Water level of tanks

[ratherbe]

In looking at pictures of tanks on the forum, I've noticed that some of the pics show the water level one to two inches below the top of the tank. Is there a reason why the water should be this low? Just wondering, cause I really don't like seeing the top of the water!? :girl:

[Rbishop]

Increased surface agitation?

[liv2padl]

if your filter doesn't provide sufficient surface agitation, then creating it by 'splashing' the return water from your filter will work. personally, i dislike the noise and like you, don't prefer to see the water level below the tank rim.

[echoofformless]

My water level only gets low when I've been too lazy to do a water change or refill... :duh:

[liv2padl]

if you're waiting until the water level drops so low as to create room at the top of the tank, you're waiting waaaaay to long. weekly is the way to go.

[Marinemom]

I think it is more a matter of personal preferance. I perfer to not see the water lines. For some reason it makes me a little nuts. I also do not like the noise from the water splashing too. But that is just me. The only time that I might leave the water level that low is if for some reason I think that the fish are not getting enough oxygen. So then I will leave the water level that low to increase surface aggitation which in turn increases oxygen in the water for the fish until I correct the problem.

Marinemom

[epicfish]

I always leave it pretty high since I have HOB filter with CO2. The increased surface agitation does not except force the CO2 out of my water.

[webcricket]

In my 20 gallon tanks and 2 gallon I have the water about 1" to 1.5" below the rim because I have internal filters on those tanks and the spout of the filter can't be below the water line or the filter doesn't filter anything.

[Aussie_hippie_2]

How low do you guys keep it? I keep mine like 1-2inches below the rim; I don't know why... Do you guys have it touching the rim?

[Marinemom]

I have mine just above the rim so I can't see the water line. When it gets below the rim I just add enough water so I do not see the water lines.

Marinemom

[corykid]

lol this is creepy cause i had been thinking the same thing when i was setting up my 55g lol!! but ya in my 15g i keep it below the rim (cause of me snails) and in my 55g i keep it a bit below the rim to make room for the top of my heater (it has to be lower or the hood blocks it from being able to stick to the inside of the tank)

[aardvark1]

Normally keep the water right at or right above the trim, but I also have snail clutches, so am keeping the water a little low in those tanks.

As I'm running Penquin Filters with Bio-Wheels, it's a bit noisy at the moment!

[ratherbe]

Whew, I'm glad I'm not supposed to keep it that low, cause it would surely drive me nuts. lol My water is good and agitated with the dual bio-filter and the 23" wall bubbler (that the fish love to swim in.) The bubbler is really cool looking too.

[Marinemom]

Are you afraid that the snails will take a ride and climb out of the tank? I have snails in my tank and they have yet to climb out of my tank. However, I do find them on the bio-wheel of my filter sometimes and it is just enough to stop the bio-wheel. I am talking about the snails that you find hitching a ride on the live plants. The other snails stay in my tank.

Marinemom

[rsanz]

I have my water level just above the trim. Seeing the waterline would drive me nuts.

[CaitxSith]

Mine is WAY above the place where water comes out of my filter... because my 15 gallon heater (though I have 20 gal) has that water level thing... but nowadays, I keep the water level below the line... is it ok?

[Marinemom]

It is fine that way. Mostly it is just a matter of personal preferance.

Marinemom

[CaitxSith]

i mean, the heater says not to let the water level go below the line...

but then it always is...