filter baffling question!

[laurenmekal]

i used to just rubber band an aquarium sponge infront of the outtake of my filter so the flow would not be as strong and it worked perfectly for my betta, but ive recently noticed the sponge starting to fall apart in the tank. i just tried to use the step by step water bottle baffle and the flow coming off the sides of the plastic is still far too strong for my baby betta. is there anything else i can do?
i have the topfin 5.5 gallon starter kit with a topfin 10 filter on it.
thanks so much!

[SinX7]

You can try and put some sponge/foam on the intake. I'm not sure how good that is tho.

[Kytkattin]

What brand of aquarium sponge? I have had one for almost 2 years now and it is still in perfect condition, plus or minus a little algae.

I am using a Hagen Aquaclear brand one.

[Tikibirds]

I don't bother with the filter cartridges unless I need to use the carbon so i stuff the inside of the filter AND the outflow with hagen aquaclear filter foam. Then I put a big silk plant infornt of it to slow the movement down even more. Their filter foam is pretty durable. I have the aqueon and tetra filters and the foam fits pretty well inside both. SOmetimes I have to trim it a little- -depending on what size i get

[SinX7]

I use the same one. Here's what it looks like. Just did today actually! Definitely worth it compare to the plastic bottle.

[laurenmekal]

I have fluval sponges. The white wiry ones