How much of an issue is moisture ?

[Vsrt17]

I am in the process of prepping the area where I'm setting up a few tanks(75gallon, 30gallon and 40gallon with two 25gallon sumps) . And I'm wondering just how much of an issue moisture and the possibility of mold is on the wall behind the tank. My setup will be in the basement which does get humid however I do have a window ac and dehumidifier running in the summer, maybe set up an exhaust fan?. Will that alone be enough? I was also looking into the possibility of putting FRP panels in the lower half of the wall but I would have to use fasteners as adhesive isn't an option as this is temporary location, does the benefit justify the extra cost? I'm probably overanalyzing.

I could do glass lids on the 75 if that helps but the other two are rimless. Maybe cover the sumps with acrylic?

Any input appreciated, thanks

 

[Jekyl]

I would vote dehumidifier rather than glass lids. Beneficial for the house anyway.

 

[Jedi1199]

I would vote dehumidifier rather than glass lids. Beneficial for the house anyway.

What is the issue with glass lids? I have noticed that the majority of reefers don't use them..

Is it a lighting issue? Gas exchange? Just don't like them? All of the above?

 

[Vsrt17]

What is the issue with glass lids? I have noticed that the majority of reefers don't use them..

Is it a lighting issue? Gas exchange? Just don't like them? All of the above?

From what I have seen it really does boil down to all of the above.

 

[Jekyl]

What is the issue with glass lids? I have noticed that the majority of reefers don't use them..

Is it a lighting issue? Gas exchange? Just don't like them? All of the above?

Yes

 

[Uncle99]

Dehumidifier.
I have 200g and it pulls 50 pints in 24 hours.
I keep a lid on my sump as the basement can get dusty.
Keeping humidity in the 35%-50% range is normal, you don’t want it “too dry” as well as “too wet”.

 

[Vsrt17]

Dehumidifier.
I have 200g and it pulls 50 pints in 24 hours.
I keep a lid on my sump as the basement can get dusty.
Keeping humidity in the 35%-50% range is normal, you don’t want it “too dry” as well as “too wet”.

Would you say the dehumidifier keeps up with the evaporation? Do you use any other preventive measure?

 

[WVNed]

I have 240, 75 and 29 gallon tanks all on a 100 gallon sump in the basement. I have a dehumidifier that runs to a floor drain with a humidistat that is on all the time. When it needs to run it does. It takes care of it. It is a big one however.

 

[Jedi1199]

Here's something to consider. What is your natural humidity where you live?

Nature seeks equilibrium. The more humidity you remove from the air, the more water you will lose from your tanks through evaporation.

I suggest you get a hygrometer and measure your rooms normal humidity level. Then you can install a dehumidifier if you wish to maintain that level.

Air flow is key. A couple good fans positioned around the room will work wonders to prevent mold. An exhaust fan will also help quite a bit.