Canister Filter- Surface Agitation?

[ajs2294]

I recently ditched my dual aqua clear 50's on my 29 gallon tank and added a canister filter. Ever since my cardinals have been sitting up top, so instantly I checked all my levels (Ammonia 0ppm, nirite 0ppm, nirate 5ppm, pH 6.7) and concluded its due to the lack of surface agitation and oxygen and quickly threw in an air pump and all the cardinals are back to normal. But I really don't want to leave the air pump on the tank as the whole reason for the switch to the canister was to make it quieter. It does have an included skimmer I could add any ideas if that would help? Open to all suggestions.

 

[mattlee]

adjust the spray bar to aim up towards the surface this will give enough surface movement

 

[nmonks]

Do remember it isn't the splashing that's important, though it helps a little. The key thing is circulation: water must be dragged up from the bottom of the tank, pushed out against the top, and there allowed to come into contact with the oxygen-rich surface water layer. For cardinals, a water circulation rate of four times the volume of the tank per hour should be fine -- i.e., for 30 gallons, 120 gallons/hour. But make sure there's a good current wafting along the substrate. Put a bit of flake there, and see if it moves along briskly.

Cheers, Neale