Advice For Aqua One 340 Pro Setup With Betta

[i2cute4words]

Hi,

I'm new to tropical fish keeping. I got a Betta about a week ago and despite doing frequent water changes (every other day) he wasn't looking real happy in his little mono hexagon shaped tank. So I went and bought him a 40L tank...

Anyway, this tank (Aqua One AquaStart 340 Pro)comes with built in light and filter - the filter is rated at 400L/hr which is creating too much of a current for my Betta to eat his food (it sorta just whooshes away).

Any suggestions on either reducing current (without creating problems for the motor since I know they can burn out if stressed too much) or a way to feed him without having to turn the filter off? Any quick cheap homemade solutions would be appreciated...

I'm considering getting a sponge to go on the filter inlet but am worried about damaging the motor and also considering getting a floating feeding station but not sure whether he would take to it...

 

[fluttermoth]

It's perfectly ok to switch the filter off for feeding; many marine keepers have to do this for feeding anemones etc.

Can you aim the outlet from the filter at the back or side of the tank?

I'm more worried about the fact that your tank is new; it probably isn't cycled and it's probably a build up of ammonia in the water that's making your betta feel sick.

Have a read of some of the articles in our beginner's resource centre (the link is in my sig) and do daily 50% water changes until you can get some test kits

 

[the_lock_man]

It's perfectly ok to switch the filter off for feeding; many marine keepers have to do this for feeding anemones etc.

Can you aim the outlet from the filter at the back or side of the tank?

I'm more worried about the fact that your tank is new; it probably isn't cycled and it's probably a build up of ammonia in the water that's making your betta feel sick.

Have a read of some of the articles in our beginner's resource centre (the link is in my sig) and do daily 50% water changes until you can get some test kits

The OP wouldn't be able to easily aim the filter, as these AquaOne tanks have an overhead filter, which trickles out onto the surface of the water. This creates a considerable downcurrent, particularly at the front of the tank, more so, for obvious reasons, in the smaller tanks. I have the same powerhead, with a different layout filter in both my AquaOne tanks (65l and 34l)

I2C4W, I also agree with FM about whether your filter is cycled - please read the links that have been posted. FYI, the filter inlet sponge made by AquaOne doesn't really reduce the flowrate, I use it to prevent fry being sucked into the filter.

 

[fluttermoth]

Yes; I've been and looked it up now! I wouldn't have thought it would be too strong for a betta then?

Downcurrent is not normally a problem; they soon learn not to swim into it IME.

 

[the_lock_man]

In a small tank like a 40l, or in my case, a 34l, the downcurrent is really quite strong. I've had to rehouse my Betta in there, as he was being bullied by my Cardinals in the 65l. He's not happy, he gets buffetted by the currents quite badly. But I've got nowhere else to put him. Would a old pair of tights over the inlet tube reduce the flow?

The OP will be slightly better off than me, but not a lot.

 

[fluttermoth]

I've heard of people doing this with the Fluval Edge filter, which looks to be a similar kind of design; and that's put a piece of sponge across the outlet.

You could try that.

 

[i2cute4words]

I've heard of people doing this with the Fluval Edge filter, which looks to be a similar kind of design; and that's put a piece of sponge across the outlet.

You could try that.

inlet sponge

Sorta like this? - I know it's for the inlet, but I haven't seen any for the outlet in my Googling...

Oh, and what's the OP? I'm really new to fish forums so haven't quite picked up all the acronyms yet.

 

[fluttermoth]

Yes, any piece of filter sponge that can fit over the outlet would do; over the out is better as you don't risk impeding water flow into the filter that way.

OP + original poster; ie the thread starter

 

[i2cute4words]

Yes, any piece of filter sponge that can fit over the outlet would do; over the out is better as you don't risk impeding water flow into the filter that way.

OP + original poster; ie the thread starter

Thanks heaps for your advice.

I'll look at ways to divert flow in that case. I've heard of ppl using water bottles to make barriers to help divert/reduce current... not exactly pretty, but might do the trick.

Or perhaps a big block sponge and cut a hole in it and stick it over the outlet - just spotted one on ebay http/www.ebay.com.au/itm/320730165094

For the time being I'll just turn off the filter for 15mins to allow the Betta to eat (he won't eat if I'm watching too closely - only goes up once I've walked away a bit)