What else evaorates from sea water?

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by accentstencil, Sep 5, 2009.

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  1. accentstencil

    accentstencil Bristle Worm

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    I've been searching for some time and I am surprised that I couldn't find an answer. Do trace elements and other elements like iodine, strontium, magnesium and calcium evaporate along with the water. If so, to what extent? I was under the impression that only pure water evaporates. I do a lot of topping up with pure water so I am curious as to what gets lost in the evaporation.
     
    accentstencil, Sep 5, 2009
    accentstencil, Sep 5, 2009
    #1

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  2. ReefSparky

    ReefSparky Super Moderator

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    Only liquids can evaporate. Gasses in liquid state, like liquid nitrogen, can evaporate too. Other liquids like alcohol, hexane and acetone evaporate too. It's not possible for solids like salt, strontium, magnesium, etc. to evaporate.
     
    ReefSparky, Sep 5, 2009
    ReefSparky, Sep 5, 2009
    #2
  3. accentstencil

    accentstencil Bristle Worm

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    Just as I suspected. Thanks for that.
     
    accentstencil, Sep 5, 2009
    accentstencil, Sep 5, 2009
    #3
  4. AZDesertRat

    AZDesertRat Giant Squid

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    They don't evaporate but they do get consumed by the tank inhabitants as part of their growth process. A good salt mix and reugular water changes should replenish everything to the proper levels though.
     
    AZDesertRat, Sep 5, 2009
    AZDesertRat, Sep 5, 2009
    #4