Ok guys, I live in Arizona here, and in case you didn't know, its VERY DRY. I've noticed that about every 3 days about a half an inch of water has been evaporated from my 5 gallon tank.. Now, everytime I notice this, is it ok to put in new water?? I need some advice.. Thanks
Evaporation
- Thread starter GP
- Start date
Hi GodricPuffer 
Yes, add more water to replace what has evaporated. This is especially important if you run an air conditioner and keep the heater in the tank going to maintain a steady water temperature. In this case, if the level drops too low, the thermostat will respond to the cool room air and cause the water to overheat.
Just remember that you will still have to do regular water changes and bottom cleanings. When water evaporates it concentrates bacteria and chemicals, and these must still be removed.
Simply adding water will do nothing to help this.
Yes, add more water to replace what has evaporated. This is especially important if you run an air conditioner and keep the heater in the tank going to maintain a steady water temperature. In this case, if the level drops too low, the thermostat will respond to the cool room air and cause the water to overheat.
Just remember that you will still have to do regular water changes and bottom cleanings. When water evaporates it concentrates bacteria and chemicals, and these must still be removed.
Simply adding water will do nothing to help this.Bol
Fish Addict
I think you're mixing up two messages, Godric.
One is, you can add a small amount of conditioned (dechlorinated) water during the week to keep the tank full.
The other is, when your tank water evaporates, most of what evaporates is pure water -- the other chemicals stay in your tank. Because of this, during periods of high evaporation, it's even more important than usual to do regular water changes -- to "dilute" the water, as it were. (For example, even though a lot of water evaporates, most of the calcium in your tank water will stay in your tank. If you just do 'top-offs', but no water changes, you'll find your water's General Hardness will rise).
So, feel free to add water as needed, but don't forget about regular water changes.
For info, I've got larger tanks, but what I usually do is fill a couple of gallon jugs with water and add dechlorinator to them. Then I use these jugs throughout the week for top-offs (I keep the jugs in a fairly warm place, so that the water in the jugs is about the same temperature as that in the tank).
One is, you can add a small amount of conditioned (dechlorinated) water during the week to keep the tank full.
The other is, when your tank water evaporates, most of what evaporates is pure water -- the other chemicals stay in your tank. Because of this, during periods of high evaporation, it's even more important than usual to do regular water changes -- to "dilute" the water, as it were. (For example, even though a lot of water evaporates, most of the calcium in your tank water will stay in your tank. If you just do 'top-offs', but no water changes, you'll find your water's General Hardness will rise).
So, feel free to add water as needed, but don't forget about regular water changes.
For info, I've got larger tanks, but what I usually do is fill a couple of gallon jugs with water and add dechlorinator to them. Then I use these jugs throughout the week for top-offs (I keep the jugs in a fairly warm place, so that the water in the jugs is about the same temperature as that in the tank).
guppymonkey
Fish Herder
I have a very similar problem with my two 5 1/2 gallon tanks. Right now I live in the basement and (as most basements do) it can get kinda moldy smelling sometimes. So to counteract some of that smell I have to run a dehumidifier. After a few days the water in my 5 1/2 gallons can drop about half an inch. So I just do small water changes every few days. Its probably the best thing for the fish anyways. When they are living in the wild they are constantly getting new water!
gordric, i live in arizona too. where about are you?? phoenix area myself
please do refill your tank. just be sure to dechlorinate as said. i have the same problem with one of my tanks. out of curiosity, what type of hood do you have on this tank? may be part of the issue. i've notice that the tank with the "all glass" brand hood evaps more, due to having more openings in the hood. you might want to look into a different hood in the future..............
please do refill your tank. just be sure to dechlorinate as said. i have the same problem with one of my tanks. out of curiosity, what type of hood do you have on this tank? may be part of the issue. i've notice that the tank with the "all glass" brand hood evaps more, due to having more openings in the hood. you might want to look into a different hood in the future..............
Teelie
Fish Aficionado
I live in Louisiana and even with the AC running, my evaporation rate is something like a quarter inch every few days, sometimes more if the AC is off. Just add dechlorinated tap water or if you're able, RO (Reverse Osmosis) water to the tank. RO will help prevent a build up of anything in the water since RO is completely devoid of anything.
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