Slowing The Outflow

[Honeythorn]

Hi, I was wondering as to the best method of slowing down the output of my fluval 3 without buggering the mechanisms up ? I have it in a 10-15 gallon tank, but am being given a Betta, so I need to slow down the flow to prevent him being blasted round the tank at warp 10. I don't have the time or cash to buy a smaller filter and cycle it at this point in time. The Fluval has been sitting in my established tropical 30 gallon for over a month to mature.

I tried fixing a piece of curved plastic in front of the pipe to deflect the jet of water, but that failed spectacularly. I also need to somehow prevent my forthcoming Betta , from being sucked against the side of the filter and getting his fins shredded.

I have heard of one method, which is to cut up a pair of tights or stockings into a section ( new and well rinsed of course ) and to slip the " tube " of the fine mesh over the main body of the cannister ( I was thinking near the top, as this seems to be where most of the large waste gets sucked in, like little bits of plant leaf and whatnot ) .

Is that a feasible idea? I did also hold a piece of stocking in front of the outflow pipe at the top to see if putting some there would in any way reduce or disperse the flow without harming the workings of the filter. It did seem to work very well, but if I can indeed use a stocking for that purpose, could I use an elastic band to hold it in place? The pipe is out of the water completely so the rubber would not get particularly wet.

Or am I being foolish here? Help is much appreciated

 

[Scotty001]

Hi, I was wondering as to the best method of slowing down the output of my fluval 3 without buggering the mechanisms up ? I have it in a 10-15 gallon tank, but am being given a Betta, so I need to slow down the flow to prevent him being blasted round the tank at warp 10. I don't have the time or cash to buy a smaller filter and cycle it at this point in time. The Fluval has been sitting in my established tropical 30 gallon for over a month to mature.

I tried fixing a piece of curved plastic in front of the pipe to deflect the jet of water, but that failed spectacularly. I also need to somehow prevent my forthcoming Betta , from being sucked against the side of the filter and getting his fins shredded.

I have heard of one method, which is to cut up a pair of tights or stockings into a section ( new and well rinsed of course ) and to slip the " tube " of the fine mesh over the main body of the cannister ( I was thinking near the top, as this seems to be where most of the large waste gets sucked in, like little bits of plant leaf and whatnot ) .

Is that a feasible idea? I did also hold a piece of stocking in front of the outflow pipe at the top to see if putting some there would in any way reduce or disperse the flow without harming the workings of the filter. It did seem to work very well, but if I can indeed use a stocking for that purpose, could I use an elastic band to hold it in place? The pipe is out of the water completely so the rubber would not get particularly wet.

Or am I being foolish here? Help is much appreciated

Depending on the dimensions of the tank i font think there is anting you can do with a fluval 3 to bring the flow rate lower than it allows you to set. you could try putting some thick filter media into the outlet nozzle on the inside of the filter, (if you take the filter head off you will see a hole which has a blue slider which restricts and de restricts the nozzle flow when you adjust the leaver, it may be poss to slide the leaver to fully open, force in a bit of thick filter media then close the flow adjuster to the lowest position, this is the only thing other that getting a fluval 1 instead.

Another thing that may poss be a solution to try is to try getting some plastic piping tha t is the same diameter as the filter nozzle, from b&q, etc etc and try to create a spray bar ?? using def lengths of tubing with outlet holes and some form of bung in the other side of the tube may gibe you a reduced flow ???

 

[Colin_T]

most people just aim the outlet at the side of the tank. This reduces water movement without affecting the filtering capabilities.
You can also try changing the impellor and using one from a Fluval 1 or 2. They may or may not fit. But if you can find an impellor that is the same height and width but with fewer blades that will work but won't pump as much water.
You can even cut off a couple of the impellor blades to reduce the flow but that should only be used as a last resort.

 

[Honeythorn]

Hm.. I tried pointing the nozzle at the side of the tank, but it still blasts. I have bought some filter floss, and sandwhiched a layer between the two sponge cartidges inside to see if that slows it up a bit ( extra media for bacteria too ) I will have a go at the pipe suggestion. See if I can make a spray bar. if I put the holes higher instead of straight forward , the water should hopefully trickle out instead of spraying/jetting. Sound good?

I take it the tights/stocking method I heard of is not a good idea then?

 

[DevUK]

Fluval do a spraybar kit for the 2+, 3+ and 4+. Costs about £5 A tad expensive for a bit of plastic tube, a stopper and a few suction cups but if its quicker/easier than making one My local P@H has them (as much as I dislike buying from them).

 

[Honeythorn]

Do they? Mine isn't a + though. Hmm...I've never seen those! I'll keep my eyes peeled thanks for that!