View Full Version : Current too strong??
ldymcbeth6
01-23-2008, 10:38 AM
I have a 15g with 5 tiger barbs, one pleco and one shark catfish. I've noticed my fish always cluster on the right side of the tank...the barbs in the middle and the other two toward the bottom. The filter is on the left side of the tank and is one that sucks water from the near the bottom and pours it back in from the top (I don't know what that kind is called). It makes quite a current in the tank, even when I fill the tank pretty high so the water almost flows out of the filter rather than dropping. I'm wondering if the current is too strong for the fish and might tire them out. Then again maybe fish LIKE current. Anyone have any ideas? What kind of filter do I need if this one is wrong? It does an awesome job so I hate to change unless I need to--my last one was useless. Thanks!
Without knowing the model of the filter it is hard to tell.
ldymcbeth6
01-23-2008, 10:57 AM
Aha! Success! I had a brainstorm and remembered where I put the manual for the filter! It is a Whisper Power Filter, Model 5-15 #26308, 115-120 Volts 60 Hz.
Bk718
01-23-2008, 11:04 AM
with whispers you can control the flow pretty good, try closing it and see what you get. You can also try and add a sponge to the bottom of the intake that way the flow will be slightly restricted and there will be less current.
Aha! Success! I had a brainstorm and remembered where I put the manual for the filter! It is a Whisper Power Filter, Model 5-15 #26308, 115-120 Volts 60 Hz.
I seriously doubt that filter is causing too much currernt.
ldymcbeth6
01-23-2008, 11:43 AM
with whispers you can control the flow pretty good, try closing it and see what you get. You can also try and add a sponge to the bottom of the intake that way the flow will be slightly restricted and there will be less current.
I'm sorry--what do I close?
with whispers you can control the flow pretty good, try closing it and see what you get. You can also try and add a sponge to the bottom of the intake that way the flow will be slightly restricted and there will be less current.
I'm sorry--what do I close?
bk828 was talking about a Tetra Whisper filter...You have a Tetra Advanced. I don't believe the specific model you own has flow control. But like I said I doubt it is making too much current.
Mgamer20o0
01-23-2008, 1:10 PM
i agree with h. what kind of pleco do you have?
ldymcbeth6
01-23-2008, 1:25 PM
He's a leopard pleco about 4 in so far. He's pretty shy, but he comes out when it's dark. I scare him if I approach the tank quickly.
rustilldown_7
01-23-2008, 1:35 PM
Yeah I have the same model filter with a couple of tetras and they have no problem swimming right by it. I doubt it being the filter. It could be your fish's hangout spot.
ldymcbeth6
01-23-2008, 4:26 PM
Okay, thanks everyone. I'm probably just being a mother hen. I haven't had fish except the goldfish my kids brought home from carnivals. I'm completely freaked out they're going to die or that they're not happy. I guess I should lighten up!
user_name
06-04-2010, 4:25 PM
Feed your fish on the other side of the tank, and then try to feed them towards the middle as it will make the fish more active in all areas of the tank. My 55 community used to do this, but now swim in both sides equally.
Another reason they might do that is that the other side either doesn't have enough hiding spots or is too cluttered for the barbs too enjoy. I bet that the other side has very little hiding spots, and would reccomend adding more plants or decorations to the side they don't go to. If fish have lots of hiding spaces than they feel more secure and swim more actively because they know that they can escape in the event of danger.
Good luck, and can you provide a pic of your tank????