salt accumulation outside tank

[wilioli]

I've always had salt accumulate under the canopy, and on the edges where there's a gap between the canopy and the aquarium. Today I noticed a lot of thick salt residue on the underneath of the 'trim' thats on the top edge of the aquarium. How'd that happen? Does this mean there's a potential area for a leak? or is this normal?

 

[btldreef]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wilioli http:///forum/thread/381569/salt-accumulation-outside-tank#post_3324375
I've always had salt accumulate under the canopy, and on the edges where there's a gap between the canopy and the aquarium. Today I noticed a lot of thick salt residue on the underneath of the 'trim' thats on the top edge of the aquarium. How'd that happen? Does this mean there's a potential area for a leak? or is this normal?
It's called salt creep. It happens because of evaporation, and it happens to everyone's tank.
Basically what is occurring is that when water evaporates, salt does not so it leaves behind this salty film. I have to wipe down my tank/stands/canopies once a week because of salt creep.
There are some products on the market that claim to eliminate salt creep, but I don't trust any of them.
If you feel that you have an excessive amount of salt creep, check your salinity often to make sure that you don't have too much evaporation going on. Too much will increase the salinity of your tank and you'll have to add unsalted RO.

 

[tlsohio]

Salt residue does accumulate and is a constant source of work. You will need to keep after it with a damp cloth. It doesn't sound like from your description, that you have a leak. Pictures would help to determine better answer to your question. The top plastic trim piece is attached with silicone and if that seal loosens you may get salt creep between the plastic and the glass. I think that as long as you are not seeing anything like this on other areas, your fine. But if you notice this salt creep in more crucial areas I would become concerned. You might want to drop the level of water in your tank and try to re-seal that area. Good Luck.

 

[flower]

It's caused from splash, any place where saltwater drips, splashes or runs will get salt creep.
If you make sure there are no splashing you won't have that kind of a mess. The ONLY place I have salt creep is the skimmer output tube. So if you have a build up between the canopy and tank rim you have too much splashing of water going on.

 

[btldreef]

Splashing is not the only cause. Evaporation has a lot to do with it.
Forgot to mention, but this goes into the whole evaporation thing as well,
If the room temperature is higher than the tank temperature, you'll have more salt creep as well.

 

[wilioli]

Quote:
Originally Posted by BTLDreef http:///forum/thread/381569/salt-accumulation-outside-tank#post_3324437
Splashing is not the only cause. Evaporation has a lot to do with it.
Forgot to mention, but this goes into the whole evaporation thing as well,
If the room temperature is higher than the tank temperature, you'll have more salt creep as well.
yea the room is a bit off -- during the day its a bit cooler.. .at night its definitely warmer ... lol..
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///forum/thread/381569/salt-accumulation-outside-tank#post_3324432

It's caused from splash, any place where saltwater drips, splashes or runs will get salt creep.
If you make sure there are no splashing you won't have that kind of a mess. The ONLY place I have salt creep is the skimmer output tube. So if you have a build up between the canopy and tank rim you have too much splashing of water going on.
like splashing that i can see with my own eyes? or just any sort of water disturbance? cause i dont' see any splashing.. but the powerhead is hitting the front of the aquarium at an angle that is pushing water upwards a bit... -- thank you
Quote:
Originally Posted by tlsohio http:///forum/thread/381569/salt-accumulation-outside-tank#post_3324425
Salt residue does accumulate and is a constant source of work. You will need to keep after it with a damp cloth. It doesn't sound like from your description, that you have a leak. Pictures would help to determine better answer to your question. The top plastic trim piece is attached with silicone and if that seal loosens you may get salt creep between the plastic and the glass. I think that as long as you are not seeing anything like this on other areas, your fine. But if you notice this salt creep in more crucial areas I would become concerned. You might want to drop the level of water in your tank and try to re-seal that area. Good Luck.

ill put up a pic if its more than just that one area... its at the top, so as u said, if its a problem i can just drop the water level and reseal... hope its just that area!!! thanks
Quote:
Originally Posted by BTLDreef http:///forum/thread/381569/salt-accumulation-outside-tank#post_3324420/>
It's called salt creep. It happens because of evaporation, and it happens to everyone's tank.
Basically what is occurring is that when water evaporates, salt does not so it leaves behind this salty film. I have to wipe down my tank/stands/canopies once a week because of salt creep.
There are some products on the market that claim to eliminate salt creep, but I don't trust any of them.
If you feel that you have an excessive amount of salt creep, check your salinity often to make sure that you don't have too much evaporation going on. Too much will increase the salinity of your tank and you'll have to add unsalted RO.
yea i thougth all the other residue was the evap. but it just started happening around the trim so i thought maybe something else.. -- but i gap'd on the checking sg.... that makes sense, will do.. thanks