Step-By-Step Filter Baffle

[Lion Mom]

Another way to baffle is to take a piece of aquarium sponge/foam and rubber band it to the filter where the water comes back into the tank.

Adjustable - pull the sponge/foam up for more flow or down for less flow - no sharp edges and another place for the good bacteria to grow.

I am attaching a picture of one of my betta tanks to show you what I mean. When the hood is closed, you don't really see the sponge.

[Lokii]

When I got my filter, I freaked out because my Betta was being blown everywhere, and then sucked up by the filter. And he had NO clue what this evil thing was.

I searched the net, and found the other article (that someone linked to here), and that method worked very well. I also put a sponge-like cloth thing inside of the stretched bottle, and placed a piece in the intake tube.

My Betta was really curious, and bit at it, and tried to go into/underneath it, but I rounded the edges, and the sponge thing was there.

I played around with different methods for a few days, and now I just place a sponge in the outflow, and in the intake. Just like Lion Mom shows, but I didn't require the rubber band, it just stayed. The water is practically still, and the tank is still being filtered well.

Every now and then, I take off the baffle because my Betta LOVES to swim against the current, eat the bubbles, and just check out the filter (Silly fish!).

As long as he's happy, I'm happy.

[Kitty Whiskers]

Well Gee Wiz! I wish I knew about these ideas years ago! My poor fishes were always having to swim marathons in the constant heavy flow of the water from the filter. I tried more plants to break up the flow but then got too cramped for space, and tried to use the flow rate regulater some filters have but still was too strong of a flow. So now I'm happy to be able to use these ideas for when I get my fish their new tank! Thanks for the ideas!

[sdg30064]

I had similar concerns with my tank so I went with an undergravel system with an adjustable airpump. My Bettas dont even seem to be bothered when its turned up cause the current is still mild.

[Cutar]

I just used a thick sock and wrapped it in front of the filter :D Works like a charm

[fishman12]

Thanks soooooooo much kim :)

[ma3lstrom13]

I did not realize that this was such a problem for the bettas. I'm going to make one right away. Thanks kim!

[KenzieSK]

I used some gauze folded up and banded around the filter like the sponge one. it seems to work pretty well and since im in the dental field i get lots of free gauze! i also put a little chunk of sea sponge in the intake to prevent any of my ghost shrimp from being sucked up.
Heres the intake with the chuk of sponge. my betta was being a show off when he saw the camera come out.

Heres is the gauze


and here is one extra of him flaring at the view finder (its not the clearest picture but look at that beard!)

[dub shih]

Originally Posted by Lion Mom

Another way to baffle is to take a piece of aquarium sponge/foam and rubber band it to the filter where the water comes back into the tank.

Adjustable - pull the sponge/foam up for more flow or down for less flow - no sharp edges and another place for the good bacteria to grow.

I am attaching a picture of one of my betta tanks to show you what I mean. When the hood is closed, you don't really see the sponge.

Thanks Lion Mom, this is how I baffled my filter.

It works absurdly well.

[eggman123]

Great info! Might try it for myself.