View Full Version : overfiltered?
evelyn80
01-11-2009, 1:13 PM
is a penguin 150 on a 5.5 overkill? my betta dont seem to mind but just checkin :P
jpappy789
01-11-2009, 6:31 PM
As long as the flow doesn't bother the betta then no...
evelyn80
01-11-2009, 6:40 PM
hmm well i think it may be as he is always hiding under the driftwood....
red_wall
01-11-2009, 6:44 PM
Betta's HATE flow
Damodred
01-11-2009, 6:46 PM
Bettas do not hate flow. However, there's a strong possibility that the flow in this tank is too high for the betta... Or many other fish for that matter. Try putting a sponge over the intake.
evelyn80
01-11-2009, 6:49 PM
a sponge is an awesome idea i think ill try that!
Damodred
01-11-2009, 6:57 PM
Just make sure your Bio Wheel keeps spinning. That's the trouble I have with my Bio Wheel 200s... Which is why I have now switched to AquaClears on other tnaks.
evelyn80
01-11-2009, 7:01 PM
haha lol i would get an aquaclear but the smallest model i can find is a aquaclear 50 for 50$ so theres no real point. ill just put it on the return ramp
"hiding under driftwood" can mean a lot of things. If he's lethargic and has little appetite, maybe he's sick. If the driftwood is the only hiding spot for him in the entire tank, he might need security from more hiding places and areas to rest. If it truly is the filter flow you should start looking into alternative filters or ways to lessen the flow of your filter.
To lessen the flow of your current filter sometimes stuffing more media into the filter can work. You can also try the soda bottle method (I use this).
jpappy789
01-11-2009, 7:36 PM
haha lol i would get an aquaclear but the smallest model i can find is a aquaclear 50 for 50$ so theres no real point. ill just put it on the return ramp
AC 20's are cheaper although I find the flow is too much even on my 10 gal.
tarquin375
01-11-2009, 9:34 PM
Don't any of these filters have a flow rate adjustment? My old AquaTech(made by Marineland for walmart...essentially a Penguin) gave you the ability to lift the pick-up tube to lessen the flow...Wispers also have a nifty flow rate adjustment.......just wondering and trying to help.
gustavo85
01-11-2009, 10:01 PM
Bettas in the wild live in areas with no water flow and I have one that got stick to a 50 gph filter in a 4 gal tank and seemed extremely sad. My guess would be that in that small place a 150 is overkill. If it were a 10 or 14 gallon tank then it could be different.
from what i saw and what i read i think bettas hate flows , u can turn off the filter for a few hour ( if ur bio load is light ) and see if he comes out from his hidin place , ( and i m sure he will ) and start exploring around , i m using a diy top filter for my betta tank , and he s so happy w it , the flow dosnt even destroy his bubble nests ...