Slowing filter flow

[MattW]

So in my 60L cube, I have a DIY internal filter using a Nicrew powerhead along with a filter inlet and sponge. The fish I keep do prefer slow-medium flow. If I don't have the sponge on the filter outlet, the flow is too powerful and sends them flying across the tank along with the shrimp. I currently have a coarse sponge acting as my flow reducer which does work very well. However, it quickly becomes a haven for algae and any fish food that doesn't get eaten causing it to become a fuzzy mess. Does anyone know of another way to reduce flow? I did try the Flow Deflector from Interpret but it didn't make much difference.

 

[Back in the fold]

As far as I know you are doing about all that can be done and any disadvantages, like the ones you mentioned , will have to be dealt with as they come up . You could try to make a deflector but I don’t know how a guy would go about it .

 

[MattW]

I had been considering making a cap for the filter outflow and maybe drilling a few small holes to reduce the flow. I did wonder if there was another alternative. I might have a gander at Etsy as well to see what 3D-printed parts may be for sale.

 

[connorlindeman]

I had been considering making a cap for the filter outflow and maybe drilling a few small holes to reduce the flow. I did wonder if there was another alternative. I might have a gander at Etsy as well to see what 3D-printed parts may be for sale.

Buy a 3D printer and learn 3d designing

 

[MaloK]

Double or triple the length of your intake with more sponges to augment the pulling area and slow water flow. And let the fuzzy stuff get eaten by the shrimps.

It wont hold back the flow but it will prevent clogging.

And Algae growing on your sponge is probably the best bio filtration you can get

With some kind of tie to keep your output sponge in place... it shouldn't be too strong ? And last a lot longer between maintenance.

 

[MaloK]

I have to pull it out the water soon to fix another flaw, caused by "design" I'll post pics of the whole thing dismantled.

But in 50 years of lazy Aquaria... This was always the modification the most rewarding in performance. I love to implement this on Aquaclears and see how they drastically change everything in small tanks.

It's like a Huge high power sponge filter in front of a 3 stage filter box.

For a price... Buying spare parts to cut them in half, drill holes all over them and finding sponges that fits has their risks... Lolll

 

[CassCats]

Direct the flow upwards. Use an elbow shaped pvc pipe of similar size to direct the flow vertically at the surface. It'll slow the current. I throw a long spray bar tube on my bettas internal filter, which directs most of the flow to the surface.

 

[MaloK]

Nice... could replace the sponge on the output real good.

 

[MattW]

Well, I had a go with some spare parts this morning. I think I've made something that works quite well. The flow is slightly more powerful but doesn't cause the fish to fly off, basically the sweet spot.

So in the end, I used a cap off an old venturi pipe from an old filter. This cap had 3 small slits that reduced the outflow of the filter significantly. Luckily this end cap fits snugly onto the powerhead so no glue was needed. I also ended up putting a very small cutting of filter sponge inside just to reduce the flow even more. Sadly In the process of making this, I did snap off the inlet tube which has since been glued back into place.

I'll give that sponge a clean this weekend

 

[MaloK]

Here's my modded intake cover pic.