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	Any ideas on how to reduce filter flow
Klee Banned Posts: 420 Kudos: 307 Votes: 0 Registered: 25-May-2004	One of the downsides of buying a filter too large for your tank---flow---I'm at the lowest setting for my 20 gall penguin mini (lowest setting, that is, to keep the wheel spinning). Any ideas on how to reduce filter flow?
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
Babelfish Administrator Small Fry with Ketchup Posts: 6833 Kudos: 8324 Votes: 1570 Registered: 17-Apr-2003	If you use foam to block the intake the outflow will logically be reduced, however you'll also put additional strain on the motor. While this would work, I wouldnt' suggest it other than as an easy out. Why are you trying to reduce flow? Noise reasons or because it's stressing the fish? If it's noise you can try raising the water level. I've heard of people fitting plastic over the outflow for tanks without a wheel, don't know as that'll work in your case. As the filter is used more it should decrease on the flow rate some. ^_^
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
Klee Banned Posts: 420 Kudos: 307 Votes: 0 Registered: 25-May-2004	I was trying to avoid putting any additional stress on the motor as I've already got a fry guard on the intake. The point being is that my cardinals are, well, not all too fond of the flow, and seem to have a hard time swimming through the current when searching for food, etc.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
mariosim Enthusiast Posts: 207 Kudos: 245 Votes: 20 Registered: 28-Jul-2004	this may or may not work- radio shack and x-10 make remote controlled on/off switches that have dimmers built into the remote control unit. the receivers come in various types for different applications. i used one with a small desk top fan, and the dimmer function worked in adjusting the fan speed. it may do the same with the motor in an aquarium filter. i doubt either company can tell you with certainty either way, but it may be worth a shot.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
T/A Mega Fish Posts: 942 Kudos: 1796 Registered: 20-Feb-2004	You're saying you have a Penguin Mini on a 20 gallon? And that causes too much current? I have Penguin 125s on my 10 gallons. Sure the fish seem to get pushed a little if they swim in the out-flow area, but that causes no real problems. They will learn and start swimming around the strongest cuurent. And for feeding time, just unplug the filter. Then the cuurent has no effect on feeding.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
boil Enthusiast Posts: 201 Kudos: 420 Votes: 28 Registered: 19-Dec-2003	If u want to reduce flow put a sponge over the intake valve. It will lower a little
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
Klee Banned Posts: 420 Kudos: 307 Votes: 0 Registered: 25-May-2004	Well, I think I'll go with the extra filter changes I have lying around for my small wonder pump filter to jam in front of my flow valve. It doesn't seem to stress the motor very much and allows a BIT of flow, as to keep the tank inhabitants happy whilst still refreshing the tank.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
gudel Hobbyist Posts: 259 Kudos: 64 Votes: 1 Registered: 22-May-2002	i would put somekind of flow barricade on the output, not on the input. you still allow the motor works as normal while the flow control is to diffusing the flow. the key here is diffusing the flow, not blocking intake or output. for example, let's just say put your thumb 1" away from the output hose. the strong current will be reduced, and you don't mess around with the motor. now replace that thumb with something else. i would do it like this instead of adding things to the intake or using complicated timers/gadgets.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39


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