Evaporation's A Pain

[JacopoFishy]

darn water molecules, what with their tendency to gain energy and become gaseous.

no, but really. evaporation is driving me mad. I feel like I turn around for one moment and the water level is down a few cms! I've classified this as more or less futile to combat, but decided to post in here to see if anyone has any thoughts, tips, or even just anecdotes. Many thanks.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

do you have a hood or a cover on your tank?

 

[guppymonkey]

Water changes. It can get a little frustrating when the water level drops and the the common reaction is to "top off" the tank. Thats a bad idea though, it just builds up the levels of dissolved minerals and waste in your tank. Evaporation only removes the water and leaves everything else. Water changes are the best fix for damage due to evaporation. It might seem like you are doing too many water changes but thats impossible. Fish like new water (as long as its dechlorinated).

 

[Tolak]

A tight fitting lid works best for preventing evaporation. While most commecially made tops for tanks fit reasonably tight for the front 2/3, where they open & where the light sits, many are open more than needed for your filters & such in the back. Cut some plexiglass or light diffuser panels down to place over these openings.

I've seen the difference between a tight fitting lid & no lid. I'll lose over an inch of water in a week with a tank with just eggcrate on top, one with a piece of diffuser panel cut so the filter just barely fits loses less than 1/4".

 

[dwarfgourami]

A tight fitting lid works best for preventing evaporation. While most commecially made tops for tanks fit reasonably tight for the front 2/3, where they open & where the light sits, many are open more than needed for your filters & such in the back. Cut some plexiglass or light diffuser panels down to place over these openings.

I've seen the difference between a tight fitting lid & no lid. I'll lose over an inch of water in a week with a tank with just eggcrate on top, one with a piece of diffuser panel cut so the filter just barely fits loses less than 1/4".

Ah, I was just wondering why I never get any evaporation to speak of. That explains it.

 

[haich]

sorry for jumping into your topic i have no lid or anything at the moment new tank so what would be best on top proper glass, perspex or them condensation lids?

any advice appreciated thanks

 

[Tolak]

The best depends on the look you want. A show tank in a finished living area would probably look best with a manufactured top, or one you build yourself if you are handy. In my fishroom I have flourescent light diffuser panel cut for most of the tanks. It's cheap, easy enough to cut with a razor knife, and lets in plenty of room light which cuts down on my electric bill. Just cut it 1/2" larger than the top of the tank, cut out a section for the filter, & toss it on. A small rock in the center makes the middle bow in a little, causing any condensation to drip back int the tank.

 

[windsor-aquatic]

Sliding coverglasses will dramatically cut down on evaporation, they just need the occasional clean so as not to impede the lighting.

 

[James007]

I wish I had the problem of evaporation

However as based in the north of the UK it just to darn cold so not really a problem here. I also have a close fitting hood which probably helps as well.

 

[BigC]

Condensation trays bought from your local aquarist shop will do the trick.
Regards
BigC

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Wouldn't reducing surface agitation also help? I know that it's required for gas diffusion, but with a decent filter and bubble bar, I noticed that the water was being depleted even faster. I took out the bubble bar (didn't look too good, anyways), and it certainly did help. *nods*

 

[NinjaSmurf]

Really quick fix? Saran wrap. It's nothing long term but it'll help till you can get to the shop. Just don't plaster it over the whole top...