Levels in Salt Water Aquariums

The level of water in aquariums is affected by various factors. These include the types of filters that are being used and whether a sump has been incorporated. The species of aquatic creatures that an aquarist chooses to keep also affect the level the water.

  1. Water Level and Wave Makers

    • These devices are typically comprised of a hollow box, which contains a powerful pump. Aquarium water is drawn into the unit and then expelled at a quick rate, thereby creating a wave effect. Wave makers simulate ocean currents in a marine aquarium. Strong currents oxygenate aquarium water and help dispel the buildup of toxic carbon dioxide. The powerful water movement also makes for a healthy environment for aquatic creatures. Lower the water level to compensate for the waves so they don't spill over the top of the aquarium.

    Water Level and Metal Halide Lights

    • Metal halide bulbs give off an intense light, a spectrum required by living corals that photosynthesize. These high-intensity discharge lamps, which are often referred to as sun replacement bulbs, give off far more heat than incandescent or fluorescent lights. For this reason, they need to be positioned farther from the water surface than normal aquarium lights. Aquarists who are not able to suspend metal halide lamps from the ceiling need to drop the level of the aquarium water on a permanent basis.

    Water Level and Sumps

    • Sumps are remote glass or plastic containers that are connected to the display aquarium via tubing or piping. These containers typically stand below the aquarium, and water from the main tank flows into them through an overflow pipe. A pump that is positioned in the sump returns water to the display aquarium; this circulation of water continues for as long as the pump runs. During a power outage, though, the sump pump is not able to return water to the aquarium; water that is already in the pipes runs back into the sump. For this reason, the water level in the sump is kept at the halfway mark. The water level in the main aquarium is also always lower than usual because of the overflow pipe.

    Water Level and the Species Housed

    • When kept in an aquarium, fish such as mudskippers require land on which to rest. The water level in aquariums housing these species is far lower than usual so that banks of gravel, rocks or sand are able to rise above the water.