Water Evaporation During The Cycle?!

[FishHelper101]

Hi guys, so to cut to the chase, my water in the 10 gal that is currently being cycled, is evaporating like crazy! It's about only 2/4 the full! I went out of town this weekend to get the meds for the cycle and I come back to a tank half empty! So what do I do!? Do I put more water in? Will this disturb the cycle? Replies needed!!

 

[Lunar Jetman]

Sounds more like a leak to me. Water shouldn't evaporate any more or less during cycling than it would usually do. Of I went out and came back to find that size tank half full I would be worried!

I'd urgently check the tank and filter to see if there is a leak.

 

[FishHelper101]

It's the water marks that let me know that it's not in fact a leak it's just a very quick evaporation.  Where I live my room get's humid very quickly so it's more than likely a evaporation. 

 

[Lunar Jetman]

You must live in a sauna if 5 gallons can evaporate in an afternoon!!!!

 

[FishHelper101]

Here's a picture of my tank 
 
IMG]http/i47.tinypic.com/ofwm6w.jpg[/IMG]

 

[ThatAquaristChick1234]

Maybe its the heater? What temp is it on

 

[CezzaXV]

You 100% sure it's not a leak? It should definitely not be evaporating at that rate.

A lid would help catch evaporation though, as a large amount of it will form as condensation on the lid then drip back down into the tank.

Also, you need to make sure the bottom of your tank is fully supported. The mat and the fact it's hanging off the table mean it isn't, which means the uneven pressure could cause the tank to crack/smash.

 

[FishHelper101]

oh ok, I'll level the mat! And now the temp is on 78 degrees F.

 

[Lunar Jetman]

I can only reiterate after seeing your photo that i cant see any way that the volume of water shown would evaporate in an afternoon unless you're virtually boiling the water.

You say "now" the temperature is 78. What was it? I'd also follow Cezza's advice and get a dripmtray if you really think you're losing that much water.

 

[FishHelper101]

I had it on 88 but I didn't really want to change it until I got a reply. So I got the ok to do it and I now have it set to 78 F

 

[CezzaXV]

The mat is too small to go underneath the tank. As it looks like your tank has a floating base, you don't actually need anything under the tank, just have it on the table. It's important you have the whole tank on the table, as in the photo it's hanging off the edge.

 

[FishHelper101]

oh ok thanks! I'll be sure to move it over a bit and take the mat away. I only had it under there so it didn't scratch the table but I guess it's fine


Well is there anyway to add water to the tank without disturbing the cycle?

 

[daizeUK]

Just dechlorinate the water and top it up, a bit of fresh water won't disturb your cycle.

 

[FishHelper101]

Oh ok thank you!! Really needed that answer =D

 

[CezzaXV]

New water won't disturb your cycle as long as it's dechlorinated properly.

However, I don't know if the ammonia will have evaporated along with the water or whether it'll all still be in there, so it will be worth testing your water after you've topped up.