Fish Getting Blown About By Filter

[scappaflow]

Hi folks.

Recent set up, and just yesterday have added 8 neons.

However I'm wondering if my filter is too powerful for them. LFS said to keep the filter on the highest setting if possible, however if the fish were getting blown about in the current to turn it down.

When fish 1st went in it was clear the current was too much for them so turned it down to lower setting - but it still seems that they are struggling. They all seem to cower in a corner and any time they swim into open water it is clear they are having to swim against the current just to stay in the same place.

They come out to feed, but that is pretty much the only time they swim about much.

I am pretty sure this will not be very comfortable and their wee hearts will eventually give in swimming against the rapids of my tank all the time.

Tank is only 64L and there are some rocks to hide behind, but anyone else think this will be unsuitable for the fish in the long term? Filter is a Fluval 2Plus - and I have the airflow nozzle open to act as an air pump. My friend advised me I could use this in lieu of an air pump - although intend to get an air pump as the stock is built up.

Any thoughts?

 

[phil2m]

Hi

I also had this problem with my goldfish when i put in a new fluval 4. Try pointing the nozzle straight at the front of the tank with the filter on the back wall.
Phil

 

[scappaflow]

Hi

I also had this problem with my goldfish when i put in a new fluval 4. Try pointing the nozzle straight at the front of the tank with the filter on the back wall.
Phil

Ta - gave it a try.

Still think it looks a bit severe. But will see how they go.

 

[rabbut]

Hi, if you fit the filter to one of the side walls, you can angle the outlet at the reah wall, thus breaking up the current.

Do you know about cycling? If not, I surget you read [topic="224306"]this thread[/topic] about fish-in cycling. If possible though, it would be best for the fish, to return them and run a fishless cycle, [topic="113861"]details here[/topic], especialy as neons aren't realy that hardy, and probibly won't survive the cycling process.

All the best
Rabbut

 

[scappaflow]

Hi, if you fit the filter to one of the side walls, you can angle the outlet at the reah wall, thus breaking up the current.

Do you know about cycling? If not, I surget you read [topic="224306"]this thread[/topic] about fish-in cycling. If possible though, it would be best for the fish, to return them and run a fishless cycle, [topic="113861"]details here[/topic], especialy as neons aren't realy that hardy, and probibly won't survive the cycling process.

All the best
Rabbut

Thanks, I have also discovered the flow of water is much less severe when the airhole is closed.

I am fairly certain such a few number of fish will be ok in my tank without an air pump, any comments? Plan to get one at the weekend, with hopefully, a few more fish.

Yes - I am aware of cycling. Had my tank running for around a week, however my cousin provided me with some mature filter media yesterday when I was taking my fish home.

 

[rabbut]

Thanks, I have also discovered the flow of water is much less severe when the airhole is closed.

I am fairly certain such a few number of fish will be ok in my tank without an air pump, any comments? Plan to get one at the weekend, with hopefully, a few more fish.

Yes, your fish will be fine without the aireation. IMO, air pumps are unnessisary, as they are so inefficient at adding air to the water. You can add more air by carefuly positioning the filter outlet. Position the outlet so that it breaks the surface, as this will add far more air than an air pump. Also makes it clearer if there is a filter issue too.

Yes - I am aware of cycling. Had my tank running for around a week, however my cousin provided me with some mature filter media yesterday when I was taking my fish home.

Exelent, the mature media will have realy helped I presume that you are testing the water? If ammonia and nitrite read zero, you are ready for more fish.

All the best
Rabbut