Sponge To Reduce Filter Flow?

[damanax]

I'm tried attaching a sponge but like RCA mentioned, I found it got noticeably dirty way too quickly for my liking.
 
This is the tank at the moment 
 

 
I've moved some of the plants around but I'm still waiting on the piece of driftwood to see if that helps with the flow/hiding the filter. Depending on how the driftwood actually looks in the tank, I might end up buying another plant to shove in front of it.
 
Also, do you think a dark background would help make the filter less noticeable if I put it at the back of the tank? I'm a little hesitant to put a background up yet as I'm not sure what colour my betta is going to be (I've had to get the petshop to order it in for me) and I don't want him blending into the background

 

[Ninjouzata]

A black background should definitely help make the equipment blend in. I know it does on my current cycling tank. You could always remove it if your betta turns out to be dark? ;o