Understanding Water Levels in Integrated Aquarium Filters
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
- Aquatic Expert Tom Sarac explains why water levels sometimes differ between the main aquarium area and the integrated filtration compartment. Applicable to Fluval Flex, Spec and Evo aquarium models.
Wow! No one, that I've seen, has addressed this. I'm new to this system and never thought to look, thank you!
Our pleasure! 😄
...i figured this out at 3 am when i heard my pump cavitating! Nothing like impending doom to wake the dead to attention.
Very Informative video! I notice my water level in the Marineland Portrait Five gallon tank keep rising and the water in the back of the tank is going down! I was wondering why it was doing this in the tank?
Hello! Do you know the reason why the water is rising in the tank and the back filtration level is low?
If there is nothing obstructing the inlet screen to the back filtration compartment then it should not be rising in the aquarium from where it is typically.
Hello! I truly agree.
Hello! The motor and filtration in the tank was working fine on Monday and yesterday morning. I notice the water level was rising again pass the minimum and medium level lines of the tank! I had to turn it off due the water level rising to the very top of the tank! My fiancee think it is having too much water in the tank? I have it leveled to the Minimum level in the Marineland Portrait tank! I never had a problem with this tank until some weeks ago. He thinks it could be the weight of the decor which is pushing the buoyancy of the water level in the tank. I have only two medium length silk plants, three moss balls and a medium size cave decor.
It’s like you didn’t pay attention to the video at all
Thanks for the video! It would also be good to have extra tips on how high to fill the tank (mid-way up the honeycomb?), what dangerously low levels of water are, and how to tell the difference between normal evaporation and the filter or intakes being blocked (because most of us have some filter floss in there)
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In the kit instructions we cover filling and maintaining the aquarium water level to half way up the inlet grill. In this video we do mention you should address top offs due to evaporation by checking the pump compartment weekly as the tank volume is small. Evaporation is water loss, filter media blockage is handled by regular maintenance, following recommend media maintenance will ensure that is not an issue.
I noticed my pump compartment was completely empty of water, but the main tank is totally full. When I pour water into the pump compartment, it all gets pushed out by the pump immediately, emptying the pump compartment, and making my main tank overflow. What’s going on?
Hi Jordan, it sounds like either the intake slots are obstructed or the foam block desperately needs to be cleaned / replaced. Make sure nothing is impeding the flow of water from the display area into the rear chambers and through to the pump, and the system should function as expected. If you're still having trouble, please contact our customer support team for assistance: fluvalaquatics.com/us/contact-us/
If this is the case it would be advisable to put your aquarium heater in the front section of the aquarium to reduce the risk of having the heater malfunction if you had it in the back where the filter is located. This can cause failures and even a fire. If you do put it in the back make sure you check the water level often.
Fire is not an risk with as submersible heater. The key is regular verification, especially of your thermometer. Placing the heater in the rear filter compartment is an option when following the advice in regards to regular water level checks of the pump compartment.
Thank you for this information, so very useful.
We're glad it was helpful! 😊
I have the fluval flex 15 and I have everything set up the way listed in the instructions. I have the heater from you guys that you recommend for this tank in the exact spot shown in the instructions, in the filter compartment. The issue is that I can not fill the actual tank with enough water for the top intake grates to be able to intake water because if I do, then the water level is so high in the filter compartment that my heater has to place up so high that I can not put the tank lid on.
Hi there! We think we understand the issue - you can completely submerge the heater in water, it's fully submersible! That way you should be able to have the water level at the right height. 👍
I put my heater where the pump is on my fluval flex 15 gallon woke up to burning smell rushed downstairs and was looking at what aquarium had the problem but it was easy to see the pump on the flex was making lots of bubbles because the water level was low, obviously the filter broke and since then always keep the filter on the opposite end compartment, I'm also about to take out the sponge filter that goes in the middle cut it In half put it on the first compartment and fill the second one with media to the top
Thank you for responding.
Interesting, and I say as an Engineer with expertise in hydraulics. Other AIO designs have a high mounted pump that does not have this characteristic.
Thanks for your explanation. Can Fluval Hang on back filters (like the Fluval C3 or Aquaclear) be used in low water level turtle tanks? Thank you!
Hang-on-back filters generally need the water level of the aquarium to be quite close to the rim. In the case of the C3, for example, the minimum water level in the tank should be no more than 2.25" / 6 cm below the aquarium rim. We recommend internal filters, like the Fluval U Series, for turtle tanks!
@@fluval Thanks for your reply and advice.
I have a little bit larger one. Can too much water evaporate and the pump stop working I’ve been away for over a week?
