Is This A Problem?

[halfbloodprincess]

Last month I purchased a new 10 gallon tank for my betta. Once it was fully cycled, I put him in. But the problem is he doesn't like the current of the filter. The tank has a few live plants and I was wondering if it would be okay if I took the filter out? Cause it just makes it harder for him to swim, and I don't want him to be uncomfortable. Would there be any problems with this?

 

[arobinson1984]

Hi,

You will be very likely to run into problems without a filter, it would be required to control ammonia / nitrite levels.


If you are referring to what is know as a 'silent cycle' where tanks can be run without a filter using live plants as the main way to remove ammonia from the tank, then the tank has to be VERY heavily planted for this to work, a 'few' plants will not have the desired effect, even for just 1 betta.


Andy

 

[silverrabbit]

You can try tying a bit of filter sponge over the outflow to muffle the flow a bit

 

[Harlequins]

What sort of filter is it? does it have a spraybar you can turn to face the inside of the glass to minimise the flow?

I wouldn't take the filter out,unless you want to do daily waterchanges to keep the water free from ammonia & nitrite.

 

[OohFeeshy]

What sort of filter is it? Depending on the type there are several ways to reduce the flow.

 

[halfbloodprincess]

http/www.aqua-tech.biz/sites/aquatech/content.aspx?menu_id=34&id=56&linkidentifier=id&itemid=56

That's the filter.

 

[Assaye]

I would try one of three things:

1) Baffle filter with a piece of sponge or similar material to give a more gentle flow, or direct the flow to the edge of the tank.

2) Buy a new filter (such as a waterfall filter or box filter) that doesn't have a strong flow, or make my own sponge filter to run off an air pump.

3) Remove the filter but use an airstone to create surface movement and stop the water getting stagnant. Use lots (and lots and lots) of plants to help with ammonia and test daily to ensure you know how long you need to go between water changes. Be prepared for lots of water changes in case you get the balance of plants wrong. Fast growing plants need more trimming but deal with the ammonia well.

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

You could always buy a different filter or try and get a spray bar attachment so it pushes a current against the tank wall...

 

[Malt_Vinegar]

you should be able to place some form of decoration under the waterflow, to help reduce it. I run plants a bit of bogwood under my hob filter in my 8 litre work display tank.
Even the tiniest filter was producing too much flow in such a teeny tank.

 

[ellena]

So it's like a waterfall back into the tank? Def. get some sponge over it, will cut down the flow nicely. And as someone else sugested, put something hard under it-tall rock or ornament. In 10 gall, he should have plenty of space to get away from it. But please don't take it out, after all your hard work cycling it, and he would be in dirty water

 

[the biffster]

like a few people have said you need to baffle the flow
of the water leaving the filter is the any way you could bring the water up to the edge of were it comes back into the tank if its anything like the one i have i take it is a HOB type filter being it up to the level and if you can
put some plants and plant them in front of the out flow of the filter on the one i have it as an extra lip attachment that fits on were the water comes in which allows to reach the top of the water in the tank i wouldn't advise having a tank without a filter i know it can be done but only with
very low stocking levels and and you have to do water changes every
day and the tank also as to be heavily planted as well so i think
i would find someway modifying the out flow of the filter with
some of the suggestions on this thread

 

[snowflake311]

I have kept bettas so many many years. Yes they hate the current at first but after a week they get other it and don't mind to flow as long as it's not too strong. Just let him get use to the water movment it will make him a stronger swimmer and keep him active. If you add more plants and do wc 50% or more everyday or every other day you could do without a filter. Because it's just the betta right?

I say let him get use to it and see how it goes.

 

[halfbloodprincess]

The filter is pretty powerful. His favorite spot is in the corner where the filter is and whenever he swims by the current it takes him pretty much to the front of the glass in a second. He get's quite stressed by it and ends up spending his time under a rock on the far side of the tank. Definitely wont take it out, I'm just getting a little worried about him

I went to the store and bought a sponge only to come home to realize it said "Not for use in Aquariums" on the back. I'm going to go back tomorrow and get another and make sure it's tank safe and will try that. -Question: Can you explain where and how I put the sponge in? Thanks for the help!

 

[arobinson1984]

Is changing the filter for a different one an option?


A fluval U2 would be better for the tank and is available if you are in UK for about £20


Andy