Salt Creep

[rdebonis]

How do you stop Salt Creep in a tank. I am interested in starting a Brackish Water tank, but I have seen a number of Salt water and Brackish water tanks with salt accumulations on the cover and sides. How do I avoid this?

[xoomer]

You can't avoid it. You just wipe it here and there.

I wipe the top of my tank every few months (180G reef). If there is not much splashing you'll hardly have any salt creep on your tank. The effect will be even less pronounced on a brackish tank.

[stevem]

You actually get less salt creep on an open top tank, then one with a tight fitting top.
I have 4 saltwater tanks, and the ones wiith the tight fitting canopies have more creep then my reef. which does not have a top, and the reef has much more flow. Also it is not only the flow, but the surface splashing that seems to cause the creep. Best way to keep it clean like bernard said, is to wipe it down reguarly.

[rdebonis]

Originally Posted by stevem

You actually get less salt creep on an open top tank, then one with a tight fitting top.
I have 4 saltwater tanks, and the ones wiith the tight fitting canopies have more creep then my reef. which does not have a top, and the reef has much more flow. Also it is not only the flow, but the surface splashing that seems to cause the creep. Best way to keep it clean like bernard said, is to wipe it down reguarly.

I can't keep the tank uncovered because many Brackish water fish are jumpers. I agree with you that surface water splashing such as from an air flow or power head is a leading cause of Salt Creep. The suggestions made to wipe the tops and sides of the tank regularly seems to be unanimous among Saltwater hobbyists and the best way to go.

[stevem]

you can use eggcrate material to make tops, works great.
Get it at any home center, easy to cut and install, also clean easy.

[rdebonis]

Originally Posted by stevem

you can use eggcrate material to make tops, works great.
Get it at any home center, easy to cut and install, also clean easy.

Great Idea! I have a lot of plastic egg crate left over from the Orchid business. Thanks!!!!

[stevem]

I always though you looked like a farm boy.
For all that do not know eggcrate is a 2' x 4' plastic panel, that is made up of 1/2 " grid. It is used for floresent ceiling lights. It can be easily cut with either a hacksaw or a wire clippers. It is also fairly cheap.

[xoomer]

It's a light diffuser that can be had for 11 bucks each at HD, Lowes or the likes. It can cost a lot more at mom-and-pops kind of hardware stores. Most clerks at the store will not know what an eggcrate is so direct yourself to a light isle where they have all the fluorescent shop lights or drop ceiling panels. Comes with white, silver-painted or black.

[rdebonis]

Originally Posted by stevem

I always though you looked like a farm boy.
For all that do not know eggcrate is a 2' x 4' plastic panel, that is made up of 1/2 " grid. It is used for floresent ceiling lights. It can be easily cut with either a hacksaw or a wire clippers. It is also fairly cheap.

Thanks for the complement! Home Home on the Range me and Sarah P. Alaska here I come!! I think I'll start a fish club there for Salmon and Rainbow Trout breeders.

[stevem]

that might be a little different. Ithink they are more in to catch and eat.