Controlling Display Tank Level

[jsturner711]

I am setting up a Newly acquired used 150 gallon tank, that was setup with Durso Standpipes in the overflows. Filling the tank, I've found that if I add water past about 1 inch from the rim, water will no longer go in the display tank, but only the sump (this is with the pump running). Leaving the water an inch from the top, everything works well with the sump level. Is this how large overflow tanks normally operate? I feel like the Display tank should have water to the rim to look best. Is there any adjustment I can make to correct this? I bought the tank second hand, so I can't ask the previous owner how they had it. When I think about the physics of it, I feel like I would need to modify the weir and the standpipe length to correct this, but then I would not be able to put the glass top on. Any suggestions?

 

[UncommonSense]

You do not need to modify the standpipe, just the weir itself!

The best solution would be to weld a piece of thin/flexible acrylic on the interior of the weir, covering around 1/2” of the weir teeth along the bottom of each, subsequently raising the display water level!

Though, in this application, you can realistically just use aquarium silicone sealant, and possibly a strip of any thin food grade plastic to make this “dam” cover the bottom of the weir teeth!

— It’s worth noting that you should let either option cure for at least three (3) full days before exposing it to tank water!

(you’d lower the display water level, do your work, then fill it back up 3 days later… the sump would have to recirculate with itself during this time…)

 

[BryanM]

I think the short answer to your question is yes. However low the weir is, is where the DT water level will be, unless you have a massive return pump that can overpower the overflow.

My waterbox 180g DT waterline is about 1 1/8" lower than the top of the glass, matching the wier height

 

[jsturner711]

One other note, I realize there are 2 plastic screws in the weir. Could these have been to hold an adapter gate in place? If so, where could I find such a thing that would fit? Or are these meant for something else?

 

[UncommonSense]

One other note, I realize there are 2 plastic screws in the weir. Could these have been to hold an adapter gate in place? If so, where could I find such a thing that would fit? Or are these meant for something else?

That definitely looks like their purpose!

I have no clue where one would find an off the shelf replacement, though…

 

[Nate Chalk]

Any piece of flexible plastic with holes drilled in it should work.

 

[troublemaker]

That looks like the same style overflow as the Deep Blue tanks. If it is the same there was an adjustable plate to control water height which seems to be missing.

 

[salwater_sai]

I turned my return to a emergency overflow and used the valve on my overflow to adjust the water level to my return flow rate.

 

[jsturner711]

I found a label on the bottom inside of the tank "Aquarium Masters". I googled it and found a website with contact info. Sent them an email and they replied with the part # B01M11UGJF. Found it online, so I ordered a set. Should be here Tuesday. Hopefully this fits and serves it's purpose, or else I'll return them and just fabricate my own pieces. Thanks all for the insight! Will answer back then.

 

[jsturner711]

Adding a comment to close this thread out. The parts finally arrived today. They fit perfect and I am now operating my tank at full with my sump where it should be.