How do You Deal With Evaporation?

Jon Fishman · Jan 10, 2020

JATReef said:
Just curious, as i am thinking about doing something similar. Does putting a sheet of glass over the display cause an issues with oxygen levels in the water?

The idea of sealing off the top of the tank completely and having a sump in a cabinet makes me wonder how much fresh oxygen will be present at the water surface.

I run a ton of flow, so lots of surface agitation, oversized skimmer, and Ozone, which really cranks up the O2 levels.

Of course I had a recent mystery-death, so you never know

DeepSouth · Jan 10, 2020

I started a 130 display this summer. I had no problems until recently when the temperature hit where neither air nor heat were running. Like with you condensation built on the windows, and we were concerned about mold.

Purchased a de-humidifier, dropped to 50%, and that seems to have solved the problem.

Bryan68 · Jan 10, 2020

I had the same issue with my 180. Once the ac stopped running for the season, my humidity shot up. Bought a dehumidifier, and problem solved. I'm pulling about 4 gallons of water a day from the house.

daftwazzock · Jan 10, 2020

Bryan68 said:
I had the same issue with my 180. Once the ac stopped running for the season, my humidity shot up. Bought a dehumidifier, and problem solved. I'm pulling about 4 gallons of water a day from the house.

What's the TDS on water pulled from a dehumidifier?

Jon Fishman · Jan 10, 2020

daftwazzock said:
What's the TDS on water pulled from a dehumidifier?

If someone can test it, and show it under 5, I would buy a dehumidifier today Nd have it drain directly into my ATO reservoir........

salty joe · Jan 10, 2020

I have a large tank and it's covered. Otherwise, dealing with all the humidity would be expensive.

Terri Caton · Jan 10, 2020

I'm living in the high desert. I'll take all the humidity I can get! lol

SandJ · Jan 10, 2020

Jon Fishman said:
If someone can test it, and show it under 5, I would buy a dehumidifier today Nd have it drain directly into my ATO reservoir........

My dehumidifier water tests at 44 TDS. It is only a couple weeks old and the sample came from the bucket so it could be contributing to the TDS. I am goi f to try and get a sample into a clean container and test it.

motortrendz · Jan 10, 2020

Is there a way to put an exhaust vent in your hood to your attic

mich2599 · Jan 10, 2020

Had the same issue. Bought this unit and problem solved.

Brian_68 · Jan 10, 2020

When the A/C stops for the season cracking a window just slightly and letting cold dry air in is a lot cheaper for me than running a dehumidifier 24/7. For me a 1/4" opening is enough. A natural gas furnace with these commodity prices is great.

EricHop · Jan 10, 2020

Maybe look into a whole home dehumidifier? I purposely put my tank below a furnace return vent thats in my ceiling becuse I have a whole home dehumidifier hooked up to my furnace in the basement. Not sure if this actually helps or not because the tank is just getting started, but I hope so.

krash7172 · Jan 10, 2020

I have a built-in 180 and sump in a closet. A single return vent is plenty. I do not have a dehumidifier but I believe the furnace distributes the humidity enough to eliminate the problem.

Skynyrd Fish · Jan 10, 2020

If you have forced air it should deplete your humidity issue. I’m feeling you have heated floors or baseboard heat. I never run my humidifier on my furnace, as my tank evaporation keeps the house good. You can set up a couple fans it will keep the windows dry. The dehumidifier is a great idea.

S.Pepper · Jan 10, 2020

Gabriel Guirola said:
I do have an ATO. My concern is that the humidity in my house is at around 80% causing molding near the window seals.

But your title is about evaporation? I will say it's amazing how much evaporation there is... especially during the winter. Thank gawd for ATOs.

daftwazzock · Jan 11, 2020

SandJ said:
My dehumidifier water tests at 44 TDS. It is only a couple weeks old and the sample came from the bucket so it could be contributing to the TDS. I am goi f to try and get a sample into a clean container and test it.

Could be that it's picking up gases from the air when condensating, so probably not an option for the ATO

salty joe · Jan 11, 2020

motortrendz said:
Is there a way to put an exhaust vent in your hood to your attic

If you go that route, it needs to continue through the roof to be exhausted outside.

IDK if this has been mentioned but a lid cutting down on evaporation reduces the energy needed to heat the tank.

Fishbob50 · Jan 11, 2020

I have 750 gallons in a finished lower level. A whole house dehumidifier was a must. If your humidity is that high, i would think you would have significant moisture and potential for damage in the attic.

Murica · Jan 11, 2020

+1 for glass lids

Brian_68 · Jan 11, 2020

motortrendz said:
Is there a way to put an exhaust vent in your hood to your attic

No, not the attic...... Just like a small fan exhausting improperly into the attic and not outside that ruins all your plywood roofing from condensation in the winter, only worse with a tank 24/7.