Lots of water evaporation now

LOL. That's A LOT. I hope you don't mean every day.

 

Consider an auto top off. Kent marine had a simple float design that works with a gravity siphon, this would set you back less than $20.

As for Saltcreep and for that matter evap – well, what can I say….welcome to the hobby.

Your trials and tribulations with removing your glass top(s) are far out shadowed by the immense good you have created in terms of oxygen exchange.

 

I go through 15 - 18 gal. a week . :LolLolLol

 

I'm going through about 30-35 now

 

Your right allot of folks just don't realize how much vanishes. ;D

 

Says the guy living in New York... Does it even get warm enough to make water evaporate there? ;D

 

On my 75 with 20g sump I get 1-2 gallons per day in evap. I can't wait for my ATO to arrive.

 

The most important point here is the oxygen exchange. Gas exchange is absolutely vital to a reef environment, and by running a glass lid over the top, you keep all that gas pent up. This can be a major problem, so even though you have more evaporation (which is good thing) and creep (which is a bummer, we all agree), you are avoiding a potential problem in the future by increasing O2 exchange.

 

You really cant tell until your using the lights you want and your tank is at the desired temperature.Just to give you an idea,my tank is close to yours in size with a little less surface area and with...open top,78-80 water temp., 250 watt m/h light,I lose about 1/2 gallon per day.You are probably losing a little more due to higher water temp.On less humid days I find evaporation increases a little because the less humid air is able to absorb more,this can also be the case if a/c is being used more.Evaporation can be annoying,but it does cool your tank,keeps me from needing a chiller.

 

I got my dual float valve ATO, with pump, and hose for $70 shipped at autotopoff.com

Some like to DIY but when you add up the time, cost of parts, and having to deal with wiring electrical which is around water 24/7, $70 is no money and worth every penny IMO.

They shipped the next day. Will keep levels more stable.