Evaporation in Aquariums experiment

Evaporation in Aquariums experiment

I've been covering all my aquariums with lids for reducing water evaporation.

Evaporated water condensates on the lids and the walls mostly at nights when my room temperature goes down.

Aquariums covered with lids have a very high humidity air in the land part of the aquarium all the time.

Interestingly, many native Northern American plants and critters thrive in this tropical conditions.

 Water evaporation has profound effect on water quality characteristics in all aquariums.

Evaporation of water results in increased levels of salinity, minerals and metals concentration in the remaining water. 

Using lids is necessary for maintaining the quality and water levels in the aquariums.

Also water evaporates from plants growing on top of aquariums.

I have to add water monthly in aquariums with plants growing on the top - like this one.

And without the lid... I would end up adding water weekly in this tank.

My 29 gallon covered aquarium needs to be refilled with about less than a gallon water once in year.

Covering aquariums really helps in keeping aquariums healthy.

Let's check how fast water evaporates.

The water evaporation rate depends on the temperature, humidity, water surface area among other factors.

The temperature in my apartment is set at 72-76F all year around.

I set the water level mark in my 29 gallon covered tank as it is on October 12th, 2024.

The water level mark in the open tank is at 0.

Four days later on October 16th, 2024.

The water level in the covered tank is on the same mark.

The water level in the open tank has dropped 1 cm.

That's about how much water would get lost in my covered tank through the whole year.

Five days later on October 21st.

The water level in the open tank has dropped down another 1 cm.

So, in my apartment the water evaporates at the rate of about 1 inch in two weeks.

I make holes or gapes in lids of all my aquariums for allowing air circulation.

The air is very worm and humid under the lid.

Some aquariums are sold with lids - that's great.

Some lids need to be fitted properly - check my previous video about fitting this aquarium cover.

And you can always make your own DIY cover.

In the next video I am going to show even a simpler DIY aquarium cover anyone can make.

Have fun and happy aquariums :)