Water flow is important in the aquarium
In most aquariums the filter provides water movement in the tank. Water flow inside an aquarium is important for many reasons. Good circulation is necessary for:
Aquarium filtration vs water flow
Aquarium filters are rated for a certain size range of aquariums. Some aquarists feel these ratings are exaggerated in order compete against other aquarium filter manufacturers. Many aquarists think that the more water flow (gallons per hour) from an aquarium filter the better.
These fish keepers believe that high flow rates helps stir up solid debris and brings them into the filter media instead of settling in the gravel. This helps prevents sludge build-up and maintains water clarity. Aquarium filters with higher flow rates also often use larger filter cartridges or have more room for lose filter media like activate carbon, phosphate remover and foam pads.
However, while the increased filter media and flow capacity is desirable, sometimes the flow rate created by more powerful filters is too strong for the aquarium and your fish. Beta fish especially cannot handle strong water flows. If your beta fish is struggling to swim in your tank, is not eating, is hiding, and/or it's fins are getting damaged, the water flow in your tank might be too strong!
How much flow is too much in the aquarium?
Defining “too much” water flow is very subjective. It all depends on your particular aquarium, the type of fish, or the plants you have.
Reducing Water Flow in Aquariums: 7 Easy Techniques
In many cases it is not the flow rate that is too high, it is the flow pattern that causes problems for the fish and plants. In other words:
You may not have to give up the benefits of being able to use a large amount of filter material and a high flow rate. First, try these techniques for flow redirection. Flow redirection is a great way to make an aquarium filter less powerful!
1 - Rocks and caves
Rocks and caves act as buffers, redirecting strong water flow patterns. Try adding or rearranging natural or resin caves and structures in a way that reduces the impact of a powerful water flow pattern. In many cases your fish will find quiet havens where they can float with little effort. Solid structures help to quiet the overall turbulence in the aquarium. Driftwood also adds flow-diverting structure and creates slow-flow regions.
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Last update on 2021-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2 - Live and plastic plants
Plants provide quiet zones for fish to hide and get out of the current. Some aquarists pack their tank with plants. Others create aquascaped zones alternating between open swimming areas and planted refuge areas. Broad-leaf plastic and silk plants require no special care and come in a variety of colors and textures. Live plants are beautiful but require more care and are best suited for dedicated planted aquarium set-ups.
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Last update on 2021-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3 - Restrict flow at the filter intake
Hang on back (HOB) external power filters are designed with a flow-restricting valve on the filter’s intake tube. By turning the flow control knob, water is restricted from flowing into the filter, reducing the output of the filter. Filter adjustment is different than previous methods. It reduces the gallons per hour flowing through the filter. Water circulation in the aquarium will also be reduced. This is the easiest way to cut back on strong water currents if your filter allows.
Smaller, less aggressive fish will find it easier to feed when the current is not as strong.
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Last update on 2021-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4 - Flow control on the filter outlet
Canister filters sometimes include a flow control valve for restricting the flow rate. Flow control valves don’t reduce pump motor speed. The water pump continues to work against the restriction. Fortunately, canister filters use magnetic drive pump motors. There is no concern for pump damage or over-heating as long as there is some water flowing through the canister.
- Built-in on/off valve
- Easy and efficient for any level aquarist
- Easy to clean
Last update on 2021-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5 - Manifold systems
Sometimes the problem is not too much water flow, it is where the flow is directed. If you’ve got a powerful canister filter or return pump, a single water outlet can create an abrasive water flow in one spot inside the aquarium. In this situation the flow is not even throughout the entire aquarium. Some areas have too much water flow, while some don’t have enough.
Some canister filters come with a special outlet nozzle that splits the water flow in Left and Right directions. Add-on flow diverters are also available to split the flow into two areas inside the tank. If you’ve got a sump and return pump, you’ll have to assemble your own return manifold system. By using flexible or ridged plastic pipe, you’ll be able to customize a manifold system that puts the water flow exactly where you want it. Some aquarists add valves to control the flow from each return nozzle. Custom manifold systems are popular on larger reef and freshwater aquariums that use a sump filtration system.
6 - Recirculation
While the manifold system spreads out the water flow into the aquarium, recirculation takes some of the water flow and recirculates it within the sump.
Let’s say the water pump moves 200 gallons per hour but you only want 150 gallons per hour in the aquarium. By adding a “T” and valves, you can send 150 GPH to the tank and divert 50 GPH back to the sump. Recirculation does not put any backpressure on the pump like a restrictor valve would.
7 - Motor speed control
One of the hottest trends in reef-keeping are DC-current return pumps. The DC motors allow for very precise speed control. This makes it possible to turn down the water pump to achieve the exact water flow you want. DC return pumps come with pre-programmed flow modes. The flow modes are presets that create slow water surges, strong water flow and even timed periods of no water movement for feeding fish and corals. DC pumps are used with filter sumps (internal and external) or as a stand-alone recirculation pump.
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Last update on 2021-04-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Final thoughts on reducing aquarium water flow
It's always best for aquarists and fish keepers to choose a filter that is closely matched to their aquarium size. However, sometimes we still end up with an oversized filer and water flow that is too strong. Try these 7 tips for reducing your filter flow. From adding features to your tank to divert the flow to manually restricting the flow going into/coming out of your filter, to buying an adjustable flow DC pump there are many ways to reduce the water flow of your tank.
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