AIO sump water level

[puffers252]

Hello!
Let me start by saying this is a freshwater setup so water levels for skimmers etc are not a concern.

I have an AIO tank I am starting up and very confused on the proper water level to run in the back sump areas.

If I basically level it off across all chamber the noise from socks, etc disappears so I kind of like it that way however I want to make sure I am not losing any benefits? I don't think overflowing is a concern with this high water since it's an AIO and the back and front just align to each other when pumps switch off.

Any reason to NOT run with such a high water level?

Pics showing what I'm doing vs where levels would be if I lowered and allowed it to stairstep over the weirs.

Thanks

 

[blaxsun]

The water level in the outer and adjacent chambers will end up being very close in height. All the evaporation will reduce the water level in the inner chamber, so that's where you'll need to set the level for your ATO to maintain whatever water level you like.

 

[dangles]

For my AIO I fill until there’s just a slight drop into the next chamber, maybe 1/4-1/2”

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

Second photo is correct. I'd raise the level in the last weir to quiet it down. Maybe 1/2" under the weir.

 

[puffers252]

Thanks for the replies, I have tried lowering the level to be more like pic 2 but it's just more noisy. Is there a reason to NOT run like pic 1? I would still put my ATO above the pump but running it that high basically combines chamber 2 and pump chamber until it hit the baffle which I would just set the ATO high enough to stop that.

I guess looking mostly to make sure I'm not missing something important that I'm losing running it so high because the gain is less noise, is there a downside I suppose is what I'm looking for.

Thanks!

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

Pic one is essentially stagnate water. Use of weirs is required for proper filtration.

It can't be that loud when done properly. My tanks are stone silent. Is your return nozzle making it he noise? Point it down slightly while maintaining surface agitation.

 

[puffers252]

Pic one is essentially stagnate water. Use of weirs is required for proper filtration.

It can't be that loud when done properly. My tanks are stone silent. Is your return nozzle making it he noise? Point it down slightly while maintaining surface agitation.

Thanks. I can see water movement so not sure I completely agree though. I did just lower the levels this morning and to silence the socks just cut some plastic mesh, works good so this might be the answer . Figure the angle like that having them a bit to long will allow them to still flow if they get clogged too.

Ignore the ugly sheet lol, doing a dark start prepping for planting

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

Thanks. I can see water movement so not sure I completely agree though. I did just lower the levels this morning and to silence the socks just cut some plastic mesh, works good so this might be the answer . Figure the angle like that having them a bit to long will allow them to still flow if they get clogged too.

Ignore the ugly sheet lol, doing a dark start prepping for planting

So you are making noise over the back of your filter sock if the mesh is stopping it. Try a media basket or lowering the return flow enough that it runs through the filtration instead of diverting some to flow over.

While your mesh works now, it won't soon. It won't get clogged so much as it will turn into an algae scrubber once your lights run a while with some nutrients in the tank.

 

[puffers252]

So you are making noise over the back of your filter sock if the mesh is stopping it. Try a media basket or lowering the return flow enough that it runs through the filtration instead of diverting some to flow over.

While your mesh works now, it won't soon. It won't get clogged so much as it will turn into an algae scrubber once your lights run a while with some nutrients in the tank.

I didn't consider turning the return pump down, I can certainly try that!
I don't think it's going over it, I think it's dropping into the socks causing the noise here's a pic.