Current Too Strong

[fionah]

I am concerned that the current in my tank may be too strong. I have a Fluval 2+ which pumps out water quite fast (even when turning to lowest level and with the spout pointing towards the glass).

I also have an air pump which, on the packet, says is suitable for up to 10 gallons. My tank is 14 gallons and I'm concerned the bubbles are too strong. I could probably do without this as the Fluval will be airating the water. Though I want to keep this because my corydoras love playing in the bubbles. I think I may set a timer on this for between 12pm-midnight as this is when they seem to be most active.

I'm worried that when I start getting more fish for my tank, the water current would be too strong for them.

If I buy a smaller airstone (the existing one is about 4 inches long), will this make the bubbles even stronger? (not sure about the science of this!)

If I get an airline clamp, will this damage the airpump?

Any other options for reducing the current?

 

[Cooper2085]

What fish you have mate?

I have a 126L tank with a Fluval2 a Fluval3 and a 28" air stone in it. I set it so the surface has constant movement. I dont think it matters unless you have quite fragile fish, but i may be wrong. I have my Fluval2 at max and my fish love it

 

[fionah]

What fish you have mate?

Hello, at the moment I only have 4 corydoras (it's a new tank that is about finished cycling). Still not sure what other fish to get yet! Possibly dwarf gouramis or female bettas, and maybe some tetras. No idea!

 

[rdd1952]

You can buy regulators for the airstones. They are mainly for using with multiple airstones but I use one for a single stone. You just close the one not going anywhere off completely so no air goes through it and then close the ther one down to where you have the amount of bubbles you want.

As for the filter flow, unless you have fish that just don't like the current (bettas don't generally like it), it should be fine. The Fluval is rated at 105 gph which is about 7.5 times the tank volume. That's a pretty normal about as 5 times thank volume is generally considered the minimum.

 

[connorsbala]

The betta may find it hard to swim in stronger currents, if the whole tank's like a whirlpool!
but, your fine, dont worry! On my 70l planted tank ill be having an external filter with a spraybar recommended for tanks between 100-200ls lol! Ill see how it goes, im sure ill be able to do a few modifications and its only tetras and cories so they should be fine

 

[backtotropical]

Hi Fiona,

As said the betta wouldn't appreciate lots of current, however most fish won't mind it.

I wouldn't worry about it until you have some more fish. Your corys will like the current anyway, as you said.

When you get more fish, i would only even consider it again if the fish are showing signs of being stressed. Otherwise, it'll be just fine.

Cheers

BTT