Fluval FX5 in Channa tank?

[ViolentJ]

Hi,

New to the forum, been reading but this is my first post here. I don't currently have any snakeheads but I shall be receiving some pulchra later this week which are going into a temporary tank as my long term tank is currently cycling.

Anyway, my query is regarding my Fluval FX5, I know that aside from the winter months when melting ice flows down the mountains that the snakeheads live in stagnant pools. Now, my FX5 has quite a strong flow and I'm wondering what I can do about this as it's strong enough to blow all my floating plants to one side of the tank despite the outlet being a good 6" below the surface. I don't want to restrict the flow rate as it'll obviouly impair the filter. Does anyone else use an FX5 and what have you done to combat this? I was going to use a Seio 820 super flow pump to simulate the increased water flow over winter but looking at the FX5 I'm not sure I'll need to.

 

[jelly]

You can use alternative floating shelter like wood etc, this would also allow the plants to have something to butt upto without being pushed to one end of the tank. How big is the tank?

I use an FX5 also. Great filter.

 

[ViolentJ]

What type of wood would you suggest? The tank is 5ft long x 2ft tall x 18" wide.

 

[DiXoN]

the flow on the fx5s are not that great due to the diameter of the pipe and split exits so should be ok especially if filled to the brim with media, i use one too.

 

[ViolentJ]

You might not think it's that great but I have 55 floating plants stuck up a corner lol

 

[tropheus]

point your outlet toward the gravel , i have used fx5 and managed to have zero surface movment , iam now running the biggest eheim you can get and again with zero surface movment

cheers col

 

[ViolentJ]

Had a fiddle and the best result I've had is pointing it into a corner. The majority of the surface is now still.

 

[tropheus]

yeah that should do the trick also , glad you got it sorted , depending how much pipe slack you have ,you could always put it so the outlet is much further under water

cheers col

 

[DiXoN]

the quantity of turnover yet lack of water movement is one of the things i like about the fx5 for a channa tank and at the moment i even have a fluval 4 + internal running whilst i have other fish in with them to help oxygenate.
the flow is easily dissipated by having the outlets pointing toward the side of the tank.

 

[PhullTank57]

the quantity of turnover yet lack of water movement is one of the things i like about the fx5 for a channa tank...