Filter Question

[FishySarah]

I have been concerned about Leo's (male purple-red veil tail) filter for a while. There is no way to turn it down and the current is so strong I have the filter off when I feed him so he can 'catch' his food. He has not built a bubble nest since I put him in.

I have a filter from a 2.5 gallon tank that came with it. It is a tiny little thing, not recommended for a 5.5 gallon tank, but should I try it? Maybe the current will be less. Do you think it might be ok? I don't want Leo to be stressed by the current but I dont want him to suffer from a dirty tank either. I clean once a week, replacing 30% of the water, but have never vacuumed the gravel - I don't know how to do that in such a small tank.

What do you think?

 

[jollysue]

I think even a good filter won't keep gravel clean without an occasional cleaning. Other than that, if you are changing the water 30% a week, that is ok with a smaller filter. But you need to find a way to clean the bottom of the tank/the gravel.

 

[Glod]

What kind of filter are you running at the moment ? Would it be possible to adjust the output so it is directed at the back or side of the tank to reduce the flow ?

Alternatively it may be possible to get a spray bar and fit that along one side of the tank if the filter doesn't directly have any way to modify the output.

 

[Haeun]

I use the DIY current killer method.
Cut up a plastic water bottle and curl it around the outflow. I use it for both the marineland eclipse system and the tetra whisper in-tank system. Works fine, I believe.

 

[FishySarah]

I use the DIY current killer method.
Cut up a plastic water bottle and curl it around the outflow. I use it for both the marineland eclipse system and the tetra whisper in-tank system. Works fine, I believe.

Jollysue, I just went and bought a python, but its recommended for bigger tanks. Plus I have absolutely no idea how to use the thing. Does anyone know anything about them? Can I use it for such a small tank>

 

[sukie]

Hey FishySarah - I've got a Rea Sea Nano filter (HOB) and you can control the flow. . if you're interested I do have some used on for sale (pm me)

 

[rollntider]

http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/Prod...2004+22768+2032

i have used the azoo palm filters in my 2.5 tanks when i had bettas. I hope this helps (it has flow control also)

 

[jollysue]

Well, if the suction end will get in to the bottom of the tank, then yes the Python will work--well, if you have water pressure to make the suction work. It is just a hassle. I also have the kind that don't hook up and you pump them up and down in the water in the tank to get them flowing, but they are a huge hassle. I have not found an easy answer yet

I think the faucet hook up Python works best for me so far. Just hook the one end up to the faucet. Put the bottom thingie in down postion to draw water and up position to run water. When the Python is in the position to run water, but the "close" handle at the suction end is in off position, be careful not to have too much water pressure on or the plastic fittings will start to leak. I did not have much trouble learning to work the thing from the directions, but I went through a few fittings before I learned not to let the water pressure stay on high when that valve is shut. I run back and forth like a crazy lady shutting off the faucet.

The annoyances of the hose also mean the small tanks don't get vacummed as often as they should. I am just as likely to carry them back and forth to the sink and do it the old fashioned way. Not so good in planted tanks.

Maybe other people can tell how they keep the bottom clean Step up folks!

 

[rollntider]

Well, if the suction end will get in to the bottom of the tank, then yes the Python will work--well, if you have water pressure to make the suction work. It is just a hassle. I also have the kind that don't hook up and you pump them up and down in the water in the tank to get them flowing, but they are a huge hassle. I have not found an easy answer yet

I think the faucet hook up Python works best for me so far. Just hook the one end up to the faucet. Put the bottom thingie in down postion to draw water and up position to run water. When the Python is in the position to run water, but the "close" handle at the suction end is in off position, be careful not to have too much water pressure on or the plastic fittings will start to leak. I did not have much trouble learning to work the thing from the directions, but I went through a few fittings before I learned not to let the water pressure stay on high when that valve is shut. I run back and forth like a crazy lady shutting off the faucet.

The annoyances of the hose also mean the small tanks don't get vacummed as often as they should. I am just as likely to carry them back and forth to the sink and do it the old fashioned way. Not so good in planted tanks.

Maybe other people can tell how they keep the bottom clean Step up folks!

i use a regular hose on the smaller tank (the ones like found in wal mart etc..) I siphon and clean the gravel and drain into a bucket. I use the python to fill I never use the python to siphon my little tanks, it doesnt do that great on smaller ones.

 

[jollysue]

You use the kind that you pump up and down to get flowing or you use a self start suction?

 

[Taridan]

For my smaller tanks, I leave the bottom bare of any gravel, and use a Turkey baster every other day or so to suck up any any of the gunk that I see. It works well on 2.5 gallons or less, or any short but wider tanks, like my 15 liter tank, which is actually a Sterilite Clear View plastic storage container. Its 13 inches long by 10 inches wide and 6 inches tall, which gives my baby much more back and forth swimming room as opposed to up and down space. And even better, I bought it for 6 dollars at the dollar store. I use some of that plastic mesh for a lid, and presto, a lovely 14 liter tank. (Its 15, but I leave about an inch at the top, so the water is 5 inches tall.)