Water Level

mrnugget

AC Members
Aug 23, 2006
10
0
0
New Jersey
This may be a stupid question, but...

In looking through ads for tanks and equipment, I see many tank pictures where the water level is 1" or even more below the trim line of the tank. I have always maintained a water level at the top trim line, or just above, partially because in a 10gal tank, every little bit helps, and partially because I think it looks better (i.e. no 'bath tub ring' on the glass).

Is there a 'right' way to keep the tank topped off?
 
I keep mine close to the top except on my uncovered breeding tanks (so that no one can jump out), but alot of people will not replenish evaporation. You also need to remember that depending on where you're looking, people might not be doing weekly, or regular for that matter, water changes.
 
If you are using a sump, the water level in the main tank does not change. The water level drops in the sump.
 
I keep mine well above the trim, so that the out flow of the HOB glides across the top of the water instead of straight down. And yes, it does look better.
 
Unless you have no lid & jumpers or Cories that may bonk their heads doing their air gulps, it's pretty much a matter of personal preference.

Other considerations may be filter related - some HOBs are picky about water levels, some internal filters don;t circulate as well unless outlet is above water level...
 
No there is no right or wrong its what looks good to you.

I keep mine right to just above the black trim.
 
I sometimes drop mine in the summer in my living room as the lower water level seems to help keep the tank a bit cooler with the lids open. I also have mine lower in my tanks with apple snails to encourage good reproductive health through regular laying of clutches. During the fall through spring in my fish tanks, I keep the water level up to the trim as well.
 
I keep mine filled to within a 1/4" of the top lip of the trim. I don't like seeing the water line.
 
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