Slowing HOB Filter Flow Speed

jag123

Gambusia
MFK Member
May 16, 2008
936
10
18
Ohio
I am looking for suggestions on slowing down a HOB filter. I have 40 gal comm tank with some smaller fish and plants that may be getting blown around a bit too much. Comments/suggestions please.
 

Hawkfish3.0

Piranha
MFK Member
Feb 19, 2007
2,978
90
81
Marlton, NJ
Depends on the type of filter. ACs, for example, have an adjustable flow rate.
 

jag123

Gambusia
MFK Member
May 16, 2008
936
10
18
Ohio
Penguin 170. Would placing a sponge over the intake tube help?
 

Hawkfish3.0

Piranha
MFK Member
Feb 19, 2007
2,978
90
81
Marlton, NJ
You have to be carful with something like that. A sponge will clog quickly and can cut off the supply of water to your filter, burning out the motor.
 

jag123

Gambusia
MFK Member
May 16, 2008
936
10
18
Ohio
I noticed that with the HOB biowheel there tends to be rapid evaporation, and that causes greater surface agitation. Just looking to avoid that - may be stressing the fish/uprooting plants.
 

Tigerfish908

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 6, 2008
780
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NJ/PA
It's good to have a little current in your tank. It shouldn't be pumping so hard that it uproots ur plants tho.
I don't see how that can happen?? Especially with a Pen 170....

The fish prob uprooted the plants.
 

jag123

Gambusia
MFK Member
May 16, 2008
936
10
18
Ohio
Well there are some floating plants that move around a bit - I use these as a nursery, and try not to disturb them. Also, it seems as though some of the fish are fighting the current. I hope that the 170 is not overkill. Thanks for all the advice so far.
 

Tigerfish908

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 6, 2008
780
0
0
NJ/PA
jag123;1960729; said:
Well there are some floating plants that move around a bit - I use these as a nursery, and try not to disturb them. Also, it seems as though some of the fish are fighting the current. I hope that the 170 is not overkill. Thanks for all the advice so far.

Most fish like to play in the current. It's not harmful to the fish.
170 is def not overkill!! U have a 40g right?
 

jag123

Gambusia
MFK Member
May 16, 2008
936
10
18
Ohio
Yes, 40g.
 
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