Devon

Maybe someone can give suggestions here that I haven't thought of yet...

In my 6.6 gallon bookshelf aquarium, I've recently upgraded the filter to a 20-gallon BioWheel, and just got David Bowie back in the tank (he's been in a hospital tank while I've been making upgrades to his tank). He LOVED the last water filter, which was less powerful, but was just about the right current for him to play in. This BioWheel is much more powerful curent-wise than I was expecting, and even though because of the dimensions of the tank, he can go and rest in the plants on the other end, I'm worried that maybe there is too much current for him?

I think that if I add lots more plants, it will help break up the current in places and give him quiet spots, is there anything else I can do? I really like the BioWheel and am using a bigger one on my 35 gallon, but if it's not going to be comfortable for my fish, I am starting to have second thoughts...

Butterfly

Does the current make it hard for him to swim? Does it throw him around? You might be able to put decor under where the Bio-wheel pours water out and let it pour out on the piece of decor. This would kind of break up the force of it hitting the water.
Carol

Devon

It throws him around a little when he is on the end with the current. There is virtually no current on the other end though, because that's where most of the plants are, and that's the end he seems to hang out in most. I am going to go right now and get more decor / plants to try and break up the current in the breezy end of the tank.

swifty

Hope you don't mind me asking, but what was your last filter?

COBettaCouple

The Bio-wheel filters should come with a little attachment that you can use to control the flow.

Devon

I'm not sure. It was the one that comes with the 6.6 gallon bookshelf aquarium... it wasn't too bad, but it wasn't great, either. I've had good luck with the BioWheels and prefer to have a larger filter, so I chose to upgrade.

It does; unfortunately, with the extension and the flow control attachment, it is too long for my shallow little tank, so I have to leave it off. It's on full blast. -_-


Today, I managed to find some décor that is large enough to block the brunt of the heavy current Bowie was dealing with. I also added several large plants that are sturdy enough to provide lots of shelter from the flow. I added a small air stone piece as well... he is such a happy, spoiled fish right now, and his tank looks wonderful. I'll try and post pics soon...