Does Adjusting Filter Flow Affect The Filter's Power?

[trianglekitty]

I recently added two sparkling gourami to my tank. He or she are such tiny fellows, and my tank is overfiltered. The tank is twenty gallons, and the filter is a Penguin bio wheel rated for 50. The outlet hits the water with enough force to create a fairly strong current, and I know gourami prefer stiller water. It's also pushing my duckweed around pretty badly.

I was going to rubber band some floss to the outlet and leave it long enough so it touches the water surface. I did that in my betta tank with good results- it virtually eliminates the current because the water doesn't splash down.

Is there any disadvantage to doing this? I guess I'm a little worried it might make the water dirtier or otherwise have an effect on the filter's power or efficiency?

Bonus very much newbie question- I've been strongly considering getting a siphon that hooks up to the sink so I don't have to carry buckets anymore. I couldn't see how one might add the water treatments before reversing the flow though. I asked the clerk at the store, and she suggested running the hose to a bucket and putting a pump in the bucket, then running a line from the pump to the tank. That way you can add the water treatments before putting the water back in, but still don't have to lift the bucket. Is there an easier way?

 

[Tolak]

Sponge on the outlet of the water hurts nothing, if anything it increases the bio capacity of the filter. When filling with a hose dose the tank first, for the entire tank capacity, not just the replacement water, and fill.

Many people will do water changes of 25% or less without adding any conditioner. I add it after filling, due to the nature of my setup using overflows to remove water when filling.

 

[trianglekitty]

Sponge on the outlet of the water hurts nothing, if anything it increases the bio capacity of the filter. When filling with a hose dose the tank first, for the entire tank capacity, not just the replacement water, and fill.

Many people will do water changes of 25% or less without adding any conditioner. I add it after filling, due to the nature of my setup using overflows to remove water when filling.

Thanks so much for the advice. I set up the floss today, and the gourami already look much happier and have started swimming in a wider area instead of hanging near the back of the tank.

The pet store clerk did say you could add the water treatment first, but she also said she was uncomfortable doing that herself. I usually do a 40% water change once a week, but perhaps I'll do two 20% changes (and still add the water treatment, just to be safe).

 

[Noahs ark6]

I've done that with my filter, as tolak said if anything its better, go for it !