Aqueon Mini Bow 2.5 Filter Too Strong. Help!

HI I have my betta in a Aqueon MinI Bow 2.5. The filter's current is too strong for my baby boy betta. I have to unplug the filter to feed him because he struggles to get his food if I keep it on. I went to petco to ask if there was anything I could purchase to slow down the current. They told me no and told me to take out the filter, that bettas do not like filtered water. I am pretty sure every fish needs a filter or at least in their best interest. What can I do to slow down the current? Also is this true what petco says?

 

Every fish needs a filter. Especially with a tank that small. You could try baffling the out take or putting some kind of sponge to slow the current.

 

You’re correct to not listen to that jibberish, they do need a filter. I had the same problem so I switched to a sponge filter-still had to tie a loose knot in tubing to slow it down. Before my sponge came in the mail I rigged my filter, not sure if yours is the same. I cut a piece of brand new unused dish sponge just wide enough where the water flows out and tied it on with a hair tie. Lol. It worked. Almost wished I hadn’t ordered the sponge filter after that.

 

One of my friends has the same tank as you and we baffled it by sticking a leaf from a silk plant in front of the outtake.

 

You can also baffle it with a plastic cup, just google for videos

 

I have one and hate how strong the filter is. I bought a spiky artificial plant and then shoved several leaves into the outflow area and trapped them between the edge of the lid to hold them in place. It's a pain.

 

Another thing you can consider, which may not work depending on the shape of your tank, but you can use decorations to create a "dead space" in the tank for the fish. Just think of it as creating a room for your betta, using the decorations to block the current. You can do this in addition to the baffling (putting something in or near the filter outflow) mentioned above.

If you do baffle, sponges are great, but ONLY USE BRAND NEW ONES. If they've ever come in contact with soap, ever, they can destroy your tank.

Good luck!