Filter in fish tank?

Question

I just set up a new tank for my betta and it has a filter that is submerged in the water. It sucked part of my plant up and I am worried that my fish's fins will get stuck in the part the sucks up the water (see picture) http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd191/curlie_haired_cutie_bucket/?action=view¤t=DSC00385.jpg . Has this hapened to anyone's fish? should I be worried? Also, when my fish stops swiming it looks like he is being pushed back by the water. When he isn't moving he still floats around. Does the filter cause too much of a disterbance in the tank?Thanks!

Answer 1

Nice looking tank - it looks like an Eclipse, and these have no way of directly controlling the rate of flow through the filter (I have a few myself). One thing you can do to prevent the filter from eating your plants or betta's fins is to use a sponge attachement: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/10985/product.web which you can buy (or make yourself) that fits over the intake, or just use a piece of an old nylon hose and hold it on with a rubber band.

I have a betta in a 5 gallon hex with an Eclipse filter, and once you have the foam on, it will slow the water flow down some. You can also put a plant by the outflow, so that the water coming back into the tank is deflected and causes less disturbance. Another thing you might try is using an additional piece of foam (I would find something small, such as the foam insulators that are used around pipes), rinse it well and cut a piece just big enough to fit in the tank front to back. You can place this at the top of the water, front to back, to act as a baffle for the water coming out of the tank - the water will still be disturbed at the surface on the side of the filter, but much less on the opposite side. Since surface disturbance is how dissolved oxygen gets into the water, I wouldn't put the baffle any closer to the outflow than the middle of the tank, though.

Answer 2

Your filter only sucks in the dead. Fish die for many reasons like there own poo, soap resadu, maybe your tank ornaments where contaminated an you didnt rinse them right an your others happen to be more resistant than the ones that died. Your filter should be on at all times or your fish will start dying anyways. If your fish do bite the dust clean your tank carefully cycle your water for a month and try again. As for now try 25 to50 percent water changes w/ purified water make sure your water us at the right temperature for your fish sumwere around 73 fairenheit, and make sure you don't over feed them

Answer 3

Well, you could replace the fish filter with a different one if you would like. As long as the current one that you have is ranged for the tank size that you have then I wouldn't worry. It shouldn't cause to much current.

If you are still concern-perhaps placing some fish filter floss around the bottom of the intake tube. I know that I did this when I had a batch of babies one time because it kept sucking them up- and it did the trick.

I just bought some filter floss and did a single layer around the bottom of the intake tube and used a plastic (and I do mean plastic-don't use rubber coated ones or anything like that) paperclip to help hold it in place. Normally all you have to do is rinse it off during routine tank cleanings and change it every once in a while.

Answer 4

The need for atmospheric oxygen immediately discounts some types of containers for Betta habitats. The increasingly popular peace lily vase set up is essentially betta murder. Not only does the plant greatly reduce the surface area for breathing, the roots befoul the water and do not provide food for the betta as sometimes assumed. Bettas' natural diets consist of insects, as they are carnivorous.

Also, due to the fact that bettas exist in ponds, rice paddies and rivers, it can be assumed that a cup of water is insufficient space for a fish to live in. While bettas can live in shallow water, they should still have enough to swim around in.

Bettas are tropical fish and require a higher water temperature of seventy-five to eight degrees Fahrenheit. This necessitates a submersible heater in their tank. Most containers sold as betta bowls do not provide room for a heater.

Answer 5

Betta's AKA Fighting Fish are docile creatures and do best with a low flowing moving current or none at all. It seems you have a big tank and I wouldnt be to worried its just that fish get tired when they have no room to just float and chill for a bit. I would put a timer on your powerhead to run about 10 to 12 hours a day. Make sure your fish eats everyday also. Bettas by the way like brine shrimp and live worms called black or red worms you could by portions at your local fish store. They also have them frozen as well.

Answer 6

i had a fish tank and the only time the fish fins get sucked up its when they are dead when they are alive i have never seen them get stuck and i also think that if it was dangerous they wouldnt sell it so i wouldnt worries too much when u install it just keep an eye on ur fish and if u see something unsafe just unplug it cause anyways bettas are not dirty fish they keep the water pretty clean for a long time

Answer 7

I saw the picture, and Your filter does not look like one I would put in my tank. The filter comes down too low, making all the plants, and your fish prone to getting caught up in the filter. I would personally go ask a vet, to solve the problem the most professional way. This is quite a serious problem, so I would take action immediately.

just make sure your fish dosen't get all caught up in the filter!!!

all my luck Zoe (prounced Zoey)

Answer 8

nice tank ;)

no it shouldn't be a problem for your betta, because they stay away from them

I can see why your plant got sucked in though, because you have it right next to the intake


I have myself a filter like that, and my betta never hangs around there



Hope that helps
Good luck


EB


Feel free to email me for any other questions

Answer 9

I've had a bubbled eyed goldfishes cheeks get sucked into my filter once.