Slowing Down Canister Filter Flow?

[cowgirluntamed]

I have a 20 gallon tetra tank(glowlights and black neons). I had out a canister filter on it a while ago and did the best I could to keep the flow under control. The spray bar has 2 sections and one is pointed to the back, the other is forward. This is sort of creating two different directions of current. Not to mention it seems the fish only stay in one half of the tank. I would like to all the flow down as eventually I want to put neons in this tank after the current fish get moved. I know what ever I do has to go on the output side, right? But is it just a normal ball valve that goes on there or is it something else?

Also, the tubing for the intake goes all the way to the sand. When I was putting it together that's as short as it could go. The pieces just wouldn't click together right if it was higher up. Is there a way to fix this? Also, I want to get some Malaysian trumpet snails, but I'm worried that if I can't fix the intake, that they may clog up the filter. I wouldn't mind getting a sling for it but not sure where to go looking for one. Any ideas?

 

[NickAu]

 
But is it just a normal ball valve that goes on there or is it something else?

Yes,
 
 
 
You can also drill extra holes in the spray bar, This will reduce the speed of the current without affecting the volume of water that you turn over.
 
Heres how I did it the top bit of spray bar is standard, The bottom bit is with extra holes.
 

 
I had the bottom bit of spray bar in a 70 liter Betta tank .
This is the modified spray bar in action, The bit of airline tube you see in the video is connected to an air pump.
https/www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb2B8cdX3So
 
 

 
When I was putting it together that's as short as it could go. The pieces just wouldn't click together right if it was higher up

Got a hand saw? You may be able to cut the tube down a bit.

 

[cowgirluntamed]

Thanks for the ideas Nick! I may try the ball valve first and see what happens. Then if needed I can modify the spray bar. I didn't even think of cutting the intake...I'll have to take it apart and look at it. I think that how it was put together was a skinny piece into a larger piece. And this also had an option for a skimmer(that's called off) but it wouldn't let me leave that section out. But I will look again! I may take a picture of it later if I cant figure it out. Lol. Fish are in night time mode now so I don't want to bother them.

 

[NickAu]

 
was a skinny piece into a larger piece.

Great. If you cant slide the skinny bit up into the thicker bit any further, cut the skinny bit to suit, just take off the intake cover off cut a few inches off the tube and pop the intake cover back on.

 

[cowgirluntamed]

Ok. Thanks Nick!

 

[AbbeysDad]

Use caution....a ball valve to reduce flow will put back pressure on the filters pump and this may or may not cause a problem long term. Drilling more holes in the spray bar may be the better option.

 

[squidneh]

Use caution....a ball valve to reduce flow will put back pressure on the filters pump and this may or may not cause a problem long term. Drilling more holes in the spray bar may be the better option.

 
These are my thoughts as well. Personally I don't like to mess with the over all water intake/output in a filter. I try to adjust the way that it comes out, the direction that the water comes out, etc. But if the filter is just too strong, just buy a new one better suited for the tank. 

 

[Mark Z.]

A hacksaw would be useful for cutting the intake tube to length and there are adapters that you can buy to add a sponge filter to the end of the intake to keep snails and small fish out of the intake also. I have one on my filter.

 

[cowgirluntamed]

Do you think something like this would work for my intake? I may not even have to cut anything maybe...

http/www.aquariumcoop.com/collections/intake-sponges/products/filter-max-iii-pre-filter


Also, I do believe I will try to drill the hokes in the spray bar first and see where that gets me. That way if I don't have to buy a valve to slow it down(that could maybe cause future problems) then it's good to not spend money, cuz I dont have it! Lol.

 

[NickAu]

 
Do you think something like this would work for my intake? I

Perfect,

 

[cowgirluntamed]

http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=21426


Found a better price. Would you go with the max 2 or the max 3 for a 20 gallon? They are the same size sponge, but the max 2 is finer than 3. I think I will go ahead and order one for my 55 as well. I would think max 3 for that one?