Filter too strong for betta

I have a 20 gallon tank with 1 betta and a bunch of betta safe plants. He has an Aqueon Quietflow 20 filter but his fin got sucked into it. To fix this I put a pantyhose on there to prevent more fin damage. Before being in the larger tank he was in a 1.5 gallon bowl (all I could afford, he was in there maybe 5 days) with no filter and I did constant water changes. Now he has a filter that makes a current and I know bettas don't like currents too much so how do I reduce it because he seems to be struggling to fight it all the time?

 

Many times it will take a betta a little time to build up the muscles to be able to resist a current, since his whole file he probably never experienced moving water. But if there is just way too much current, you may need to baffle it. Do a forum search for "Bottle Baffle" and you should find a thread which may be helpful

 

Agreed, unless the filter current is way too strong your Betta will probably be able to get used to it. You did the right thing to cover the intake to protect him in the meantime. Another option that may not clog and restrict water flow as easily is a sponge prefilter

 

If you need something immediately.. in an emergency, I took the lid of the betta cup and a rubberband, and just strapped it on the outtake.
It should suffice til you can get a sponge filter

 

Thanks all of you for answering. I'll look up bottle baffle and at a sponge prefilter

 

I set up a bit of a baffle at the top of my filter, as well as covering the intake with a whole chunk of sponge. Should probably thin out the sponge to let more water through, but the filter pad gets plenty dirty enough as is hope this helps you out!

 

Thanks that's really helpful to see it!

 

No problem! The plastic is just a chunk of a water bottle, and I got the sponge for like a buck, ended up perfect size to fit into the filter outtake, and the rest I just cut a slit into and jammed it onto the filter, and added an elastic just in case. I change the sponge once it looks dirty, about every 4 months. Then again, its a tank full of plants with a betta and 5 tetras, so filter takes a lot in

 

My betta passed away a while ago due to dropsy and I'm wandering if stress could have also been the reason to why he died. I completely cleaned my tank (it is a 5g) but kept the filter and gave it a deep clean and replaced the media instead, but now I'm not sure if the flow is too strong? This is the filter I currently have in the aquarium the flow rate is listed there and it does have an adjustable outtake.

 

Its a good idea as betta fish are surface breathers and your filter may have caused to much surface agitation, I'm no pro though but seems a pretty realistic idea.

 

Replacing the media gets rid of your BB, throwing you into another cycle. This probably affected him as well.

 

I cleaned the filter after he died (I should of said lol)

Replacing the media gets rid of your BB, throwing you into another cycle. This probably affected him as well.

 

If you can, check to see if you can adjust the flow on the filter.

You could also try and get a new filter (the more expensive route but as said before bettas and strong flows don't mix well)

Also, if you can't adjust the flow and aren't into the idea of getting a new filter, you may want to watch the betta you buy instead. Plakats and HMPKs don't have the delicate long fins that other bettas have so the current shouldn't bother them too much.

 

Go for an under gravel filter

 

It says on the website that the max flow rate is 240 l/h but I don't know if that's too fast or too slow?

 

You could use a sponge filter for your betta. No need to adjust flow. Super cheap. Easy to use.

 

It says on the website that the max flow rate is 240 l/h but I don't know if that's too fast or too slow?

I think the formula is to turn over your aquarium volume 4x per hour. And bettas want even lower than that.

So I'd say yours is way too strong.

 

I think the formula is to turn over your aquarium volume 4x per hour. And bettas want even lower than that.

So I'd say yours is way too strong.

Well it's 10x for HOB filters. Still this filter is 63gph, so too strong either way.

 

Thanks for your replies I feel pretty bad now knowing that it could have stressed him out. Does anyone have any suggestions of good sponge filters? Also, how do you clean sponge filters ?

I found this but I'm unsure if it would be good for a 5 gallon Sourcingmap Sponge Fish Tank MinI Biochemical Filter: Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies

 

The filter on my 5 gal betta tank was too strong so I got the tetra whisper 3I filter. It has a low enough flow and my halfmoon never has a problem with the flow now. It is made for tanks up to 3 gals but since the tank is cycled and I only have one betta it is enough filtration. You could also try creating a filter baffle on your old one (I did this but the filter was still too strong, but hey its worth a try).

