fuge/ evaporation question

[maximus42]

I have recently added a 20 gallon fuge under my 55 display coral tank . I have also added pc lighting. Water conditions are doing great and display looks good. I am concerned about the fast evaporation rate. It seems I am constantly adding fresh water to my tank every since i've added the fuge and new lights. I also would run my tank about 76- 78 degrees, since the new light it stays at 82. Is this ok? Should I rig some kind of fresh water drip? If so, some ideas would be very helpful, pics even better.

 

[dskidmore]

You could always consider a glass cover to reduce evaporation.
Keeping the temp constant is more important than the exact temperature. 82 should be OK.
A freshwater drip would be a good idea. The simplest thing is to start a siphon in an airline, then tie a knot in it. On the more complicated side, you could use a dosing pump, or a float valve, or any number of DIY auto topoffs.

 

[spline9]

I have a friend who is a vet tech. She hooked me up with (not "to") an IV rig. There is a drip controller on it that is very handy for stuff like this. I've only used it to acclimate critters, though.
Friends in the medical industry are awesome. Hehe.

 

[reefnut]

I would not put glass tops on. It may reduce evaporation but it will also reduce gas exchange and increase the water temp.
You could setup a drip system, a auto topoff system or just add water once a day. My 55g evaps around 1g per-day. Each night I just add a gallon of water.

 

[maximus42]

Originally posted by ReefNut
I would not put glass tops on. It may reduce evaporation but it will also reduce gas exchange and increase the water temp.
You could setup a drip system, a auto topoff system or just add water once a day. My 55g evaps around 1g per-day. Each night I just add a gallon of water.
I am glad to hear you say you add about a gallon a night. thats about what i am averaging. That just didn't seem right..
I was thinking of just setting up a milk jug of fresh water to drip throughout the day. I' m just worried about the salt level going up and down every day.

 

[reefnut]

That's a valid concern. Salinity swings can be harmful.
I was thinking of just setting up a milk jug of fresh water to drip throughout the day.
That would work fine. As mentioned a IV line is perfect!! The drip controller can be set easily to a slow drip. A small valve (like you see for freshwater air bubblers) will also work.