Wont let me open linkFound an old post with a similar concern:
reducing filter current
I have an Aqauaclear 50 on my 30 gallon tank. The flow out of filter is pretty strong even at lowest setting.can I put something in front of it to break up water? When my fish get near they get blown away.
Wont let me open link
A couple of solutions in case raising the water level does not work:
Reducing the flow by diverting it with a plastic water bottle...
Filter Currents: A Betta's Worst Nightmare
Build a lip extension...
Here are some pics for the lip extension for the AC50 ( though it can be applied to most any HOB). You'll need sturdy scissors, pliers, and optionally some form of heat (hot water or a hair dryer). Most LFS sell the plastic strip separately in the lighting supply section. Hopefully the pics are self explanatory. You cut the strip to the width of the HOB spillway. You want to make two bends (the heat helps make the plastic more pliable):
#1. Bend the section of the strip that has the part that grips the glass hood downward about 45 degrees
#2. Bend the strip lengthwise along the middle about 45 degrees upward
Next, use pliers to pinch the part that grips the glass hood in one or two areas. Do not apply too much force. This will allow the lip extension to grip the HOB spillway and not fall into your tank.
You will have to adjust the bends and see what works best with your water level.
I cut the neck off a pepsi bottle and sliced it to the bottom ring. Then I mounted it to the output of my Ac70.The water rolls in the bottle and comes out where the neck was which is facing the side of tank only 2 inches away..This is on my 40b with a couple hundred EBA fry who manage it just fine...
I tried this. It worked. Bent 90° cut a few slits to slow water works great. Had to drill holes in extension and filter outlet. Put about half in pieces of zip tie ends through holes to hold it on.No harm done though. Thanks.I tried the water bottle solution but could not get it to work. So I ended up putting the lip extension under very hot water and bending it to nearly 90 degrees. Water is now diverted to the sides (more to the right than left which is fine) and the shrimp are not blown away on the left side of the tank.
With flat lip extension: View attachment 305834
Bent lip extension: View attachment 305850
That's one of the reasons I do not like aqua clear filters. Go with a small canister....you will not be disappointed! I use all canisters with a marineland empereror 400 hang on the back....just in case the canister ever fails.I tried this. It worked. Bent 90° cut a few slits to slow water works great. Had to drill holes in extension and filter outlet. Put about half in pieces of zip tie ends through holes to hold it on.No harm done though. Thanks.View attachment 305877View attachment 305878
When I used HOBs I had one of these in the tank filled with biomedia right under the output from the HOB. Worked great a diffusing the out flow. View attachment 305880
Canisters arent the only answer. Aquaclears are actually the best on the market and you can actually SEE when they are dirty unlike a canister and you dont have issues of them leaking. Just Saying..That's one of the reasons I do not like aqua clear filters. Go with a small canister....you will not be disappointed! I use all canisters with a marineland empereror 400 hang on the back....just in case the canister ever fails.
Too many issues with water flow and covers popping off and hard to clean. Canisters have trays which are a breeze to separate and rinse. Also, I clean mine every 6 to 8 weeks. Also (knock on wood!), I've never had a canister leak.Canisters arent the only answer. Aquaclears are actually the best on the market and you can actually SEE when they are dirty unlike a canister and you dont have issues of them leaking. Just Saying..