Hello! Is the flow generated by the sponge filter okay for my short-finned betta or should I find a method to slow it down? Thanks in advance!
https://v.redd.it/z9q044u7ouwg1
Posted by JessCeceSchmidtNick
Hello! Is the flow generated by the sponge filter okay for my short-finned betta or should I find a method to slow it down? Thanks in advance!
https://v.redd.it/z9q044u7ouwg1
Posted by JessCeceSchmidtNick
7 Comments
The bubbles looked a little big to me at first glance but by watching your fish friends movement they seem pretty happy with the current flow, also I find that the short fin variety doesn’t struggle as much with water flow/current. Maybe they would like some floating plants, they live in dim environments in the wild. Also how big is your tank?
I just set up a sponge filter today, I was wondering the same. Mines pretty much as low as it can go, I’ll keep an eye on my fish and see if it’s too much
You could modify your sponge filter by adding an air stone. Theres tons of videos with tutorials on how to do so.
Modifying your sponge filter with an air stone allows finer bubbles to be created which can reduce the current produced by the bubbles.
Also, do you have an air valve to help you control air flow? If not i highly recommend getting one! You can control the flow pretty easily.
Looks like your betta is swimming good.
With mine, I like to modify the sponge filter, so that there’s a cylindrical air stone inside of it to attach to. I think you could also put some mesh or some gravel in the clear acyrlic tube to diffuse the bubbles, too? (Has anyone tried this)
Your flow looks fine. Pretty low flow which is alright for your tank since it’s small.
1. Your betta does not have long fins which would cause issues if flow was high since it hinders their ability to swim
2. Your flow is low as none of your plants seem to be swaying which would indicate a higher flow
3. Your tank is not heavily planted and so low flow is fine as flow affects both plants and fish. Here your tank is small and you don’t have a lot of surface area or plants that need the flow
4. There’s enough surface agitation for oxygen exchange which is good for your betta
I’d be cautious about your heater. It looks out of the water. If it’s a submersible one I recommend putting it deeper into the water to avoid crossing the minimum line
It’s a sponge filter. It’s very difficult to create too much water flow with a sponge filter.
Too much flow is more an issue with oversized HOB filters and canister filters.
My boy finds the bubbles to be an epic free carnival ride. 🤷♀️🤣