Do Water Leak Detectors Work For Saltwater Aquariums?
There is nothing more devastating than discovering a leak in a well-kept aquarium tank.
Water damage from leaks can damage floors and furniture, plus it can result in loss of marine life.
Leak detectors for aquariums will become your best friend, serving as an essential safeguarding system for your saltwater aquarium.
What are aquarium leak detectors?
Aquarium leak detectors are advanced technological devices that are designed to identify the presence of water when there shouldn’t be. For aquarium hobbyists, leak detectors are lifesavers - they provide early detection of potential water leaks before they become a massive problem.
Do saltwater aquariums leak often?
While high-quality and properly installed aquariums are designed to withstand the constant pressure of water, leaks can and do occur because of improper installation or leveling, manufacturing defects, old silicone seals that have started to deteriorate, plumbing failures in aquarium filtration systems, and pressure/stress on glass or acrylic panels.
Even though catastrophic failures that lead to leaks are usually rare, the risk can increase with the age of the tank and how complex your aquarium setup is. It’s important to note that even a small leak can cause a lot of damage if left undetected. This is particularly an issue in larger aquariums that hold more water.
How to identify a leak in an aquarium?
Identifying a link in a reef aquarium can be difficult, particularly when it is very small or is in a location that is difficult to see. To find a leak you can:
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Visually inspect all seams and equipment connections
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Check for water accumulation around and under the tank
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Wiping suspected leak areas to detect moisture - this is known as the paper towel method
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Lower the tank water level to isolate the location of the leak
The above methods can be useful, however, they are reactive rather than preventive. This means you are likely already dealing with a leak by the time of identifying it. This is where automated leak detection systems come in.
Are leak detectors worth it?
Absolutely! For reef hobbyists, the question isn’t whether its worth getting a leak detection kit for an aquarium, but more if they can afford one. However, there are many affordable leak detection kits available, plus you should consider the potential costs of water damage over the cost of installing something that will put you at a significant advantage of detecting potential leaks.
How accurate are aquarium leak detection kits?
With advances in technology, modern leak detection kits offer unbeatable accuracy. Leak detectors like the HYDROS Leak Detection Sensor at Reefco Aquariums can detect even small amounts of water that trigger an alert before causing significant damage.
The accuracy of leak detector depend on the following:
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Regular testing and system maintenance
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Proper leak detection placement
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The quality and type of the leak detection sensor
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How you integrate the leak detector with your current monitoring system
High quality leak detection kits like the HYDROS range provide reliable results with minimal false alarms when they are properly installed and maintained. If you need help installing your leak detection kit, this is something the team at Reefco Aquariums can help with!
How long do aquarium leak detectors last?
The lifespan of a leak detector varies by the leak detector model and manufacturer, however, high-quality systems like the HYDROS Leak Detection Sensor are designed for durability. It features a safety seal that reduces corrosion, which is a common issue with many leak detectors due to rusting at the bottom.
The majority of aquarium leak detectors can last for 5 years if they are properly cared for, although, we recommend that you test your leak detection kit regularly for signs of poor functionality. Some components of the leak detector, such as those that use batteries, may need to be replaced more often.
How to test for aquarium leaks?
Leak detectors provide you with automated monitoring, yet it is still good housekeeping to know how to manually check for an aquarium leak.
You can:
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Visually inspect all external joints, seams, and connections for signs of salt or water residue
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Mark the water level on the side of the tank and monitor if it drops below the line faster than normal
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If you can, move your existing livestock to another aquarium and perform a dry test - when the tank is empty, fill it with water (we recommend doing this outside in case there is a leak!) and check for leaks
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To check leaks in plumbing components you can use air pressure (similar to testing a bicycle inner tyre)
To take a comprehensive approach to aquarium leaks, we suggest combining the above with an automated leak detection kit.
What are the advantages of leak detection for aquariums?
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They offer an early warning system, alerting you when they detect a leak before causing significant water damage.
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Some leak detection kits also come with automation systems that can turn off aquarium dosing pumps or send alerts straight to your mobile phone.
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They also provide peace of mind, knowing you can leave your aquarium and should a leak occur, you will be notified. This makes going on vacation much more pleasant, trust me!
What are the disadvantages of leak detection for aquariums?
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Let’s address the elephant in the room - the cost. Good quality leak detection systems do come with an initial investment.
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Some more complex leak detection systems may require specific installation requirements to integrate them with existing aquarium equipment.
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Leak sensors do require maintenance - they need to be cleaned occasionally to ensure they are still reliable.
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If the leak detection sensor is improperly installed or they are poor quality, they may trigger false alarms from water splashes or high humidity levels.
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Some leak detectors need to be plugged in, relying on electricity. This may be an issue if you are in an area prone to power outages. However, many of these systems do include battery backups.
Leak detection components
Conclusion
Aquarium leak detectors are fantastic at detecting leaks and offering you peace of mind. With smart technology leak detection systems like the HYDROS Leak Detection products at Reefco Aquariums, you can get alerts immediately when a leak is detected, preventing costly repairs and detrimental loss of marine life.
If you would like to learn more about leak detection systems or need help selecting the best leak detector for your aquarium setup, contact the Reefco Aquarium team today and start protecting your aquarium.
