Filter turn over and water circulation.

[Bbuckley]

Hi guys I'm having a bit of a problem just recently upgraded my filter to one a fair bit more powerful, it seams to have put my FH off feeding from the surface as the agitation/flow is fairly strong.

I was thinking of adding the return of the filter into a plastic tub with some slits cut in it so flow would be massively reduced not through the filter but around the tank.

Would this cause any issues I do a water change every other day to remove waste from the bottom of the tank so I aren't worried about that and I have a air stone adding oxygen so again not worried about that.

I'm thinking with my intake at one end and the return at the other end it should work fine the tank water would eventually flow to the filter just slower if that makes sence.

Any and all input is welcome and appreciated thanks guys.

 

[deeda]

What brand/model filter? Spray bar, nozzles or just outlet?

Spray bars can be rotated toward the side of the tank to reduce surface agitation and hence allow the fish to surface feed. Nozzles can also be rotated to allow similar results.

 

[esoxlucius]

Yes, either redirecting the flow by adjusting the nozzle, or, if still too powerful, a strategically cut piece of coarse filter sponge attached to the outlet nozzle. This would hamper the flow rate.

Or, if it is a variable speed pump, turn it down maybe to a level that is still a good turnover, but more importantly, doesn't stress your FH.

 

[Toby_H]

You've already covered the associated concerns. Which would be surface agitation for oxygenation and bottom agitation to move waste to the filter. As these are both covered through other means, the extra filtration is simply extra filtration, so move or modify your intake and/or return as necessary to give your tank the circulation your fish prefer.

You have a lot of options here.
I'd avoid cutting or breaking the original output, as you may someday want to use it as is.
Placing the return in a tub of some sort with slits that is submerged in the tank could work just fine. Though I'd suspect that would be difficult to blend into decor.
It's relatively easy to make a DIY spray bar by drilling holes in a piece of PVC and running your return line into that. This could be placed in any number of ways to distribute your returning water. It sounds like you'd be best served simply running it from top to bottom in a rear corner of the tank, spraying along the back wall. I suggest making yours a few inches shorter than the overall tank to prevent disturbing the substrate (assuming you have sand).

The details of what will work best for you depends on your decor and overall set up. Be creative.

 

[Bbuckley]

Brilliant cheers guys all sorted now I fixed a vertical spray bar in the opposite corner and all is looking good now.

Thank you for taking the time to reply.