 

The filter on my 5 gal betta tank was too strong so I got the tetra whisper 3I filter. It has a low enough flow and my halfmoon never has a problem with the flow now. It is made for tanks up to 3 gals but since the tank is cycled and I only have one betta it is enough filtration. You could also try creating a filter baffle on your old one (I did this but the filter was still too strong, but hey its worth a try).

That 3I filter seems to be the best one so thank you for that suggestion it's super expensive on Amazon (£30 eek) but I found it a lot cheaper on eBay which is good so I think I will order it and test it out.

 

Hello fish folks!

I am setting up my first ever aquarium (well, in my adult life, anyway) and am super nervous I’m doing something wrong.

First question:
I have a 5.5 gallon tank that came in a starter kit with a filter. Now, upon researching said filter, I have come across some information stating it may be too harsh of a current for a single betta fish (Top Fin 10). It is adjustable, and the lowest setting seems okay to me, but as a new aquarium keeper, I have no idea about anything. I could potentially get a Aquaclear 10, if that would be a huge improvement?

Second question:
How does this set-up look? I have a Java fern, some crypts, and then a questionable plant that I think Petsmart sold me that is potentially not even an aquatic plant...please let me know if that’s the case. If so, I was thinking of replacing it with another java fern.

Third question:
Can I add a few ghost shrimp? Or is that a terrible idea. I’ve heard that snails can eat plants, and I definitely don’t want that to happen.

So sorry for all the questions; I just wanna do this right. The tank is on day 5 of cycling and it’s not doing much yet (doing the fishless, food cycle).

 

The tank looks great! In terms of the filter, I am not sure if you mean the Aquaclear 20, but I have never heard of a 10. Just wondering! You could upgrade to a AC, which would def be a improvement in quality, but the flow might get stronger. For either one you could make a DIY flow reducer out of a plastic bottle that should make it better. Something like this:

I am not sure if that plant is aquatic (the middle one that looks like long grass?), but I would keep it in your tank and if it starts to rot then you could just take it out.

For the ghost shrimp, if you want them you would want a less aggressive betta and add a few more hiding places. One way to pick a betta that is not as aggressive is to put a bunch of cups together, and see which one reacts the most and which one is more shy and tends to not mind others as much. Of course, even less aggressive bettas may pick at the shrimp. I would get the betta, and then wait a little so you can guage his reactions to different things.

Hope this helps! I don't mind the questions!

 

Thank you for replying!

Yes, sorry, I meant the AC 20. Definitely gonna look into this bottle thing. Is there a way to gage if the current will be too strong prior to putting the betta in (plant movement, hand test, etc.)?

And I suppose I’ll just wait and see if I get a more docile fish haha. I’ll try not to get too attached to any shrimp I add.

 

No problem! Glad to help.
As far as testing the current goes, I am not sure about what the right flow would be but you might be able to find something on Google. Good luck on your cycle!

 

Unique setup! Good job

 

Great looking tank.

Can I make a suggestion though? Get rid of the internal power filters and go for a simple sponge filter and air pump.

The sponge filter is very effective and produces little current that will bother the betta fish. In my limited experience with bettas I have found that they hate even the slightest current.

 

The sponge filters work just as well as a power filter?

I’ve not done any research on them, so I have no idea how they work or what they entail!

Do they connect to some sort of tubing? Do I just stick it in the corner and that’s it? How often do I need to replace them?

 

The sponge filters work just as well as a power filter?

I’ve not done any research on them, so I have no idea how they work or what they entail!

Do they connect to some sort of tubing? Do I just stick it in the corner and that’s it? How often do I need to replace them?

No they work better than power filters in most setups.

Sponge filters have been used on just about everything from Oscar tanks to small fry holding tanks. They are also widely used in fish breeding including sensitive species like discus. They are used so widely because they are very effective, cheap and easily maintained.

