I have a 2 small fish and when the filter is on high it seems as those it is tugging them so that they constantly have to swim away from the tide. Does this put stress on them? It is not like it is so powerful that it is sucking them up or anything, but I imagine that during the night they may not be able to just float still but rather keep active. I'm not sure if this is natural for fish to do anyway. Is this harmful to them? I can switch the filter to low but then it doesn't really do the job. Thanks.
2006-12-13 01:56:39 · 12 answers · asked by imamovie71 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
It would be like you having to constantly run 24 hours a day. If you don't think they are having that hard of a time during the day at least during the night turn the filter on low so they can get some rest. You can also add plants to break up the current without having to turn it down.
2006-12-13 02:02:43 · answer #1 · answered by Nunya Biznis 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't turn the filter off at night. If you have any live plants, that is when they use the O2 in the water (instead of using CO2) so that is when your water needs the most oxygenation.
Anyway, use your discretion. Can they escape the current and the suction? Do they always seem like they are struggling to get away from it? If so, then yes, your filter is too powerful. Do you have a sponge filter or a HOB filter (hang off the back)? Have you seen the AZOO palm filter? It's miniscule, and may be more suitable.
However, you can do a few things to decrease the movement and current. Can you increase your water level? The closer the water level is to the output of the filter, the less agistation there will be. You can also wrap a nylon sock around the filter intake (secure it with a rubber band) - it will decrease the amount of water the filter can suck up, and the nylon pores will 'clog', slowing the whole thing down.
While having two small filters on a tank, like the person above suggested, is fundamentally a good idea, it can cause problems. Instead of having agitation on one side of the tank, you have it on both side, causes the water currents to mix. In a 30 gal it's not so bad because it's deep enough, but in a small tank it might cause too much current. Also, if you have plants, you get a lot of bits of plant pieces, or snail shells, or shrimp molts, and a small filter on a big tank can have its sponge clogged quickly.
I also recommend that you take the filtration rating on the filter with a grain of salt. A filter rated for 30 gallons is really only good for filtering a 15 gallon tank. I use filters rated for 20 gallons over whatever tank size it is. My 10 gal has a 30 gal filter, my 30 gal has a 40 gallon filter, my 90 gal has one 90 gal filter and one 50 gal filter etc...
2006-12-13 02:17:53 · answer #2 · answered by Zoe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the fish are struggling and the filter is the correct size for the tank then its too high so put it on a lower setting and raise it higher and have it just disturbing the surface of the tank to help oxygenate the water. If you use a venturi that is removable take it off! Also alter the stream direction so that there is a quiet area for the fish to swim in. As long as the fish are not getting pulled into the body of the filter and are able to get away from the pull without difficulty they are OK!
2006-12-14 13:09:05 · answer #3 · answered by willowGSD 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well i don't think it is harmful to the fish as i have a filter designed for a 160ltr tank but i have only an 80 ltr tank...Ive had it for nearly two years now and have had no fish sucked into or any deaths related to the filter pressure..i have a selection of small and larger species and have noticed some fish actually swim into the tide as if they are playing or something...quite funny to see..but don't worry about the night cycle as most fish will find a calmer spot in the tank to rest,sleep etc..there more intelligent than we think...If you are not convinced then the only option is to turn the filter to low at night as someone pointed out....But Do not worry to much about it that's what i say! :)
2006-12-14 07:05:46 · answer #4 · answered by Simon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hello, u should have a filter that fits the size of the tank. also one that will do the cleaning job. yes it does put stress on your little guys. fish do like to relax at some point in the day even at night when the lights are off. what size is the tank exactly? you can find nice power filters at walmart or even petsmart. if you have a petsmart where you live try there. let the associate know what size the tank is and they can give you the correct filter. for example, i have several tanks the smallest is a 30 gallon. i have 2 filters on it, one on each side that are for a 15 gallon tank. this way i dont just have 1 large filter and this way the filters are on each side of tank and does there cleaning job. i hope this info helps you! ..jewels
2006-12-13 02:15:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. If the fish are very small, they can get sucked into the filter or at least pulled against the grate/cover and drown.
2006-12-13 02:03:02 · answer #6 · answered by paolaane 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as the pump is not too big for the tank, youre all set. the filter should be marked as to how many gallons it can efficiently maintain. make sure you are using the minimum strength for smaller fish. if you see your fish is struggling, try getting a bigger tank or a smaller filter.
2006-12-13 03:57:15 · answer #7 · answered by K to the C from the C to the K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
healthy fish should be able to escape the suction of a filter and swim freely. maybe your filter is too big for your size of tank. Just go to petsmart and tell them your tank size and they'll give you a good one.
2006-12-13 05:59:21 · answer #8 · answered by John M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as it won't suck them into or onto you should be ok. Fish are used to changing currents in the wild, so you are just supplementing that!
2006-12-13 02:00:17 · answer #9 · answered by beeotch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends
2006-12-16 11:36:09 · answer #10 · answered by Chris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