Plss help

[jay622]

The return pump chamber is constantly getting really low on water in my aquatop recife 40 gallon AIO , does that mean i dont have enough water in the tank itself or do i just need to add more freshwater to it because of evaporation? Its a saltwater tank btw

 

[rayadog]

Over what amount of time are we talking? Cause over the course of 12 hrs-1day.. yea I could see that being all evaporation.

Edit.
But if it’s like minutes to 1 hour, there’s not enough water to begin with.

 

[jay622]

Yea mostly a day but its sometimes only a couple of hours

 

[zbrusko]

Yes, evaporation will show in the return chamber. Fill with RO/DI water. Easiest long-term method is to get an auto top-off system.

 

[diverjm]

With my AOI, the return pump chamber is the only place evaporation shows, therefore that’s where I top off with fresh RODI.

 

[rayadog]

Yep. More freshwater

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I would invest in a good-quality ATO for your tank. The TUNZE osmolator is a great one to get

 

[ScottJ]

Also, do you check salinity? Make sure you get a good refractometer as a way of keeping track. Check it every couple days till you get to know the way the tank works.

 

[BryanM]

It seems like evaporation to me. Top off with RODI water. "Fresh" water indicates TAP water to me, and that's not a good idea.

ATOs are one of the best things in this hobby.

 

[kingranch2003]

I have the same tank. Get your salinity where you want it and either make a mark on the chamber and fill to that line manually each day with rodi, or Id recommed like everyone else that you get an ato. That's the only chamber that you need to monitor for freshwater evaporation in that tank so it drops quickly. I was surprised by how much mine used daily.

 

[diverjm]

I have the same tank. Get your salinity where you want it and either make a mark on the chamber and fill to that line manually each day with rodi, or Id recommed like everyone else that you get an ato. That's the only chamber that you need to monitor for freshwater evaporation in that tank so it drops quickly. I was surprised by how much mine used daily.

I agree with this. I made an arrow and full line out of painters tape on the outside of the back glass. I can look inside and see it which keeps me honest and helps when I ask people to look after my aquarium when on vacay.

 

[Reefer Brent]

What are you using in the first chamber for filter media, and are you using the clear plastic weir?

 

[kingranch2003]

Hello! I have this tank as well. I was surprised by the amount of evaporation that took place in that chamber when I first purchased it. You're not wrong, it is a lot, and it's normal. I'd suggest that you make a mark on that chamber glass with a dry erase marker or tape, and fill it daily with fresh RODI water.

Like mentioned above, a cheap ato would make the world of difference here. Set your level to about 60% full in that chamber and find exactly where your salinity is at the desired level.