Going on Vacation

[Beldarr]

I am going on vacation next week for 6 days. I noticed I lose about a gallon of water per day due to evaporation. I have spent so much money over the last few months setting up this tank that i cannot afford to get me a auto filler thingy.

Should I turn off my sump/refugium so it doesn't drain to low and ruin my pump and leave the fans in the tank running?

Any other suggestions?

 

[gone fishin]

When I go away my neighbors daughter checks on things for me. I made up a checklist and put some food in sandwich bags for her.

Before I left the first time she would come over and get comfortable with the tank and equipment.

 

[Beldarr]

The neighbor idea is good, but I dont have those....so I am not sure what to do.

 

[lazydaze73]

You really don't have many options. Either you will need an auto top off or have someone top off for you. The water is going to evaporate no matter what. I wouldn't turn off the sump refugium either, it will just reduce the flow and water is still going to evaporate from the tank messing up all of your parameters. Good luck

 

[Heatherabel3]

Can you make a DIY one with a 5 gallon bucket and some tubing. I don't imagine that would cost to much to do

 

[Sk8r]

What you might do ---but risky: turn your lights out, leave it on room light only, and lid either the tank or the sump to retard evaporation. NOT BOTH. See if that slows it down enough to let it go 6 days. If you can cut it in half, and turn off your heater to reduce your temperature to around 76 which also reduces evap, things should be ok. THis is a big risk. I hope you have time to test it. Right before you leave is a real bad time to get and learn to use an ATO, but I hope you get one real soon after you get back. You can get them for under 100.00.

Note: I'm assuming your tank is around 50 gal to be losing a gallon a day of evaporation.

 

[d2mini]

www.autotopoff.com

They are cheap.
You can afford a vacation and a reef setup... is $50 really going to break the bank?

This will be one of the best investments you will ever make.
The value per dollar is INSANELY low.

 

[saltyskier]

Reduce photo period if you must. Also, consider slowly adjusting down the temperature of your tank if it's in the higher range ( I don't recommend this, there are much better alternatives out there)

 

[koko maung]

I would get ATO. Get Used JBJ ATO from ur local club or from this forum. U r risking ur tank and live stock with 60 - 70 dollar. Plus it's already in summer so it will just get hotter and more evaporation

 

[horseplay]

1. Estimate how much water you would lose for 6 day.

2. Get a five gallon bucket (or larger) and fill with the amount from #1 and a little more for evaporation.

3. Use an airline and tie a loop, start siphon, adjust the flow so it will drain the bucket in 6 days. You can time and estimate this.