Evaporation Rates - Open top with chiller

[jonboyb]

Trying to determine how much ATO volume I might need in order to alot space in my new stand. My current tank running a chiller evaps almost nothing but it has an enclosed canopy. My new system will have about 125 gallons total volume and 93 in the DT. I have a nice little 3 gallon Rubbermaid trashcan that would fit nicely with little footprint but I fear it may not be enough for top-off.

 

[skriz]

I doubt that'll be enough. The evap rate will depend on what temp your system naturally maintains, but maybe others with similar sized tanks can chime in with what they evaporate.

You can supply the top-off water via ro tubing, so you can locate the ro container about anywhere.

 

[jonboyb]

Yea, I was hopg others might chime in on personal experiences to give me an idea. I know my chilled 28 evaps <4oz per day but 30"x30" of open top plus and open sump and fuge is going to skyrocket my evap.

 

[jonboyb]

Are you moved to Alpharetta permanently now?

 

[realfish]

I have a 100 gallon with an open top running T5 lighting, QuietOne4000 return pump, 2 Vortechs, 30 watt skimmer pump and a 404 feeding the sump. Running a chiller that only turns on a few times a day for 5-10 minutes.

I use 3-4 gallons a week in top off.

 

[roundman]

I have a 75dt and about 125 water in the system. T5 lights and use 2 mag pumps for the returns. I use about 5 gal in 4 days. Oh ya it is open top

 

[acroholic]

I'd say look for something in the 10-15 gallon or so range. A great place to buy a topoff reservoir is The Container Store at Perimeter, as they have many different sizes and shapes, tall, short, etc. I bought the two I use there. If you are looking for a taller tank, They have some dog food storage containers that would work.

I'd get one that is large enough to hold several days worth of topoff water, but not one so big that it will sit for a long time waiting to be used, just for freshness sake. Not sure if that issue is too imprtant or not.

I'd try to get a clear or translucent one, as you can see if it needs more water in it at a glance without having to take the top off to look in.
Dave

 

[cr500_af]

My 90g (2x250w MH, chiller and fan) evaporates around 1-1.5 gallons per day, with the ambient temp in the house around 78.

 

[jonboyb]

Thanks for the replies guys and gals. Been very helpful. That container store sounds like a good trip to plan. It's a PITA diggin through Wally World and Target looking for that diamond in the rough