Adjusting filter output?

**Kazenouta** · 01-10-2010, 02:59 PM

I've just recently restocked my 5g with a Betta Splendens as my 15g finished cycling so I could move my Tetra school over. Anyway, the 5g has an Aquatech 5-15 HOB on it and I'm worried that the current in the tank might be a bit too much for the Betta. Anyone have this filter and know of anyway to modify the output so that it generates a bit less current?

Thanks in advance

**annageckos** · 01-10-2010, 03:08 PM

You could put a sponge or nylon over the intake.

**Kazenouta** · 01-10-2010, 03:14 PM

Could you explain the nylon method a bit more in depth? I haven't ever done anything like that.

**aspects** · 01-10-2010, 03:22 PM

you DO NOT want to reduce the flow of the filter at the intake. this puts stress on the impeller, and can cause premature equiplent failure.
your best option is to diffuse the output of the filter. this will not effect the motor of the filter.

there are a few ways to go about ths. im not familiar with your particular filter, but u assume its a cartridge HOB.

if you have decor in your tank, you canmove one of the taller pieces directly under the slide ("waterfall" portion of the filter). this will help diffuse the output.

othher people have had success by simply attacking a pice of sponge or foam to the slide. i wouldnt suggect gluing the sponge directly to the slide, this could make it hard to clean. so you may have to be creative when attaching the sponge.

**Northernguy** · 01-10-2010, 03:23 PM

A sponge works best because it has so much more surface area.Just cut a small slit in and slide it over,thats it.
For nylon you cut a peice big enough to go over the intake screen and you wrap an elastic band around it to hold it in place.
It may need to be rinsed every few days.

**Kazenouta** · 01-10-2010, 03:38 PM

Thanks for all the replies guys! I've added a pre-intake sponge to the list of things to get when I get some more cash flow.

Aspects,
I found this http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...=filter+output in the DIY forum. It works off basically the same principle of the method you recommended of using a decoration to disperse tank output so, I'm going to give it a try.

Thanks again, everyone!

**aspects** · 01-10-2010, 03:44 PM

you dont wat a foam pre-filter that will reduce the flow of your filter. its fine if its a coarse sponge, but that wont really serve your purpose of reducing the current for your betta.
if you just use any old sponge, it will reduce the flow, but at the expense of your filters motor. and it will need to be cleaned regularly (i think someone mentioned that earlier) to keep the filter operational at all.

i have done something similar to that link you posted, using a red plastic party cup. it works great, if you dont mind the ghetto look. lol. people would always ask me why there was a plastic up on my filter. lol.

**annageckos** · 01-10-2010, 03:47 PM

Do like Northernguy said. I have sponge on one of my filters, not to slow it, but to keep baby kuhli loaches out.

**aspects** · 01-10-2010, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by annageckos

Do like Northernguy said. I have sponge on one of my filters, not to slow it, but to keep baby kuhli loaches out.

slowing it is exactly what the OP is trying to do.
a pre filter is great for keeping out fry or other particles that might hurt the impeller (like sand), but not for the OPs purpose.

**aspects** · 01-10-2010, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by Kazenouta

Thanks for all the replies guys! I've added a pre-intake sponge to the list of things to get when I get some more cash flow.

Aspects,
I found this http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...=filter+output in the DIY forum. It works off basically the same principle of the method you recommended of using a decoration to disperse tank output so, I'm going to give it a try.

Thanks again, everyone!

lol