They don't really need much research all you need is an air pump, some airline tubing and a sponge filter. Would be a good idea to pick up a cheap valve to go on the airline tubing just to stop the water flowing down into the pump. These valves are sold at nearly all aquatic stores right next to the air pumps and airline tubing.

You connect one end of the airline tubing to the air pump and the other end to the sponge filter. Place the sponge filter in a tank corner and turn it on. Simple as that

They only really need replacing every few years and maintenance is simple. Just take them out once a month and squeeze the sponge in a bucket of the tank water when doing a water change. Plop it back in and its good as new.

Should be able to get an air pump, sponge filter and airline tubing for about $15 or $20.

 

Yup, I didn’t think about that when I saw you already have your current power filter running, but sponge filters are great for bettas and easy to maintain.

 

Thanks for you help!

I’ve just ordered a corner sponge filter from amazon! I’ll go to my LFS (or Petsmart) to get the power supply and tubing.

I also ordered a new clip-on light (I have a problem). The lights that came with this kit are garbage, and I’ve grown attached to my plants.

My plan is to make my tank a custom glass lid (I make stained glass, so I already have a glass cutter), to accommodate the clip-on light. Seems to be my best option for a 5.5 gallon.

So. Much. Learning.

 

Great that you got a sponge filter! Just curious, but is brand is the clip-on?
Cool that you can make your own lid! Always wanted to do that out of like plastic but too lazy

 

This is the clip-on I got:
LED Aquarium Lights 6500K Dimmable Planted Tank Lights with Gooseneck for Plant Freshwater Aquarium Fish Tank (Planted Version)

There weren’t a ton of options that weren’t $100s of dollars (Canadian Amazon, anyway). It’s probably not the best, but it’s certainly an upgrade.

I’m super excited to make the lid! It’s gonna cost me like, $10. Fingers crossed it works out.

 

the long grass looking plant looks like Val to me. If that's correct it'll outgrow your tank. Awesome Job with the tank though! keep us posted

 

Very good looking tank.
You have gotten some very good advice but I notice no one has mentioned a check valve. You really should have one between your air pump and the sponge filter. Air/water can go in one direction but not the other with a check valve in place. This little device will prevent water from being pulled into your pump should the power go off.

It is not totally necessary if your pump is located above the tank but it is a very inexpensive piece of insurance.

 

Thanks for the tip! Where does the check valve connect too? Where the tubing and air pump connect? Somewhere in the middle? And is it something I can get at my LFS? Sorry, I know nothing about sponge filters haha.

If I have this, does that mean I would be able to put the air pump below my tank? Cause that would definitely be preferable.

 

Thanks for the tip! Where does the check valve connect too? Where the tubing and air pump connect? Somewhere in the middle? And is it something I can get at my LFS? Sorry, I know nothing about sponge filters haha.

If I have this, does that mean I would be able to put the air pump below my tank? Cause that would definitely be preferable.

I put the check valve 4 or 5 inches from the air pump. You want it to be the first thing the air goes through so you could attach a 5 inch piece of tubing to the outlet of the air pump. Attach the check valve (be sure it is going in the right position by blowing through it) and then attach the longer piece of tubing to the other side of the check valve.

You may want to also use an adjustment valve to control the amount of air going to the filter. This should be placed along the tubing so it will be outside the tank for easy adjustments.

Yes, by using a check valve you can place the air pump below the tank.

 

With a check valve you can put under tank. Without it, it must be above. Nice set up best wishes to you and your fishes lol

 

This is a check valve


and this is an adjustment valve


You can find them less expensive. This is just to show you what they look like

 

I put the check valve 4 or 5 inches from the air pump. You want it to be the first thing the air goes through so you could attach a 5 inch piece of tubing to the outlet of the air pump. Attach the check valve (be sure it is going in the right position by blowing through it) and then attach the longer piece of tubing to the other side of the check valve.

You may want to also use an adjustment valve to control the amount of air going to the filter. This should be placed along the tubing so it will be outside the tank for easy adjustments.

Yes, by using a check valve you can place the air pump below the tank.

Just wanted to say I love you "location" very cute