Evaporation question

[aandfsoccr04]

Let's say I have 30 gallons of RO/DI water sitting in a brute container.
I also have 10 gallons of RO/DI water sitting right next to it in another container.
Will these two containers evaporate water at the same rate or since there is more water in one than the other, will they evaporate at different rates?

 

[usmc121581]

There could be many factors that will contribute to the evaporation of one.

 

[coralsnaked]

The formula to calculate surface water evaporation is needless to say very complicated as expressed here with Penman's formula for calculating surface water evaporation from an area such as a lake

L. Eo = (D.Rn + r.c.S/ ra) / (D + Ks)
W/m2

However the most basic data input suggusts the msain factors contributing to evaporative rates deal with: 1. Surface area, Surface tension, heat, density of air, ect...

So to answer your question, if the containers are identicle and have the same factors applying equally upon both containers; then NO, the depth of the water column will not affect the evaporative rate of either container given they are both the same temperature.

Happy Reefing

 

[disc1]

Surface area... The more surface area the water has, the faster it will evaporate. If the two containers have the same surface area of water, then they will evaporate at the same rate assuming a constant temperature.

Additionally, you mentioned that they are both DI water. But if they weren't, then the one with the higher salt content would evaporate slower.

 

[downbeach]

If you get/keep lids for/on them, you really don't have to worry about it, and will keep foreign debris, among other things out of your water.

 

[Psyops]

Just put a lid on it, baby.

 

[aandfsoccr04]

so the brute trash can is going to evaporate faster than the 10 gallon glass top off aquarium?

 

[bertoni]

In terms of gallons lost per day, yes, that's very likely. The placement makes a difference, though, too. Air motion can increase evaporation a lot, for example.