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.
- [Interesting and Multi-purpose] This aquarium decoration is very durable and full of fun. The cave can provide a place for fish to hide, shuttle and rest. The stone is a stepped design, which can be used by turtles, lizards , spiders, geckos and other reptiles to play, climb and bask.
- [Safe Material] This aquarium stone cave is made of safe resin materials and is made by a special manufacturing process, which is easy to clean, does not pollute water quality, and is safe for people and pets.
- [Attractive and Realistic] The aquarium decoration has a beautiful appearance and a realistic color, just like a real stone cave, which can provide a natural and safe habitat for your pets.
- [Stable Design]This aquarium stone cave is very firm and stable, not easy to knock over or float, can be used in fresh water and salt water, suitable for a variety of fish, turtles, reptiles and amphibians.
- [Compact Size] Size: 5.7*5.7*5in(14.5*14.5*13cm) Suitable for small and middle fish tank higher than 7.8in(20cm). Comes with 10pcs small aquarium plants.
Last update on 2023-03-23 / 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.
- MyLifeUNIT Aquarium Seaweed Plastic Plant, made of eco-free non-toxic material PVC , ceramic base, won't contaminate water, color won't fade
- Soft won't scratch fishes, plants will swing with the water which looks real
- Note: Plastic water plants may get squeezed and deformed during packaging, put into 104 - 140 Fahrenheit degree warm water get restored
- Main Color: Green. Base Dia.: 1.4 Inches; Height: 12 Inches
- Package Content: 10 pieces of artificial aquarium plants
- Fish tank plants can be planted both in freshwater and seawater
- Set of 10 aquarium plants, great for aquarium and fish tank decorations
- Soft leaves allow your fish to shuttle and hide in the water
- Provide a comfortable and clean living environment for the fish
- The artificial fish tank decorations can stand upright in aquariums with water
Last update on 2023-03-23 / 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.
- hygger Silent Fish Tank Filter Principle of Filtration: ①Dirty water enters from the bottom of the filter. ②Part of the water with oil film enters from the oil scum removes port. ③Dirty water passes through the filter material box. ④Filtered clean water.
- Rotatable Oil Film: This aquarium filter can automatically telescopically float or rotate with the water level to remove oil stains on the surface and make the water clean.The effect of the rotation is related to the water flow out of the outlet and the water flow of other water circulations in the tank.
- Multifunction Hang On Filter: The power filter adopts a suspension design, which hang on the outer wall of the fish tank to save space. In addition to the beautiful fish tank, it also can filtration, water circulation, oxygenation,remove oil stains. Suitable for small and medium tanks.
- Replaceable Thickened Filter Box: The fish aquarium filter chip is assembled by laminating a variety of materials.Microporous filter cotton,blocking and filtering impurities residue fish feces, etc. Activated carbon sponge, reduce aquarium odor and enhance filtration. Cultivate beneficial things to improve the filtration system.
- 4W Important Parameters: Super sound-off,<30dB. Water flow adjustable rotary knob, Q.Max is 100GPH. Application for 5-8Gal(18~30L). The extendable water inlet pipe can be adjusted according to the water level of the fish tank, and there will be filter sponge at the inlet to prevent small fish from being sucked. Shock-absorbing fixed knob for stability.
Last update on 2023-03-23 / 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.
- PRACTICAL FUNCTION: Aquarium water flow control valve helps control the water flow through your hosing. Used for water flowing control and regulation of aquariums fish tank. Enable you to adjust water flowing from low to high easily, practical tool.
- SIMPLE INSTALLATION: No glue, tools or fixtures are safe and easy to install.Simply push the tube firmly against the barb and it will fit very tightly without leakage.If necessary, use a hot air gun or hair dryer to soften the end of the pipe before inserting.
- CONVENIENT DESIGN: Our hose pipe valve has a large butterfly handle, easy to achieve low torque smooth rotation handle.The red handle can be adjusted or completely turned off for easy operation.
- MULTIPLE SIZE: There are 3 types to choose: 1/4'', 1/2'', 3/4'', better suit your hose pipe. Please make sure to measure the before you purchase.
- USE WITH CONFIDENCE: Our aquarium water control valve is made of quality plastic material, can ensure long life, sturdiness and durability, easy installation, and no leakage ball valve.
Last update on 2023-03-23 / 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.
- ADJUSTABLE FLOW- Unlike traditional AC water pumps, eFlux flow pumps are DC powered and completely controllable. Simply turn the dial to adjust the flow until the optimal flow rate is reached.
- SUBMERISBLE or EXTERNAL- Safe for saltwater or freshwater systems, eFlux DC flow pumps can be installed submersible or external (inline). Quick couple hose barb fittings are included to make installation and servicing easy.
- INCREDIBLY EASY- A cinch to install, eFlux Flow pumps have a very small footprint, allowing them to fit into even smaller sumps and tight spaces. High flow combined with high pressure makes them the perfect choice for return pump applications.
- ENERGY SAVER- eFlux controllable DC flow pumps efficiently produce strong water flow with high pressure. Featuring a sealed DC motor and magnetic drive design. 65% Energy saving from traditional pumps. Pump Dimensions w/ Strainer- 8 L x 3.5 W x 4.7 H inches
Last update on 2023-03-23 / 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.