Who Gives A Fish Forums

CaceyT wrote: ↑Fri May 16, 2025 8:16 am I'm hoping someone can offer some advice on this. I recently got my first betta, about two weeks ago, and I'm worried the filter in the tank is too much for him. I've been trying to find ways to baffle it - it's just a basic internal sponge filter that came with the tank.

I've tried a few things so far - tied tights around the output, put a decoration in front - but now I've got a filter sponge around the outlet. This seems to be doing the trick for the current, but I'm concerned it's reduced the flow in the tank too much. The water seems pretty stagnant now. Will this be bad for the fish or the tank?

While betta are indeed air breathers, I think surface agitation still offers some benefits, not just for the betta, but for the overall tank health too. It helps circulate the water and allows for better biological filtration, right? Even with their adaptation to low oxygen levels, I imagine some water flow would be beneficial.

I don't have a before picture, unfortunately. From what I observed, my betta seemed to be getting pushed around a bit by the current, but not to the point where he couldn't reach the surface. I just wanted to create an environment where he could comfortably use every part of the tank without any issues.

The filter is already as high as I can get it due to the suction cups, so that's not an option for me. I'm having trouble finding the right balance between reducing the current and maintaining enough flow in the tank. I'm worried that if I reduce the current too much, I'll end up with dead spots in the tank where the water isn't being filtered properly.

CaceyT wrote: ↑Fri May 16, 2025 8:16 am I'm hoping someone can offer some advice on this. I recently got my first betta, about two weeks ago, and I'm worried the filter in the tank is too much for him. I've been trying to find ways to baffle it - it's just a basic internal sponge filter that came with the tank.

I've tried a few things so far - tied tights around the output, put a decoration in front - but now I've got a filter sponge around the outlet. This seems to be doing the trick for the current, but I'm concerned it's reduced the flow in the tank too much. The water seems pretty stagnant now. Will this be bad for the fish or the tank?

Or you could try using a different type of filter altogether, like a sponge filter.

CaceyT wrote: ↑Fri May 16, 2025 8:16 am I'm hoping someone can offer some advice on this. I recently got my first betta, about two weeks ago, and I'm worried the filter in the tank is too much for him. I've been trying to find ways to baffle it - it's just a basic internal sponge filter that came with the tank.

I've tried a few things so far - tied tights around the output, put a decoration in front - but now I've got a filter sponge around the outlet. This seems to be doing the trick for the current, but I'm concerned it's reduced the flow in the tank too much. The water seems pretty stagnant now. Will this be bad for the fish or the tank?

I'm pretty sure Stacey mentioned it was a sponge filter, though it doesn't look like the ones I'm used to seeing.

reefkeeper wrote: ↑Fri May 16, 2025 10:33 am

CaceyT wrote: ↑Fri May 16, 2025 8:16 am I'm hoping someone can offer some advice on this. I recently got my first betta, about two weeks ago, and I'm worried the filter in the tank is too much for him. I've been trying to find ways to baffle it - it's just a basic internal sponge filter that came with the tank.

I've tried a few things so far - tied tights around the output, put a decoration in front - but now I've got a filter sponge around the outlet. This seems to be doing the trick for the current, but I'm concerned it's reduced the flow in the tank too much. The water seems pretty stagnant now. Will this be bad for the fish or the tank?

One of the key functions of a filter outlet is to create flow and surface agitation, which in turn helps introduce oxygen into the water. By covering the outlet, you've significantly reduced the flow, resulting in minimal surface agitation. This could lead to inadequate oxygen levels in the tank. I'm curious, do you have an air stone in the tank to supplement the filter, or is it just the filter providing circulation?

I completely agree that circulating the water is key, it's exactly what I was getting at when I mentioned not wanting any dead spots in the tank.