Sump: Surface/Exchange/Evap

I forgot where, but I once read of a guy who put floating balls into his sump to decrease exposed surface area and hence evaporation. This seemed at the time like a really smart idea.

But I was wondering...
1) Is this going to decrease beneficial gas exchange?
2) Wouldn't it inhibit growing nitrate reducing macro-algae?

But maybe 2) could be fixed by using mangrove to get up above the balls, assuming the roots don't need light?

Where do you all weigh in on either side? Or is this just a non-issue?

 

I am by far no expert, but I would think that this would inhibit beneficial gas exchanges from happening, raising the CO2 levels and decreasing the dissolved oxygen creating a harmful environment for critters. Not to sure, but I would rather just top off my tank everyday rather than take the risk. Heck an RO/DI system is the cost of two fish. It easily pays for tiself, wish I would have gotten one sooner.

 

Again so much for the stupid ideas people actually put to print! Why not just seal the tank and then lay a sheet of plastic to cover the entire surface that would really stop evaporation LOL . This rates right up there with putting a a few bricks in a toilet tank to increase water displacement and decrease water volume .. I just let my water roll in one end of the sump and out the other . I'd just leave mine along if its working with no problems. A strong air stone with bubbles or an oxygen reactor will help reduce nitrates .. If by non issue you mean the idea of covering the surface of the sumps water with anything ? then its a non issue far as I'm concerned .

 

Well put!!!!

 

WOW! Do you think this would work in my trucks gas tank?!11!! ;D Id really be sticking it to big oil then!