Evaporation during vacation

[anton_sky]

Hi Everyone,

I have a Fluval Chi 5 gallon and will be out of town for 8 days. I have a light on a timer and an automated feeder but I'm concerned that the water will evaporate too quickly causing the filter system to run dry.

I looked for an extension tube for the filter, but it doesn't seem to be on the market.

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Fishanatic]

Make a custom lid out of plastic. Shouldn't be too hard.

 

[Majbarsalona]

I actually just finished making this for my fluval chi.

 

[anton_sky]

I'll definitely try making that lid. Can I ask how much space you left around the filter unit to allow the water flow... and also what you used to cut the plastic?

Thanks again!

 

[HUKIT]

I have lid from Fluval for my Chi, I wouldn't bother making one since they're only $3.

Chi Aquarium Cover

 

[Majbarsalona]

I'll definitely try making that lid. Can I ask how much space you left around the filter unit to allow the water flow... and also what you used to cut the plastic?

Thanks again!

I used a dremel tool to cut it and I used like 1/4 inch acrylic. The space around the chi filter is very minuscule because the water doesn't splash much. I would say it's about 1/8 inch though.

 

[Fresh2o]

Helpful thread. I still have the glass top (went topless when I got a new light fixture) and will be using it when I go on vacation to cut down on evaporation. I'll just have to put up a reminder when that time comes.

 

[anton_sky]

Really great information, thanks!

I've looked online and I don't see a vendor who ships the Chi cover to Canada and my LFS doesn't carry it. Well, Hagen will ship it to me, but it'll cost $20 which is dumb for an $3 item.

This might be an odd question, but could i just use plastic cling wrap to cover part of the tank for my absence? I know that sounds a bit sketchy (!) but wouldn't it do the same thing?

 

[HUKIT]

Big Als has stores in Canada which is why I used that link.

 

[Fresh2o]

Really great information, thanks!

I've looked online and I don't see a vendor who ships the Chi cover to Canada and my LFS doesn't carry it. Well, Hagen will ship it to me, but it'll cost $20 which is dumb for an $3 item.

This might be an odd question, but could i just use plastic cling wrap to cover part of the tank for my absence? I know that sounds a bit sketchy (!) but wouldn't it do the same thing?

I don't see why not. Several members use that to keep humidity up while doing a DSM (dry start method for plants).
I think you would not want to seal it too much; you need to ensure there is decent gas exchange.