Limiting Current

[eugeneT]

I wasnt sure if this should go here or in DIY. Anyway I recently purchased an Auqatech 5 gallon for my Dad's birthday. It has the filter and biowheel built into the hood. So they decided they wanted a betta to go into it. After reading more on betta care, I found a site that reccomends not using this type of tank for bettas because of the current being more than they appreciate. Is there any way to limit the current so that it doesn't disturb the water as much? I was thinking about filling the intake pipe with scrubbies or working some type of acrylic square into the area where the water pours back into the tank to spread the concentration out and slow down the flow a little. My concerns are burning out the filter motor if I make it too hard to pump through the scrubbies. But if the betta can get use to having slightly higher flow then it may be ok like it is. I really need to make as sure as I can that he doesnt get stressed out and die, because I'm trying to get them hooked on this wondeful hobby as well. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. In the pics the intake is on the left side and comes almost all the way down to the substrate, while the biowheel is on the right, just so its clear.

Thanks in advance

 

[CHOMPERS]

Actually the betta looks fine in that picture. Does he constantly seem to be in a struggle against the current? To limit the current, you can trim the pump impeller. The only problem is once you do, you can't undo it. Trim only two opposite blades, see what effect they have and decide if you want to trim the other two. You can also restrict the suction intake.

 

[eugeneT]

The betta does sometimes seem to be swimming hard against the current depending on what area of the tank he's in, but he's only been in there for a day right now and he is still getting used to his new home. As far as limiting the suction intake, would I do that by filling the intake pipe with cut up scrubbies or filter floss, or how would I accomplish that? Thanks for the speedy response Chompers.

 

[DeLgAdO]

Actually the betta looks fine in that picture. Does he constantly seem to be in a struggle against the current? To limit the current, you can trim the pump impeller. The only problem is once you do, you can't undo it. Trim only two opposite blades, see what effect they have and decide if you want to trim the other two. You can also restrict the suction intake.

dont even think of that

add more plants

bettas appreciate densely planted tanks

the extra plants will diffuse the current making it easier on the betta

its looks like a powerhead in that tank

anyway you could switch to a smaller model?

 

[Potts050]

Dont start messing with impellors or attempt to restrict the flow into the filter. It may become plugged and then your impellor driver will overheat and fail on you.
Use plants to create still top water. If that doesnt work, try making up some kind of boom that restricts surface turbulence to where the biowheel over flows.

 

[eugeneT]

Thanks guys, I was apprehensive about trimming on the impeller anyway, not nearly handy enough for that yet. For now I'm going to go with adding some more plants and a few more pieces of lava rock to diffuse the current. Hopefully I can find an acrylic rectangle with a small lip around the edge to attach under the biowheel, I'll drill several small holes in it to spread out the surface disturbance. All your help has been greatly appreciated, I think I've got Mom and Dad both hooked already.

 

[gomezladdams]

Ive seen a few variations in diy forums but heres a simple solution
http://www.petfish.net/kb/entry/9/347/?PHPSESSID=a1902b7d689be03b084fc5d599fd7669