Some advice for a filter

[Xandict]

I'm currently using the filter that came with my tank when I bought it. In my opinion I think it creates too much of a current. Any recommendations for a good filter that doesnt create too much of a current such as a sponge filter or something for an 18 gallon tank?

[jbeining75]

You could use an AC 30 but current isn't always a bad thing...

[siymdapolio]

Yes its not allways a bad thing but if you want to reduc current. Top of your tank with water so its pretty full that the splash from your filter is reduced. I know there are plates or something of this sort to put under the flow form the filter the disperses the water over an area.

[Xandict]

But it keeps my floating plants diving to the bottom. And the intake has too much suction if that makes sense

[Tooch]

I've had this problem before as well... I'm not sure there is much you can do with a HOB filter. Maybe a canister?

[siymdapolio]

I have elodea floating it around it dives down to the bottom all the time. I just let it do its own thing. try the plate idea, i am not sure what they are called. Maybe turn down the suction of your filter???

[Xandict]

It doesn't have any way to control how much it filters

[A340]

What kind of filter do you have now? You can wrap a nice piece of sponge around the intake strainer to help reduce a bit of the suction. You can also add some plastic plates and silicone them to your filters spillway to redirect the flow.

[Xandict]

Can anyone tell me if this would work? And do I need to buy anything else to make it work. It says nothing about it in the description

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[A340]

Can anyone tell me if this would work? And do I need to buy anything else to make it work. It says nothing about it in the description

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You'll need to attach either a powerhead to the top of it or an airstone in the tube. Basically works like an undergravel filter. Don't think too much of it, not very effecient in my view.

[Adrian]

In my opinion, sponge filters are great for smaller tanks that do not have a huge bio load. Shrimp tanks, and fry tanks mainly use sponge filters. If you have larger fish, then I would recommend getting a whisper power filter (hob) as they can be controlled. One of the main reasons I love them so much, as I can literally shut it off at the control valve located on top of the filter intake tube.

Most people here will recommend Aqua-Clear filters. They are great filters, however you can not control the flow with them as well as you can with a whisper filter. I would suggest looking at a Whisper 20. They are quiet, efficent and are adjustable. No soldiering or welding needed. No gluing either. Just hook it up and go.

[A340]

Another option (although not the greatest) is using one of these ....

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.... personally, I'd only use it as a secondary filter and not as a primary, but that's just me.

Also, do remember the "double up" rule with filters. If you have a tank that's 20g in size you'll need a filter thats rated for at least 40g. Or, a filter that's rated for 50g is only good (on it's own) for a 25g tank.