Hi John! Eventually, yes, enough water will evaporate that the pump will run dry. This takes much longer than a week, however, so you should be fine! Furthermore, depending on the tank you have, there may be an emergency intake near the bottom of the tank to help prevent this from happening.
really wonderful video! thank you
Just watched one of your videos from 2014. Where can I get that marina branded tool from?
Or do you know what can I use so I don’t have to put my hand in the tank?
Hi Samantha, thanks for watching! Please send us the link of the video you are referring to and we would be happy to inform you about the Marina branded tool you are referring to.
Good piece of info. Thank you!
Hi Just bought a flex 57 ltr tank. newbie question . the two water teturn jets from pump. Should they be above the water level? My guess is yes to allow aeration of the water? I have set the level to where my fish shop said but I see micro bubbles fast flowing round the upper half of the water. No fish in the tank yet as at least around 10 days to get filter up and running properly . Your advice please Level as set from advice so far is if looking from the front half way up the black grid around the top.
Hi Peter! The dual output nozzles don't need to be above the surface - doing so will cause quite a bit of splashing and will make some noise. At least one of the output nozzles should be quite near the surface, however, to ensure adequate agitation and oxygenation of the water. The other nozzle can also be at the surface, or directed more downward to ensure water movement throughout the tank!
@@fluval Hi - we have recently introduced some small tetra to a new flex 19l aquarium for my son, but noticed the fish are struggling with the current caused by having the nozzle under the water level. I have removed the stress on the fish by lowering the water level to below the nozzle, but as you mention, this causes splash noise. I'm new to all this, can you suggest anything that could sort this problem out? I read a baffle could help. Many thanks in advance.
old video but can you make a wet dry filter fully submerged? Like drill a home lower like some aio units do so if the water level runs low the pump wont run dry? i have a sea clear acrylic with wet dry built in back is why is im asking. thanks
Hi Scott, that sounds like a fun project! Since we can't see your setup, we're hesitant to offer any advice - we suggest posting about it in a group on Facebook or another website to get advice and recommendations!
I have the Fluval Betta Aquarium that is new this year 2021 and ironically there isn’t much guidance regarding this specific tank and unable to locate and purchase the foam pad that was included for the mechanical diffusion chamber!!
I bought this April 2nd and
today (June 7th) tried this method to remove water from the filter compartment in hopes this would create enough movement for the surface water to circulate but instead of it lowering the water level in the filter compartment, it lowered the water level in the tank 😟
Notes* cleaned out the filter pump completely and still can’t get the surface water to circulate even when changed through the flow rate
Hi Scorpio, we are sorry to hear that you are having some trouble with your aquarium. Please contact our customer service team regarding this, they will be glad to assist you. 😊 fluvalaquatics.com/us/contact-us/
@@fluval thank you!
I decided to better because it sounded more of a contact help question 😆
A new razor blade will fix that problem. Cut careful around the silicone and remove that back panel completely. Now you can see your heater is working. You can see that a sponge filter is working and the water level is the water level. Sometimes simply things just don’t need to be made complicated Fluval. Love your tanks . I have 4 of them all purchased from the rubbish dump recycling shed. Perhaps if they had been kept simple the original owner would still be in the hobby ? I think the large filter foam blocks are fantastic as well but I don’t hide them away as Fluval seems to think needs to be done.
Alan, unfortunately it is not the razor blade that addresses the water level, which is no challenge to see when looking downwards into the filter :) That said, you are right, it is not complicated, we thought our example of siphoning as easy as it gets to demonstrate the principle.
I am sure you are correct. Thank you for your time.
Nice. Good idea w the razor
I have both the flex 15 and the 32.5 flex. I did not have this problem with the larger model flex, but in the smaller one, my nerite snails were constantly climbing up, over and into the filter compartment. This drives me crazy.
Is there any fix to this issue?
You might try slicing a length of tubing of sufficient diameter to fit over the top edge of the filter compartment wall, such that it does not impact any significant area of the inlet grill at the top, such that it touches the plastic lid.
I have the Betta kit, it also uses the filter method, however I have 2 tanks that water overflows out of the side of the tank. How can I stop this from happening?
Hi Jimmy! We recommend contacting our customer support team about this: fluvalaquatics.com/us/contact-us/
which filter chamber should an ATO sensor go into?
It should be positioned in the last rear chamber, with the pump! 👍
When you say to off.. are you saying fill the back area up to be level with your tank level?
Exactly, Chris! 😁
I just set up a flex 15g. The top intake is above the water line..only a tiny bit is under water...is this normal, or ok?
Hi David, that's fine! Most of the water will flow in through the bottom intake in that case.
