How much water should my tank use for Top off?

[reefer_evo5]

Hello i currently have a IM nuvo 20g tank there is a lot of surface agitation and of course the top is a open mesh lid I currently have two wave pumps running and I go through about 2.5 gallons of top off water a week is that a lot for this size tank? or is it a reasonable amount of water to be using for my ATO?

 

[GaryE]

my 75 gallon tanks use 5 gallons in about 4 days.

 

[reefer_evo5]

i feel like for a 20g tank its alot to use 2 and a half gallons in about 6-7 days

 

[EricR]

I'd say sounds about right as I go through roughly 5 gallons a week in a 40 gallon breeder tank.

 

[Dburr1014]

I think that has to depend a lot on how dry your air is in the house too. I myself are just below a gallon a day but I have tops on my tank and an open sump in the basement. 75 g tank

 

[Reefcare1]

Currently , my open top 28g cube is going through 70 ml/hour @ ~ 3 gallons a week.

 

[reefer_evo5]

i live in new mexico the air is always dry lol

 

[Gtinnel]

Seems right to me. You have roughly 345 cubic inches of water surface and evaporate about .35 g per day which is about .0010144 gallons per cubic inch. I did the same calculation on my 125 and I get .0015432.

So per amount of surface area you have less evaporation than my tank does.

Geez I'm bored

 

[Hydrored]

i feel like for a 20g tank its alot to use 2 and a half gallons in about 6-7 days

Normal, I go through 35-38 gallons a week.

 

[reefer_evo5]

ok cool idk why i was so worried about i even started to check my tank for leaks lol but glad it doesnt seem like alot just over thinking it i guess thanks for all the replies!

 

[Dan_P]

Hello i currently have a IM nuvo 20g tank there is a lot of surface agitation and of course the top is a open mesh lid I currently have two wave pumps running and I go through about 2.5 gallons of top off water a week is that a lot for this size tank? or is it a reasonable amount of water to be using for my ATO?

The evaporation rate depends mostly on the water temperature, humidity of the air above the aquarium and the air flow over the water surface. Small systems have a larger exposed surface area than bigger systems and will lose water faster. Measuring salinity will tell you if the ATO is working properly not someone online

 

[Danroo]

Have a glass top lid, it’ll cut down on your evaporation immensely. I removed mine for a week had to top off every day instead once or twice a week. 20 gallon tank.

 

[Dburr1014]

Seems right to me. You have roughly 345 cubic inches of water surface and evaporate about .35 g per day which is about .0010144 gallons per cubic inch. I did the same calculation on my 125 and I get .0015432.

So per amount of surface area you have less evaporation than my tank does.

Geez I'm bored

Oh, now my head is spinning

 

[Gtinnel]

Normal, I go through 35-38 gallons a week.

It makes my 15 or so seem insignificant. Although I believe your tank is a little over twice the size of mine so it makes sense.

 

[REEFTIDE]

IMO thats about average. As long as you dont have kalk in there IMO its not much of a problem. I tend to keep reservoirs large enough for about 1.5 weeks on my tanks just to make my life easier

 

[srobertb]

Hello i currently have a IM nuvo 20g tank there is a lot of surface agitation and of course the top is a open mesh lid I currently have two wave pumps running and I go through about 2.5 gallons of top off water a week is that a lot for this size tank? or is it a reasonable amount of water to be using for my ATO?

It’s super easy. If there’s no water on the floor and your salinity is static, then it needs what it needs.

I have the same tank but it’s FW and running only one return on its lowest speed. Your number doesn’t sound crazy.

My tanks draw significantly more water during summer (AC makes the air dryer and Heater, moister) too.

 

[Idech]

i feel like for a 20g tank its alot to use 2 and a half gallons in about 6-7 days

Open top and a lot of surface agitation will increase water evaporation. Outside temperatures and the quality of insulation in your house will also affect evaporation.

So it’s hard to compare your tank with others. Whatever your tank « drinks » is what is necessary.