Throttle the internal filter in the aquarium
Internal filters whose performance cannot be adjusted can be throttled in various ways.
reducing the amount of water
- The flow is often only large when the filter is clean. Over time, the filter becomes clogged and the flow automatically decreases.
- Put a hose on the vent and regulate the hose with a hose clamp, a stopcock or something similar.
- Put a cork, a cap or something similar in or on the outflow tube and drill a hole in it that causes the desired flow. The hole creates back pressure on the pump, so less moving water comes out of the filter. The jet effect through the hole does not increase the outlet velocity so much that the effect predominates and the flow increases.
- Shortening the pump blades. Most wings can be shortened by half. This reduces the pressure and the flow rate. In addition, the outlet cross-section can be reduced with a clamping screw or something similar. However, pumps modified in this way are more susceptible to clogging with filter sludge or other particles. They need to be observed, serviced and cleaned more frequently. The wings must be shortened very evenly so that there is no imbalance.
- Feed part of the outflowing water back into the filter with a hose. Connect three hoses with a T-piece. Push one end of the hose onto the filter outlet. Return the water to the aquarium or filter via the other two hoses. Regulate the respective amount of water with stopcocks or clamps. Measure hose lengths as needed.
The resistance during the outflow is greatly increased by the curtailment. The pumps must therefore always be regulated on the pressure side. For non-forced pumps, e.g. B. impeller pumps, then no damage can occur. There is always slip at the impeller, which limits the pressure on the impeller.
A disadvantage of these methods is that less water runs through the filter, so the filter performance may be reduced. If the outflow is reduced too much, at least some pumps can produce a lot of noise.
Reduction of the outflow speed with the same amount of water
- Saw off a 0.5 liter PET bottle to create a thick funnel. Soften the edges by heating. Attach the funnel with a hose to the filter outlet. The flow is then no longer as fast without making noise. The funnel is transparent and therefore not disturbing.
- A piece of pantyhose is pulled over the attached part of the socket at the filter outlet and folded in at the end near the filter. The nozzle is put back on together with the fabric. This holds up well and the filter is throttled because the water has to flow through the fabric.
- Lead the filter outlet with a piece of hose against the rear window or in a corner. If a foam cube is attached there, the flow spreads further.
- Put a tube on the filter outlet and make several large holes in the tube. The outflow area becomes larger and the water is more evenly distributed in the aquarium.
- Put a piece of coarse, blue filter sponge on the filter outlet. Fasten with cable ties to prevent the sponge from drifting away. Similar devices are commercially available to a certain extent as covers for intake baskets. They are usually round with a hole for the pipe. The sharp stream of water is broken so much that there is almost no current in the aquarium.