Found way to reduce evaporation

**labnjab** · 01-05-2009, 02:31 PM

Maybe someone's found this trick, but since I started my sump, I've been having to top off around a gallon to a gallon and a half daily and its been a real PITA since I buy my water from walmart and don't have my own RO/DI unit (almost triple what I did before the sump, but the sump's also almost doubled the surface area). Last night I decided to run a humidifier and see if it helped. Usually I top off before bed (around midnight) and by 6 am it needs a 1/4-1/2 gallon. Well last night I topped off a at midnight, and as of now (10:30 am) it doesn't need anything. So it seems that the humidifier is helping a lot.

Just thought I'd share that, and hope it helps

**travie** · 01-05-2009, 03:02 PM

I hope there is a humidifer in the house. Hmm... Thanks for the tip.

**Friendly** · 01-05-2009, 03:11 PM

It also works if you have a glass hood, because usually the plastic hood have holes where water vapor can escape.

**labnjab** · 01-05-2009, 04:29 PM

In a lot of cases with saltwater, a glass hood/ top can't be used, especially on the sump. Between how the light mounts, where the skimmer is located, return pump and plumbing... etc. I'd love to put one on the sump, but it would require a lot of custom cutting and a lot of money. So far I'm happy with just using the humidifier. 12 hrs after topping off last night and it only took a 1/4 a gallon

**jimpierce** · 01-05-2009, 04:54 PM

I cut a piece of plexyglass to fit my sump. Works great. BUT, I went back to an egg crate cover for the main tank so I would have some evaporation.

**labnjab** · 01-05-2009, 05:06 PM

I'll give that a try. I'm using eggcrate on the display and will continue to do so, but maybe Plexiglas on the sump will reduce evaporation even more. Its just a pain buying 10-15 gallons of RO every week recently when I use to use just 5. I know I should probably get an ro unit, but I just can't see installing one in an apartment that I won't be living in forever.

**travie** · 01-05-2009, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by jimpierce

I cut a piece of plexyglass to fit my sump. Works great. BUT, I went back to an egg crate cover for the main tank so I would have some evaporation.

I'll have to try the plexiglass idea. What did you use to cut the plexiglass?

**oldhead** · 01-05-2009, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by labnjab

I'll give that a try. I'm using eggcrate on the display and will continue to do so, but maybe Plexiglas on the sump will reduce evaporation even more. Its just a pain buying 10-15 gallons of RO every week recently when I use to use just 5. I know I should probably get an ro unit, but I just can't see installing one in an apartment that I won't be living in forever.

There is no need for installation, you simply hook it up to the faucet when you need to make water and then store it in between. The only thing that you have to look out for is water pressure from your tap being enough to force water through the membrane without the use of a booster pump. Water is made pretty slowly from the tap but it beats the living hell out of going to WalMart to buy it all the time.

**labnjab** · 01-05-2009, 07:42 PM

On the subject of RO units, what would be a good one to get that is set up like you describe? I was going to get the home depot or lowes ones, but heard they were junk. I'm spending $10 a week on water, so a ro unit might pay for itself in the long run

**Friendly** · 01-05-2009, 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by labnjab

In a lot of cases with saltwater, a glass hood/ top can't be used, especially on the sump. Between how the light mounts, where the skimmer is located, return pump and plumbing... etc. I'd love to put one on the sump, but it would require a lot of custom cutting and a lot of money. So far I'm happy with just using the humidifier. 12 hrs after topping off last night and it only took a 1/4 a gallon

You could specialty cut it, and use clear liquid silicon to fit the sump, filter, heater, skimmer, etc. all just the same as a regular plastic hood. And the silicone molding would prevent the water vapor from escaping. You get it, right? I know I'm not the best person to explain things.