Reducing Filter Current?

[Kinui]

So, I've recently acquired 14 gallon Biocube tank with a built in filter. My betta is currently in a 1.5 gal (pathetic I know) without a filter, and I'm worried that the new filter current might be too strong for my him. Does anyone have suggestions on how to reduce the current?

Also, I got the tank from a friend who just upgraded. It has "bacteria" already in the filter, and I'm using some of the gravel he was using, is this sufficient for accumulating healthy bacteria before I put Moby in? How long should I wait before moving him?

Thanks!

 

[Keeper Of Cichlids]

Did the filter in the new tank you got dry out?
What filter is it?

 

[Kinui]

Did the filter in the new tank you got dry out?
What filter is it?

I don't know. It's just whatever type of filter is built into the Biocube?

 

[Keeper Of Cichlids]

If the filter dried out then the bacteria is most likely dead.
Have you tested the water?

 

[Kinui]

I'm pretty sure it was still pretty wet. I need to buy testing strips tomorrow.

 

[fluttermoth]

Any filter will be better than no filter at all, and hopefully there will be enough bacteria to keep the ammonia down, I'd move him in right away so the bacteria don't start to die off from lack of food (once it's all set up, up to temperature and dechlorinated, of course).

Do you have a test kit for ammonia? If not, you need one!

If the filter's too strong, there's usually a way of turning the outlet so it faces the side of the tank to diffuse the flow a bit.

If not, you'll have to jury rig something ; bits of cut down coke bottle or bits of filter sponge can be put in front of the outlet to deflect it.

Just make sure you don't block it completely!

P.S; don't bother with testing strips, they're notoriously inaccurate and many of them don't include ammonia, which is the most important. Get a liquid based/test tube one; definitely for ammonia, and preferably for nitrIte as well if you can. Don't bother about nitrAte or pH for now

 

[Keeper Of Cichlids]

I'm pretty sure it was still pretty wet. I need to buy testing strips tomorrow.

Test strips are no good.
You need a liquid test kit.

 

[Kinui]

Alright, I'll def get a liquid test then! I'm one of the many who have kept bettas in less than ideal conditions, but I'm learning! I've had him in the 1.5 for a few months now just because I haven't had to money to buy anything bigger (I already had the tank from a few years ago), so I'm sure he'll like the change ^^.

The problem with the filter is that it's built directly into the back wall of the tank, so I can't really manipulate it in anyway. If I used sponge over it, how would I go about securing?

 

[fluttermoth]

Have you not got a little nozzle that fits onto the outlet? The pics of Biocubes that I can find online do. If it has, you can rotate that and face it towards the side of the tank.

If not, rubber band? You don't want to cover the whole outlet, just deflect the water.

 

[Kinui]

Thanks, I'll see what I can do.

Also, would adding some of his current tank water into the new tank be beneficial?

 

[Keeper Of Cichlids]

I wouldn't bother, most of the beneficial bacteria lives in the filter.
Next to nothing in the water.

 

[Kinui]

Alright, thanks for all your help!