Fluval U3 Filter Is Scary!

[scentless]

I've just treated my fishies to a brand new Fluval U3 filter but i'm not sure if I made the right decision.

It says on the box 'for 90l to 150l' which is the right category. I've got it on the 'B' setting which is supposed to be the calmest setting and my poor fish are struggling to swim against the force of it! I especially feel sorry for my guppy fry who seem to be swimming as fast as they can and not getting anywhere.

So. Have I made yet another fishkeeping booboo? Or is it supposed to be like that?

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

My U4 losses its power quickly in the 620T after a rinse of the sponges and carbon pads in tank water, less than a week and I can really spot the difference!

You could add something between the pads and sponges temporarily to artificially clog things and lower the flow.

Something I've read about but yet to try is flipping the filter onto its side partially above the water surface, turning the "B" mode into a spraybar, which might help.

 

[StandbySetting]

I'd recommend using the spray bar, and on the maximum flow setting, you'll get good flow but at a lower velocity.

 

[Proxo]

You've got 3 ways to aim the spray bar too, aim it at the glass?

 

[minnnt]

You've got 3 ways to aim the spray bar too, aim it at the glass?

Yep. This is the way to go i think.

 

[ZoddyZod]

How deep (front to back) is your tank? The flow from a U3 is very strong directly in front of the outlet, but anywhere else in the tank the fish should cope just fine. If the guppiys are choosing to go head long into the flow then they are enjoying it, but if you have a very thin tank (like one of those wall mounted ones) then they may not have anywhere else to go.