Sponge filter question

[Laser]

I just put a sponge filter in my betta tank but the uptake tube just barely sticks out of the water. Water is coming out of it and is not being trapped inside the tube. Should I cut the tube down so it's below the water line? I like where it is now because it is keeping the water very calm for my betta, but if this is reducing filtration I'll cut it down.

 

[aaronjohn20]

To get the whole effect from a sponge filter the tube has to be completely below the water line. A sponge filter isn't going to bother your betta