powerhead feeding too much air?

F

fluffer

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Jan 14, 2004
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Can you use a pump rated up to 50 gallon in a 20 gallon tank? I just put a zoo-med 226 powerhead in my tank. This morning my damsel was fine before I put it in. I installed it during my lunch, and when I came home from work my fish was breathing heavily and floating kinda sideways. I tested chemical levels, and everything is fine, and I have the pump set on the lowest flow level. Oh, and he still ate dinner (slowly though). Is there any way to restrict the airflow to a safe level, or do I have to switch it out with a lower flow model? Please help:confused:
 
Where is the air coming from? You can close off the air intake for most powerheads--which I recommend. Bubbles increase evaporation and salt creep.
 
It's a venturi hose from the top of the head. Can I pull out the hose and suck in water through the hole? Or should I leave the hose on, and put a little piece of plastic over it? Thanks
 
All of the powerheads that I own have a small plug that can be placed in the venturi hole to prevent water intake. I imagine the suction would present a minor hazard to small/weak-swimming fish. Taping the end of the tube should do the trick.
 
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