Sump filter losing water

[leon1972]

Hey guys my sump filter seems to be losing the majority of its water on about a weekly basis. There are no leaks as nothing is the least bit wet yet I am DEFINATLEY losing water. Any ideas guys?

 

[ErinCahir]

Sounds like evaporation to me... how are you filling it back up? Fresh or salt water?

 

[JustinsReefTank]

+1 Erin. Sounds like normal evaporation to me.

 

[leon1972]

Really? that much evaporation that fast? I didnt think it would be that fast was all. I am refilling it with salt water btw. Since its been happening i have been keeping a ten gallon bucket of the stuff at a time.

 

[ErinCahir]

I had to top off my 150 with a gallon or so everyday. But I live in a really dry area. So yes, that much evaporation everyday.

You should be topping off with fresh water. The salt doesn't evaporate.

 

[marcah]

+1 Erin
I lose a minimum of 3 gallons per day, sometimes closer to 5..

 

[bjohanson1234]

I loose about 5 gallons a week.

 

[JustinsReefTank]

You should also be careful topping off with saltwater. That is gonna raise your salinity. My tAnk gets refilled with r/o water daily with my top off system

 

[Smitty]

Sounds normal bro...since I've setup my sump, I'm losing water quickly also.

 

[slm32123]

+1 to Erin and Justin.

Check your salinity in the tank right away. You should not be topping off with saltwater unless it is needed.

 

[leon1972]

It does need salt water. Im losing salt too

 

[little_fish]

If you are losing salt as well, then your tank is leaking somewhere. Salt doesnt evaporate away.

 

[bjohanson1234]

What are you using to check the salinity?

A refractometer is way more accurate than a swing arm hydrometer.

 

[DAvis]

+1 to all!
I live in the Northeast. Dry in the house, with forced air furnace and wood stove heating the joint. As a result, I lose almost 1 gallon per day in an 85 gallon system (65 dt and 20 sump). It's amazing how fast it happens! In the summer it's a little less. RODI only to top!

 

[315hottuna61]

Evaporation sux - but it is something we all have to deal with. Just keep adding ro/di and checking salinity level ( it is odd that you are losing the saline parameter w/ evaporation)

 

[yote]

Like was already said,if your loosing salt,you've got a leak.And if your loosing salt that fast,then you've a leak to a blind person should be able to find.

 

[leon1972]

I found the leak and stopped it. it was a loose fitting. This last water addition didnt contain salt and salinity is good. there is a HUGE salt deposit on the lid of the sump container. its setup with a slightly small lid so leaks will go back into the sump tank but it left HUGE salt deposits on it so i tightened it down.