Stressed from Filter!

[mstenorsaxplayer]

Just the other day I had to get my baby a new tank because graceful me decided to drop the old one. Lil Sano was NOT in there at the time thank God. So I was forced to run and buy a new tank. This tank came with a Tetra Whisper internal filter/air pump. this filter has a mechanical filter and a chemical filter all in one. At first he seemed to just be exploring his new tank. After a while, I noticed he would not hold still at all. He was darting at things like crazy. I took the filter out and he calmed down so much. Now that I know it was stressing him, should I try to ease it back in? If so, how? His last tank was actually a bowl with just a heater so I don't have a different filter for him.

[clopez1]

If you don't already have one I would get a flow control valve..You can adjust the air flow and as he gets used to it raise the amount of air to the filter.

Something like this.. http://www.petco.com/product/119653/...mpsAccessories

[Laki]

The outflow could definetely be upsetting him. Especially if he has a long or heavy tail. You can keep it out if the tank is under 5 gallons or you can baffle the outflow (I use a sponge and elastic band).

[mstenorsaxplayer]

Those are great ideas! Thank you :)

[homegrown terror]

we use flow regulators on all of our pump-driven filters. you can buy a pack of them for a few dollars, then just cut your tubing and plug both cut tubes into the ends of the valve.

[mstenorsaxplayer]

Is there a way that I can gradually get him used to the filter?

[aokashi]

Originally Posted by mstenorsaxplayer

Is there a way that I can gradually get him used to the filter?

using a flow control valve like the members above adivsed

[lelei]

Originally Posted by mstenorsaxplayer

Is there a way that I can gradually get him used to the filter?

I have had more problems with filters, baffling does work, or a sponge filter, those are with a pump, my old filter burnt out, literally I saw smoke, my other one, has been ok, but my fishy dont like it, when it's on, I notice he bites his tail..I opted for a bubble stone..he longer tailbites. Under 5 gall tank size, it's too stressful, unless modified, the Flow check valves for bubble stones are great for control of flow.

[Wendyjo]

The Tetra Whisper Internal doesn't have an external airpump - the pump is built into the internal filter so the control valve won't work on it. I actually hate those filters - they are way too big for what they do. I've always replaced them with the Hagan Elite Mini Filter, which is an awesome little filter - small in size, one sponge for both bio and mechanical filtration, and adjustable outflow.

[mstenorsaxplayer]

Thank you. I will have to try that one :)