New canister filter and the flow

[julielynn47]

Not sure my fish are liking the new stronger flow from the canister filter I installed yesterday. I put it on the 55 gallon that needed a replacement.

My fish are not used to this much water turbulence. They do not appear to be impressed LOL

I can adjust the flow, but for now, I have it going pretty strong to clean the water. I had to do a lot of work on the tank yesterday to get it set up. Had to rearrange a lot of stuff and then couldn't get it to prime....not the filter....it was me. I had the intake on the outtake and vise versa, and it took me a long time to realize it was not the filter. So by that time I had pumped and primed and so many air bubbles had escaped into the tank that it really had the sediment stirred up. Which in reality is probably a good thing, it can filter out crud that was left due to lack of filtration from the defective filter. But anyway, the fish do not seem impressed by the high flow rate at all. They are used to more still water.

I think I might have a bacterial bloom going on as well. I probably took to long getting water to flow over the beneficial bacteria colony and messed it up. But that is easily remedied. If by tomorrow it still looks cloudy I will get a bottle of AquaSafe bacteria when I go to WalMart and dose the tank.

Anyhow, the new canister is on the tank, up and running, and I hope this helps with keeping the water more clear and clean.

 

[julielynn47]

I guess I am going to have to point the spray bar towards the front of the tank on only one end. So I guess I am not finished with this new set up yet. I have fish, such as my sunset gourami that won't came out of hiding to play in his mass of floating hornwort. I never even imagined that more circulation would have the fish running for cover and hiding.

As silly as it sounds, I kinda of feel bad for him. I know the added circulation is good for the tank itself, but if it scares the fish, then maybe I need to cut it back some. They have just gotten used to water turbulence on only one end I guess.

 

[julielynn47]

Well, I changed the flow of the output to only flow on one end from back to front, and immediately my sunset came out to play.

 

[Byron]

Water flow has a considerable impact on most fish. I frequently mention this in discussions about filters for tanks. It is always nice to hear personal experiences supporting the theory, so to speak.

Many of our fish do not like strong currents. No matter what the fish, remember that unlike terrestrial animals including humans, most fish cannot "rest" by sitting down or lying down on a surface (substrate fish can, to a certain extent). Fish must continually spend energy to keep themselves buoyant in the water. And this physical exertion is non-stop, 24/7. And the stronger the current, the more energy it takes.

A nice comparison is driving a car. On level ground, it takes "x" amount of energy (gas) to maintain a stable speed. As soon as you begin an ascent such as up a hill, it takes much more energy to maintain that speed. Fish are like that. To remain motionless, they are using energy, and as soon as they encounter a current, the energy level has to increase or the fish will be swept backward. This takes its toll on the fish, and it can literally burn itself out depending upon circumstances.

With this basic concept in mind, we turn to different species and habitats. Most fish do not come from raging rivers; those that do are primarily substrate clingers (the Butterfly loaches, plecos, etc) that can attach to rocks and wood to remain in place. Upper level fish will seek the calmer side waters, with a very few exceptions. Spawning salmon battle strong currents, rapids and even waterfalls during their autumn migration back to their spawning grounds. But once they get there and spawn, most of them die. They are simply worn out.

I have two 4-foot tanks, and until this past Spring I also had a 5-foot tank. The canister filter return is at one end. I have noticed over the years that some species will remain at the opposite end, or along the back, to avoid the stronger current. When fish are given the option and show such consistent behaviour, you can be assured it is for a very good reason to the fish. They are saving energy, which means their immune system will be stronger, and they will be less stressed, which means healthier. Just because of the filter current.

Byron.

 

[luca1980]

I have a 5 foot mbuna tank with a fluval FX6 filter, a fluval 306 and also a maxspect gyre generator to help create even more current. The Africans love it and are thriving in their high flow tank. I also have a 4 foot axolotl tank. Axies prefer absolutely still water, and anything above that can prove very stressful if not fatal over time. So for them, I have an eheim 2217 with the spray bar pointed directly at the side wall. Its funny how even with our aquatic friends, its different strokes for different folks

 

[julielynn47]

It is more what they are used to now. Just one portion of the set of 4 portions of spray bar is being used. It is on one end of the tank, shooting out across it from back to front. That is what they are used too. So I guess that is what it will be. I know, even running at a reduced level, this canister filter is going to be leaps and bounds above what I had going in there.

So of the fish were playing in the stronger flow, but they then would go to the bottom and hide amoungst the plants. So I knew I had to do something. And if I feel the need to stir the water up some, I have the power of this filter to do that without having to drag out the diatom filter.

And it almost silent. I can't believe how the noise level in the living room has decreased!!