What's is a normal amount of evaporation

[mdumet]

I have a 65g with a 20 long sump and my temp is 79. I'd like to know what is a normal rate of evaporation for a system of that size and if it actually requires an ATO system or if I'm alright just topping it manually.

I was thinking about it because it occur to me, what would happen during a long weekend if I'm not home.

Thanks for your help!

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

There's not a "normal" amount of evaporation. Every tank is different depending on several factors of what's around it. Things like how much water flow is there from the tank to the sump? Is there a ceiling fan in the room blowing at the tank? Is it near a window? What's the house temp? and the list goes on. My 180 looses nearly 2 gallons a day but I have a lot of flow (water transfer) going on. My 93cube lost slightly under a gallon a day in the summer...not as much in the winter.

 

[bycjoe]

My 40g with 20g tall sump/skimmer took about a half gallon a day(never quite measured). Just got a jbj auto top off and love it! I had a small return section so I had to make sure to fill it up everyday.

 

[acroholic]

porpoiseaquatics;893539 wrote: There's not a "normal" amount of evaporation. Every tank is different depending on several factors of what's around it. Things like how much water flow is there from the tank to the sump? Is there a ceiling fan in the room blowing at the tank? Is it near a window? What's the house temp? and the list goes on. My 180 looses nearly 2 gallons a day but I have a lot of flow (water transfer) going on. My 93cube lost slightly under a gallon a day in the summer...not as much in the winter.

^ this.

 

[hnguyen]

If your main reason for asking this question is to decide rather or not to get an ATO then I would recommend you just getting one now regarded of the answers. Having one will just make your life and this hobby a lot easier. One less thing to have to do daily and one less thing to forget.

 

[tbub1221]

hnguyen;893599 wrote: if your main reason for asking this question is to decide rather or not to get an ato then i would recommend you just getting one now regarded of the answers. Having one will just make your life and this hobby a lot easier. One less thing to have to do daily and one less thing to forget.

+1

 

[mdumet]

Thanks guys! I guess I'm going to start looking into the ATO now.

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

The real idea behind an ATO is not about making life easier as a hobbyist albeit that is one benefit, it's about maintaining a constant salinity. When your tank evaporates, only the water goes. The salt is left behind to be contained in less water therefore the salinity rises. By putting back the water that evaporates as soon as it does, you have a more constant level and less trauma to the inhabitants.