won't affect the temp much. It's like a cold current running

 

[X-37B]

Yes I like the setup u have. It's my first tank so I'm learning as I go. So I'll look into a 5 gallon bucket and drill a hole. Do you heat ATO water I figure it is such a small amount that it won't affect the temp much. It's like a cold current running

No you dont need heat.
Go to a paint store and get a lid like this. No need to drill holes.
Get a 5g bucket you can see into without taking off the lid like this one on my frag system.

 

[WvAquatics]

I'll look around for one. I just need it sealed off I have toddlers so it would become a trap of food if not sealed.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Not abnormal and why ato's are in place. Through dryness/salt interaction/warmth and condensation - will occur. Worse in the winter when tank becomes a humidifier

 

[WvAquatics]

I was worried that it was too much but glad it's not time for ato

 

[X-37B]

I'll look around for one. I just need it sealed off I have toddlers so it would become a trap of food if not sealed.

I would suggest a small cabinet to sit next to the tank that you can child proof.
Its also good for elecrical equipment as its always good to keep it away from the salt water enviroment.
You also want an ato asap for tank stability imo.
My cabint has my co2 tank and regulator plus powerhead controllers and power strips.
Some day I will hook/setup my apex and keep it in the cabinet lol.

 

[WvAquatics]

Yes I thought about building a side cabinet to hold all that stuff. I was too excited to get water in I didn't plan it well enough. But I'll get the cabinet in time maybe build it to hold a 10g tank and run all my wires into it. Future plans. I plan to dial everything in over a few weeks get some live rock and a couple clowns and mollies. Mollies go straight in and clowns in qt. Build up cuc as needed and load pods everywhere in Dr and sump.

 

[X-37B]

Here is a quick pick I just took of mine. It was around $100 if I remember correctly.
Cheap office type but works.
I could use some wire management lol.

 

[WvAquatics]

I'm definitely going to look into a cabinet and ATO. The list gets longer lol

 

[X-37B]

I'm definitely going to look into a cabinet and ATO. The list gets longer lol

It never ends lol!