Partial Tank Fill

I was doing a WC on my 10 gallon this evening and left the HOB filter running while I siphoned 25% of the water out. With the water level down, the HOB was like a waterfall pouring into the tank, agitating the surface, creating bubbles, and putting off a pleasant sound. It was also kind of cool to see the surface of the water through the glass, which is typically concealed by the hood. I was thinking, is there any reason not to run the tank like this all the time? Other than having enough water volume for the inhabitants, I can't think of any other reason why this would be detrimental.

 

I think it would be okay as long as your filter is getting enough water. However, filling the tank halfway or lowering the water a lot decreases the water volume, so if you had a fully stocked 10-gallon and lowered the water halfway, there would only be five gallons and you would be way overstocked. What do you currently have in the tank?

 

It appears the filter is getting enough water, and I agree about the stocking (I mentioned that in my original message). I'm not going to do it with my current inhabitants, since I've already been told they should be in a 15 gallon. Although it's difficult for me to understand why these tiny Glowlights need 15 gallons of water to be happy.

 

As @Aqua59 stated it technically depends on what's in your tank.

 

It appears the filter is getting enough water, and I agree about the stocking (I mentioned that in my original message). I'm not going to do it with my current inhabitants, since I've already been told they should be in a 15 gallon. Although it's difficult for me to understand why these tiny Glowlights need 15 gallons of water to be happy.

They probably like a lot of room to swim in. How about getting a little modified Japanese water garden?

 

I suppose a hoodless aquarium would accomplish part of what I'm looking for (being able to see the exposed rippling surface of the water), but then I'd have accelerated evaporation. Maybe not a big deal. I change the water every week anyway. Not sure how much humidity that would add to the air though.

As @Aqua59 stated it technically depends on what's in your tank.

Right, I already mentioned that. Don't mean to sound rude. I said, other than having enough water volume for the inhabitants, is there any reason not to do this?

 

Sorry. Of all the things I read my eyes couldn't wander to that place. Sorry once again I just didn't see that

 

Sorry. Of all the things I read my eyes couldn't wander to that place. Sorry once again I just didn't see that

No worries! Sounds like what I propose is fine as long as the fish have enough water volume. Thanks!

 

I currently have a 40gal with an HOB and seeding a SunSun304B for my 75gal. Decided to do a quick WC and a gravel clean-up. My fish were freaking out with 30% water out of the tank and the HOB splashing water back into it. Was kind of noisy, creating havoc to the fish.

A 10gal is quite small. Removing 25% of the water, you've already remove a lot of real estate for the fish to swim. Tho the water splashing into the tank may sound soothing to you, the fish are freaking out wondering "what the ****?" as it's like sitting under a full on waterfall and letting it bang away at your ear drum.

Just something to think about

 

They actually seemed to enjoy it. They were gathered around underneath the waterfall and swimming in the bubbles.

 

Hmm, interesting. My cichilds stayed far away from mine. Hopefully they're not traumatized. Maybe topping a bit so it won't be too much on the fish, yet you can enjoy it?

 

Yeah, I could do more like 15% to 20%.

I think this noisy Aquaclear (Hagen) impeller is much more irritating than the sound of a small waterfall. It sounds very loud when you put your ear up to the glass.