@@fluval ok thank you so much, however I was able to add more water than I thought so most of the top intake is under water now. My tank cleared up after the bacterial bloom and looks great. I dont even need the fluval bioclear I bought...my only pet shop where I live wont do free water tests unless you already have fish so im not really sure if its safe to add fish. I looks great though and i did declorinate 1st then added the bacteria when i set it up but im just not sure its safe yet...its been 5 days
I need help my fist saltwater tank the Evo 13.5 don't know if I'm cycling the tank right??? Can I use to much Beneficial bacteria in my tank when starting.... ??? Also the fluval cycle the red bottle is that a dormant bacteria and takes a couple days to wake it up???
Hi Michael, if you follow the directions on the bottle you'll have no issues! The bacteria becomes active as soon as it is added to the aquarium. 👍
Will Fluval be at Aqua-Fest in New Orleans?
No, unfortunately not.
@@fluval Aww, terrible news :(
Putting sponge in your filter siphoning point will prevent your filter from algae and blockage. I tried it and works. Tnx sir
Pre-filters are a good addition but have to be maintained, regularly rinse the pre-filter foam block, if you block a smaller opening then the filter will be starved of water sooner vs later....
I have a fluval flex 32.5, when filling it I always fill from the back. Recently the water level in the back wont replenish when I try to top off my tank, instead it pushes any water (the back is low enough I can't keep my heater submerged) up front and overflows the tank despite the back not being full. What could be causing this?
Hi Jordan, please contact our customer support team about this: fluvalaquatics.com/us/contact-us/
Any tips on this issue?
I have exactly the same problem.
Is it necessary to have a water level differentiation in the all in 1 filters?
No it is not but is is somewhat normal as we have explained, the main thing is to check the pump compartment regularly and top up to fill that section.
I just did a water change n before that everything was working fine. Then after i clean the tank my watter just suddenly stop floting through the filter. So u have any idea y hat hapoen n is, a new tank
Hi Salmata, thank you for your comment! We are sorry to hear that you are having some trouble with your aquarium. Please reach out to our customer service team who will be glad to assist you with this! 😊 fluvalaquatics.com/us/contact-us/
Meaningful ❤
Anyone used the Intank Media Baskets that claim to be better than what Flex provided and would solve some of this rapid clogging and emptying mid filter chamber?
Fluval should join in on the Auto top off product market
What if it keeps dropping? What do you do?
We recommend cleaning out the filter media and topping up the aquarium regularly! 👌
Would that cause on side of the main tank to be higher ?
As you can see in the video it would not, topping up based on the pump output chamber will be reflected in the pump chamber only being returned to the correct water level, given you are maintaining filter media within a reasonable interval.
where is the proper level for the sump? how full should it be for the filtration to work properly
The water level in the tank should be kept at halfway up the inlet grill, on the opposite side in filter the inlet compartment, the water level should be the same. As we point out in the video use the pump compartment to add water back to, this is the compartment that will reflect water loss first.
How much variance is okay?,
Hi there! The water level in the rear chambers should never drop more than a few inches below the level in the aquarium, or less if a heater is present!
I need baby shrimp safe inlets for my flex tank, please
I'm sure i'm not the only one
Protecting fry from entering any filter is always a challenge. For the Flex tanks we recommend using an Aqua Clear Foam block to fit on the inside of the inlet compartment up against the grill opening, this will prevent fry from entering. This is an FAQ on our updated website but may not yet be posted.
can my 40 new fish fry survive with a integrated fish flitration aquarioum survive in a tank like this??
Hi Cordelia, yes they can! We recommend using a pre-filter sponge on the filter intake so that no fry end up in the rear filter chamber. Hope this helps! 😊
Ahhhh, i always wondered that, i thought i had a blockage.haha.
What’s the name of this tank?
Hi, it's the Fluval Spec 3! 😊👇
fluvalaquatics.com/us/spec/
This just happened to me and I'm pretty sure it messed up my heater 🤦♂️
Interesting
can u put heater in the pump area?
Yes you can! 😁
I would advise anyone with a nano tank to never top off for evaporation. Either stop the evaporation or change water.
Actually it is best to both top up regularly (ideally with R/O water) and change water.
@@fluval then shouldn't you have said that? I would argue that most people who keep aquariums do not have an RO unit, and adding water to compensate for evaporation van have a profound effect on water conditions. I love fluval, I use many of your products because simply put, they're the best, but you really have to be careful when you say things like this because it would be very easy for a newcomer to not understand that it could be harmful if not done properly
Thanks, we are fine with sharing information on R/O units, we would welcome any questions about it. Maintaining a constant water level is not only necessary for consistent water chemistry but also for proper functioning of key hardware such as a heater, etc... using R/O water to replace water lost due to evaporation is very safe as that is exactly what has evaporated.
Is this tank for fresh Water or marine ?
It is typically used for fresh water set ups.
I know it’s your company, but with all due respect, you pronounced the name wrong 🤣