how much open space for effective gas exchange? (1 Viewer)

[Metzzen]

still buildin the new nano (write with pics when ready ) and im not going to be running a top off so i want to try to put a lid on the tank and sump to keep evaporation down as much as possible. Plus the cat and the baby nephew running around tend to knock stuff/throw stuff in the tank The display is drilled and rimless so i CAN cover it edge to edge no problem. I will probably leave a 3/8-1/2" gap so I can have a cord over the edge or use a specimin containter if need be (my mini acclimation tank).

The sump is not drilled plus It will have mangroves growing in it so at least half of it will be uncovered. That area equates to around 72 square inches (12"x6"). I will be running a small air stone skimmer which may help with gas exchange but im wondering if I will run into problems having the entire display and half of the sump covered.

What are your thoughts?

I have thought about heat issues but that will be taken care off with fans or mini chiller if need be.

 

[Kwdelre]

I'm not sure that covering everything will cut down on eveaporation issues. Its just going to trap heat.

 

[Guest]

Glass covers will cut down on your evaporation in my experience. However, they collect salt creep very fast.

If at any point you do use a fan you can expect a dramatic increase in evaporation.

One thing that worked for me was using a chiller. When I reduced my temperature from 84 to 78 I reduced my weekly evaporation from ~10 gallons to ~5 gallons.

 

[Metzzen]

On the 75 gal FW the evap was cut down 75% at least once we put the covers on. The top will be small since its a nano so it will be easy to clean the creep off. thanks for that info

The house stay at 78 at the hottest so I dont think I will run a chiller. I guess i will cut down on fan ussamge too....unless I use some sort of radiator so temp will be affected but not evap....

 

[ReefNoob]

you could try covering the tank with plastic eggcrate(you know,the corporate light diffusing screens) so you still allow for heat and gas exchange(which should be fine with the skimmer anyway).

 

[stdreb27]

You shouldn't have any problem with gas exchange covering your display, when you're running a skimmer. and you should see a significant reduction in evap as well.

 

[Metzzen]

Awesome. sounds like I got everything how I want it. rimless nano tank with flush mount glass lid complete with fuge, mangroves, SCWD, Metal halide, skimmer all in a small (15gal) package...sweet
oh and even incorperated a night stand that has been in the family for years

Now I just need to get the thing setup and get the curing tub out of the living room...