My display tank water level too high?

[Mandrew559]

My new tank has the over flow pretty high. My water level is less than an inch from top of tank without any powerheads yet. Im considering using a ripsaw and drilling the grates down an inch. Thoughts?

 

[Acros]

i think too high. Do you have a sump?

 

[Super Fly]

seems ok to me, perhaps u may want to try running the powerhead and see prior to cutting the overflow to lower the water level?

 

[Mandrew559]

Oh ya. Big sump down there. It's a herbie overflow design, but the dang teeth in overflow aren't cut low enough to lower the water level at all. I think I can drill em down an inch thus dropping the level

i think too high. Do you have a sump?

 

[Mandrew559]

I run a ton of flow. 3-mp40 in this 36" long tank. I'm scared I'm gna splash out of the tank lol

 

[Super Fly]

I run a ton of flow. 3-mp40 in this 36" long tank. I'm scared I'm gna splash out of the tank lol

in that case I'd agree with u about cutting the overflow teeth lower, drilling holes won't help to lower water level.

 

[Acros]

Oh ya. Big sump down there. It's a herbie overflow design, but the dang teeth in overflow aren't cut low enough to lower the water level at all. I think I can drill em down an inch thus dropping the level

The water level will surge when you have the return pump on. Make sure it doesn't overflow. My water level is a good 2.5 inches from the top when the sump is switched off.

I have a smaller 29g tank as well. So you might not see as much of a surge depending on your tank size.

 

[JoshH]

My new tank has the over flow pretty high. My water level is less than an inch from top of tank without any powerheads yet. Im considering using a ripsaw and drilling the grates down an inch. Thoughts?

Is this with your return running where you want it to be flow wise?

 

[Mandrew559]

Indeed. This is tank running, return and overflow are dialed in. The only option I have is to make the overflow teeth deeper. I'm gna try to achieve this with a rotozip

Is this with your return running where you want it to be flow wise?

 

[JoshH]

Indeed. This is tank running, return and overflow are dialed in. The only option I have is to make the overflow teeth deeper. I'm gna try to achieve this with a rotozip

Is the back acrylic or glass? I would maybe try and add a couple extra slots as well. How high up over the teeth of the overflow does the water level sit when running?

 

[Saltyreef]

I would leave it. It wont splash out if you are using your powerheads correctly. There should only be surface tension movement.

I would hate a low water level on a rimless tank personally.
You might regret it later...

 

[Mandrew559]

Tanks all glass. Overflow is all acrylic. They kept the teeth too high, they sit at pretty much top of tank

Is the back acrylic or glass? I would maybe try and add a couple extra slots as well. How high up over the teeth of the overflow does the water level sit when running?

 

[Mandrew559]

I've never seen the water level this close lol. I've got a couple rimless and they are both a good 2" below rim

I would leave it. It wont splash out if you are using your powerheads correctly. There should only be surface tension movement.

I would hate a low water level on a rimless tank personally.
You might regret it later...

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

Honestly the water level looks fine to me. Powerheads will not cause a splash and if this is steady state with your sump I wouldn't touch it until you know you have a problem

 

[Mandrew559]

This is without overflow, return off.

 

[Mandrew559]

Yea? I'm still sketch on the level lol. I'm gna try to extend my overflow teeth deeper

QUOTE="NeonRabbit221B, post: 8085079, member: 124537"]
Honestly the water level looks fine to me. Powerheads will not cause a splash and if this is steady state with your sump I wouldn't touch it until you know you have a problem
[/QUOTE]

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

If you are deadset on dropping the overflow height I wouldn't cut out more than 1/4-1/2".

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

You can always cut out more but you very well cant uncut that acrylic!

 

[Potatohead]

Depending on your return pump and turnover rate you can also lower the flow rate of the return pump and it will lower the level in the display

 

[Mandrew559]

Very true. I'm just gna "bore" out the current slits jus 1/2" I'll try. Maybe even just the ones in the sides.

You can always cut out more but you very well cant uncut that acrylic!