Problem with basement, humidity, copper pipes sweating

[DamnPepShrimp]

Ok, I just put up a 210g tank in my unfinished side of my basement about 3-4 weeks ago. I have about 300g total in the system. The tank has lids over it and the sump is enclosed in the stand. Just a couple days ago, my cold water copper pipes started sweating really bad. It was warm out, so I thought it was from that. Today I go downstairs and my basement has small puddles all over the place where the copper pipe is! It is still really warm out, especially for feb. I don't know what to do. Is it from the extra 300g of warm water in that room, causing the humidity to rise and clashing with the cold pipes causing condensation and making them sweat? I have a dehumidifier in the room, but doesn't seem to be doing much, I empty it out about twice a week. Any suggestions? Is it from the tank? Or do I have a water problem elsewhere?

 

[chimmike]

the obvious questions first: did you check the pipe for leaks?

Otherwise, I'd suggest maybe a ventilation system (if possible) to pull fresh air in, or pull the humid air out.

If the dehumidifier isn't doing much, I have a tendency to think it has to do with the change in temps.

 

[DamnPepShrimp]

Yes, I have looked best I could for leaks. The way the pipe is sweating though, it can't be leaks. It just forms at any level on the pipe, the water isn't running, it just drops straight off the pipe. So would it help to have a fan blowing air out of the room into the room next to it? I have that room finished off with my 120g reef. The unfinished room is where the problem lies, with the 210g.

 

[Agu]

Condensation due to high humidity and a rise in temp in your basement is probably the culprit. In addition your water coming into the house is probably pretty cold this time of the year which makes it worse.

Insulating the cold water pipes with foam sleeves will solve most of the problem.

 

[DamnPepShrimp]

My only govern with roam insulation is will mold grow on the inside of the insulation? The air warmed up, warming my basement up and the ground is still cold, keeping the water cold. Due to the differences in temps, the pipes sweat. I thought about insulation, just worries the pipes will still sweat a little, growing mold.

 

[Agu]

The insulation should eliminate condensation and you can seal out moisture with a moisture proof wrap/tape. Biggest problem is getting it dry before applying the insulation.

 

[DamnPepShrimp]

Yeah, I am going to clean it the best I can, venilate the room some and see how it goes. We are getting back into colder weather again in a few days, see how that affects it. I think the temps got to warm to fast, the ground was still cold, so the pipes sweat. Hopefully I won't have this problem in the summer. We'll see, thanks for the help!