How Do I Block The Intake On Internal Filter ?

I know on hang on the back filters you can adapt them with filter sponge over the input part and pantyhose over the output
But are there any tips like that that work on internal filters?

I purchased a tank with hood but it came with a really weird filter set up so I took that out.
So I remembered that I had some brand blue planet cx200-cx400 that I can’t find out anything about on the internet for some reason.

I plugged it in my new tank ( no betta in it ) and the output seems perfect - maybe even a little less current than my hang on the back ones. The input though I’ll need to cover or something , I’m assuming after reading betta horror stories about stuck in filter intake that there are others who have run into this so any advice on the common ways to cover the intake would be really appreciated

 

I have the same filter! I wrap mesh netting around the whole bottom part of the filter, and it works great! Is your tank ten gallons?

 

No it’s 5 gallons ... I’m tossing up between finding a way to cover the intake or giving up on filters and going to a sponge filter
I’ve never used a sponge filter though so that is unknown territory for me.
I found this link today though on YouTube

and I’m wondering if that would be any good?
I can source a tetra whisper air pump where I am

 

Pantyhose and a hair tie.

 

I use your same filter, but in a ten gallon. I imagine in a 5 gallon, it would be a little too strong. I recommend a sponge filter. I got my first sponge filter last week, and I already love it. All you need is a sponge filter, airline tubing, and a pump.

 

Little sponge filter all the way

 

Ok if I go sponge I have limited options in NZ, I know I can get this one Aqua One Breeder Sponge Filter 136 19886 | Hollywood Fish Farm and I see it says I can add carbon to the middle ?? I’m assuming this will be helpful if I need to medicate?

 

Carbon takes medication out of water. So it could be helpful. That looks like a great sponge filter!

 

Ok cool! And a tetra whisper pump?

 

Which one should I get ? I'm at pet store now

 

No it’s 5 gallons ... I’m tossing up between finding a way to cover the intake or giving up on filters and going to a sponge filter
I’ve never used a sponge filter though so that is unknown territory for me.
I found this link today though on YouTube

and I’m wondering if that would be any good?
I can source a tetra whisper air pump where I am

I like sponge filters but a box filter like in the diy is more adaptable than a sponge because you can put whatever media you need in there. That’s what us old folks used back in the day and it kept fish healthy. I just ordered one but want to try to make some of my own. Maybe disguise it in an ornament.

 

Thanks for the help I went for the tetra whisper for the air pump , I haven’t got the sponge filter yet though

 

I’m seriously considering making one like the diy video

 

Hello, I took a new house hold sponge cut to size of intake & attached w/black rubber bands. Acts as prefilter, holds bac.& baffles flow. To clean just squeeze in tank water when doing waterchanges. Hope this helps!

 

Thanks for that I ended up giving up on the sponge filter idea... and the internal filter idea. I went back to my original hobs and tanks - I decided there was no point changing if what I have works so well

 

I have been playing around with my new tank and filter as well. The filter is a hob a TopFin Silentstream or some such. I have the same line on a 10 and 20 gallon tank. Adjustable, but the lowest setting was still too strong for Mr. Miyagi. Looked so stressed. I ended up just cutting a strip from a new household spong and jamming it into the intake tube. Slowed the flow a lot!! Much happier fish now

 

Yeah I have aquaone clearview hobs in all 3 of my betta 5gallons. I love them.
Only one of mine likes filter flow ( the plakat) so the other two I like how it’s soft flow and adjustable , plus I put a silk plant under the output to block any left over flow.
I stuffed extra filter sponge in the hobs of my crowntail and halfmoon too and that slowed the flow even more

 

Yeah I have aquaone clearview hobs in all 3 of my betta 5gallons. I love them.
Only one of mine likes filter flow ( the plakat) so the other two I like how it’s soft flow and adjustable , plus I put a silk plant under the output to block any left over flow.
I stuffed extra filter sponge in the hobs of my crowntail and halfmoon too and that slowed the flow even more

Yeah. I am planning on upgrading possibly all 4 of my other 4 betta tanks, mainly because I prefer glass to acryllic. They all currently have filters I like, but I like the fact the hobs give them even more water space. Just glad I found a fairly easy adjustment, as all those tanks come with that same hob lol

 

My males don’t like flow but are fascinated by bubbles so I’ve made these small filters- great for nitrification and behavior enrichment (!) and look nice—
Materials- orchid pot, biomedia (I use lava), an uplift tube from an old ugf (any bit of wide tubing would work) and floss from an old pillow


Add a bit of floss
add tube
add rest of floss and then media

air stone and....I think he likes it

and its adjustable with an air flow regulator. I’ve tested them and they work. Even have a large version on a 25g that has almost finished cycling.