Intake Level

[Baby Ray]

Is there a reason my intake compartment is almost always high enough to go throw what I am assuming is the emergency overflow hole in the baffle?

In other the water is coming through well over half of the intake slots that allow the water to enter the AIO back chamber.

This is allowing a thin film to form on the surface of the water, despite water agitation that I add

 

[sgdnycct]

What kind of tank? Do you have picture? I can’t quite picture in my head what you’re describing.

 

[Fish Fan]

Can you post a pic, or let us know what tank you have?

Can you lower the water level in the back chambers? I like the have one chamber cascade down into the next.

 

[CaptainScuba]

Are you using the stock return pump or did you upgrade it? Many of these AIO tanks come with low flow return pumps and people have a tendency to upgrade them in search of higher flow without adding clutter to their display via wave makers/power heads. The problem with that is that the tanks are only physically capable of allowing so much water to flow through the intake grates into the back chamber at a time.

I upgraded the pump on my 10g AIO from 160gph to 265gph and there was a very noticeable water level rise in my display. As a side effect, I also have to change my mechanical filter media much more frequently.

 

[Baby Ray]

I did upgrade the return, that is definitely it thank you. I have been replacing the filter floss more recently

 

[Fish Fan]

I did upgrade the return, that is definitely it thank you. I have been replacing the filter floss more recently

If you're not already, use Poly-Fil for your filter floss. Poly-Fil is sold in the sewing/craft section of your local Mega-Lo-Mart or any craft store like Michaels or Hobby Lobby. It's used as stuffing in pillows and stuff animals, but it is exactly the same as aquarium filter floss, it just costs a lot less because it doesn't have a picture of a fish on the bag

 

[Baby Ray]

Good to know, thank you!

 

[Elisabeth GER]

Hi Baby Ray,

You should rinse the filter wool before using it.

There are often manufacturing residues left on it, and rinsing it makes it more suitable for use.

Best regards, Elisabeth