Newbie question, Topfin Power Filter 30

[Samuel G. Kramer]

My five year old son and I just filled our 29 gallon aquarium tonight
and I installed the Topfin Power Filter 30 and Visi-Therm aquarium
heater. All the instructions were rather straightforward to me except
this one: Step 7 of the filter set-up states, "Fill your aquarium
with water until the water level is 1/2 to 1" from the bottom of the
RUNOFF SPILLWAY."

Do they mean the top of the water level in the tank should be below or
above the bottom of the runoff spillway? As the bottom of the
spillway is about even with the bottom of the frame of the top of the
tank, leaving a gap of 1/2" below the spillway means the tank will
visually have a 1/2" gap of empty space at the top of the tank when
looking at it straight on. Not only that, but won't the "waterfall
effect" of the spillway dropping water onto the surface create
constant water level motion?


Regards,
Sam
First-time poster to this newsgroup

[Gazoo0]

Samuel G. Kramer wrote:

> My five year old son and I just filled our 29 gallon aquarium tonight
> and I installed the Topfin Power Filter 30 and Visi-Therm aquarium
> heater. All the instructions were rather straightforward to me except
> this one: Step 7 of the filter set-up states, "Fill your aquarium
> with water until the water level is 1/2 to 1" from the bottom of the
> RUNOFF SPILLWAY."
>
> Do they mean the top of the water level in the tank should be below or
> above the bottom of the runoff spillway? As the bottom of the
> spillway is about even with the bottom of the frame of the top of the
> tank, leaving a gap of 1/2" below the spillway means the tank will
> visually have a 1/2" gap of empty space at the top of the tank when
> looking at it straight on. Not only that, but won't the "waterfall
> effect" of the spillway dropping water onto the surface create
> constant water level motion?
>
>
> Regards,
> Sam
> First-time poster to this newsgroup


Hi Sam.
You want the spillway to be out of the water, by a half inch, according to
the instructions. This will help oxygenate the water, as it falls into the
tank. Water movement at the surface is good for this reason. If you don't
like the waterline showing, below the frame of the tank, you could shim the
filter upwards, by putting some foam or similar material between the frame
and filter, lifting it upwards. Try not to get to close to the lights.
Electricity and water don't mix well:-)
Have fun, it's a great hobby.

Ross T.