Brand Spankin New 5G Tank!

[kpullen89]

I got this Hawkeye 5 gallon tank for xmas and I've been drooling over it all winter break. I'm waiting until I go back to school this week so I can set it up in my dorm.

Buuuut, I read the reviews and those who used this tank for bettas said the current from the filter was too strong and that it needs to be buffered. How do you buffer a filter?

[Arowan]

You mean baffled.

I have the same tank, and I usually just use a sponge baffle and rubberband it around the filter. A piece of sponge in the intake makes a huge difference, too.

Right now, I'm just using a sponge baffle with the intake raised a bit.

There's a nice stickied thread about how to baffle a filter, and if you look through the pictures on the first 5 pages you'll get a good idea on how to baffle it :)

[Busted]

I think you mean baffle. Here is a how to thread using a plastic bottle http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=30139 . Though most and I think sponges would be a better choice. You could use a rubber band, or a ziptie to hold it on. Also a sponge depending on the type can baffle the intake, I don't recommend this though. I tried it and basically it clogged up the intake, and my filters started to run dry.

[kpullen89]

Ohhh yeah baffle, not buffer. I guess that baffled me. ha! lol

I'll read that sticky and I'll probably try the sponge/rubber band way. Thanks guys!

[danifacetastic]

Originally Posted by kpullen89

Ohhh yeah baffle, not buffer. I guess that baffled me. ha! lol

I'll read that sticky and I'll probably try the sponge/rubber band way. Thanks guys!

I used to say buffer all the time too lol.

[baylee767]

Just make sure you use filter sponge.

[JD3P]

Originally Posted by baylee767

Just make sure you use filter sponge.

Question, I am using a sponge that I cut in half long ways as a baffle. It works good...but it's not a sponge from the pet store...It's a regular sponge. Is this bad...should I change it to a different type?

[Busted]

Originally Posted by JD3P

Question, I am using a sponge that I cut in half long ways as a baffle. It works good...but it's not a sponge from the pet store...It's a regular sponge. Is this bad...should I change it to a different type?

Heres what I found.

Many kitchen sponges have one or more chemicals added to retard mold or mildew, and these mildewcides will kill your fish.
Also, the most common kitchen sponges I see for sale are made of cellulose, which will (eventually) rot and/or fall apart in water.

Though I have used just regular foam air filter for A/C units this worked very well, and they are washable so water doesn't hurt them, also being its not used in water all the time it shouldn't have anything that kills mold or mildew.

[scootshoot]

Courtesy of Lionmom's pic. Don't even have to write any directions. Picture is worth a thousand words....

[baylee767]

Yep as said above, regular sponge has deadly chemicals and is not designed the same as filter sponge and will rot. So DON'T use that sponge, and if you have already used it drain the tank, scrub EVERYTHING down really well, and start again because chances are chemicals are already in the tank.

Scootshoot: I saw your review!