Slowing HOB Filter Flow Speed

[jag123]

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]

Depends on the type of filter. ACs, for example, have an adjustable flow rate.

 

[jag123]

Penguin 170. Would placing a sponge over the intake tube help?

 

[Hawkfish3.0]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Yes, 40g.

 

[djhonda]

i have a XP3 for my 44 gal and my african cichlids love it.