Prevent Salt Creep?

[Michigan Reefer]

Anybody have any tips to prevent or minimize salt creep?

My 30 gallon sump and 45 gallon frag system are in a small room that we also use as storage and small layer of salt or film gets on everything. I can't cover the sump or frag tank. Would a dehumidifier help?

Thanks.

 

[Sumbub]

Do you have a lot of splashing in the sump or micro bubbles from the skimmer? That's usually how the salt creep happens.

 

[S2G]

Yep no splashing or bubbles popping

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Hello

A dehumidifier is a great idea. I have one in my house. When I empty it, I’m surprised how much water is in the air. I am not sure about the salt creep, but if you have salt creep there may be enough in the air to be a mold concern. If you do use one you will need to step up your ATO.

 

[Michigan Reefer]

Didn't think about the ATO thats a good point. I do have bubbles from the drain since I don't use filter socks. Lots of bubbles from the skimmer, but not much makes it through to the return pump.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Anytime you have a bubble that breaks surface tension, or heavy agitation it is a chance for evap. I picked up a Frigidaire dehumidifier . Not too expensive, low maintenance, and has an option to plug into a drain so don’t have to empty the bucket.

 

[WVNed]

Salt doesn't leave the tank unless it is in water. You are getting salt water spray from somewhere.
A dehumidifier wont help.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

I very rarely say this, I’m gonna challenge the prior assumption. But if I’m wrong, advanced apologies

Stole this online

Salt in seawater is merely dissolved in the water, not chemically bonded to it. When water evaporates (one molecule at a time), only pure water returns to the atmosphere. Salt and other impurities are left behind. Seaside residents know that air blowing in from the ocean contains salt particles — their rusting automobiles attest to it — and, surprisingly, it's for the same reason that the oceans are salty. When airborne droplets of salty ocean spray evaporate, their minute loads of salt are left floating in the air. So, the answer to your question is simple: Only pure water evaporates.

 

[Michigan Reefer]

I've had some rusting on metal containers and appliances in this room. Do you think a humidifier will capture the water with small amounts of salt attached? I can try putting some kind of cover on the drain chamber.

 

[WVNed]

I would try to get rid of any bubbles and cover areas where you cant.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

As Ned mentioned attacking it at the source would be best.

The rust could be just water, if it is salt in the water it will speed it up the corrosion. My opinion a dehumidifier can’t hurt. The one I have actually measures humidity in the air. A target of 40-45 i think is a good level to avoid mold. When I turn on mine it reads 60-65.

I’m still amazed when I empty mine how much water is really in the air.