Rimless Tank Water Height

[iannarelli]

Hi everyone,

I'm expecting my tank to be delivered this Friday, and shortly thereafter I will be drilling the overflow. I'm trying to get a consensus on what the water level should be when the return is running. I've seen everything from 0.5 inches to 2.0 inches (which seems a little excessive). I just don't want the tank to get overtopped when the powerheads are running or when I'm using the algae scraper. Modular Marine includes an approximate operational water height against the openings in the weir box based on the return pump flow, and I understand that will fluctuate. Having said that, where I drill the holds of the overflow will set the upper/lower bounds of that fluctuation.

Is 1 inch too little? If it makes a difference, I will have a lid eventually, but not on day 1.

 

[cdemoss01]

Hi everyone,

I'm expecting my tank to be delivered this Friday, and shortly thereafter I will be drilling the overflow. I'm trying to get a consensus on what the water level should be when the return is running. I've seen everything from 0.5 inches to 2.0 inches (which seems a little excessive). I just don't want the tank to get overtopped when the powerheads are running or when I'm using the algae scraper. Modular Marine includes an approximate operational water height against the openings in the weir box based on the return pump flow, and I understand that will fluctuate. Having said that, where I drill the holds of the overflow will set the upper/lower bounds of that fluctuation.

Is 1 inch too little? If it makes a difference, I will have a lid eventually, but not on day 1.

Not really sure this is a DIY question so it might not be able to be answered.

 

[iannarelli]

Whoops. I will repost there, thanks!

 

[KStatefan]

Mine is just under 2 inches maybe 1 3/4"

 

[iannarelli]

Mine is just under 2 inches maybe 1 3/4"

Himmmm, maybe I'm underestimating how much space I need (tank is 24 inches deep). Almost 1/12 the height seems like a lot. When the tank gets here, I will have to mock it up with some painters tape.

 

[exnisstech]

My 2 redsea tanks are 1.5 inches my waterbox is just over 2

 

[iannarelli]

My 2 redsea tanks are 1.5 inches my waterbox is just over 2

Thanks! Visually, do you have a preference?

 

[exnisstech]

Thanks! Visually, do you have a preference?

Not really. I added black vinyl tape to hide the water line. This is my WB 330.7 for an example.

This is my reefer 300. It's narrower but still hides the water line.

 

[KStatefan]

Himmmm, maybe I'm underestimating how much space I need (tank is 24 inches deep). Almost 1/12 the height seems like a lot. When the tank gets here, I will have to mock it up with some painters tape.

Measured when I got home it is at 1.5" at my current return rate.

 

[mfinn]

I have 3/4" from the top of the water to the top of the glass.
Waves and surges will sometimes take it to 1/4", but that only when I point the powerhead at too much of a upwards angle.

 

[iannarelli]

Not really. I added black vinyl tape to hide the water line. This is my WB 330.7 for an example.

This is my reefer 300. It's narrower but still hides the water line.

Ooh. I like that idea to hide the waterline! Might end up copying it.

 

[iannarelli]

Measured when I got home it is at 1.5" at my current return rate.

Thanks for double-checking. I think that's probably the most I would want to do.

 

[iannarelli]

I have 3/4" from the top of the water to the top of the glass.
Waves and surges will sometimes take it to 1/4", but that only when I point the powerhead at too much of a upwards angle.

Thanks! And no issues cleaning with a scraper? I imagine it partly comes down to technique. Haha.

 

[Waters]

Mine is about an inch and it constantly get surges from the powerheads.......any attempt at using a scraper definitely makes a mess. I do have a lid but it does not help at all when it comes to water making its' way over the side.

 

[mfinn]

Thanks! And no issues cleaning with a scraper? I imagine it partly comes down to technique. Haha.

If I'm not careful, I do splash a little water out and have to wipe the outside glass again.
I use a flipper for most of the cleaning on this tank, but do use a hand held scrapper for the top.

 

[iannarelli]

Mine is about an inch and it constantly get surges from the powerheads.......any attempt at using a scraper definitely makes a mess. I do have a lid but it does not help at all when it comes to water making its' way over the side.

Thanks... seems like maybe an inch should be the bare minimum.