MAJOR Filter Issues!

[knyptozoologist]

So my filter FINALLY came in the mail and I have a HUGE problem.

I have a 20 gallon long and decided to order the 40 gallon sponge filter thinking "Hey, more surface area on the sponge more room for bacteria to grow!"

Well.....THE FILTER IS TOO TALL. Even with the tank filled to the brim the tubing would still be JUST over the surface.

ANY tips at all?

I'm thinking at this point my easiest options are to attempt to cut the tubing shorter (probably using a steak knife as I'm not handy at all and have no tools) or try to cut the sponge in half (there appear to be two strainers inside so I can just take out one).

 

[Kaysie]

A photo would definitely help!

A basic sponge filter should still work as long as you have an uptake tube, even if you hack it down.

 

[layna]

Uh oh! is it not adjustable?
or can you put it in sideways ect?
but yeah if you cute the tube it should just slot back in the hole, just littler

 

[knyptozoologist]

Hopefully that worked. And isn't ridiculously enormous.

 

[knyptozoologist]

I'm supposed to be heading to an aquarium store today that might carry extra sponges so I can probably just buy a smaller sponge (that way I don't have to mangle mine while trying to cut it down), I'm just disappointed since I wanted to get it up and running today.

 

[Kaysie]

Turn it sideways. It'll still be mostly effective.

 

[knyptozoologist]

I ended up finding a smaller sponge at the store and just bought that, so it fits now, though I did have to fill the tank up almost all the way to the top.

I have a DIFFERENT problem now, though.....

The bubble intensity isn't so high that it would disturb an axolotl I don't think, but it's splashing all over my hood, which is a metal reptile screen. I'd really like it to NOT rust, but my air pump doesn't have any way to lower the intensity. Any tips?

 

[snuggly time]

My air pump came with a little valve which allows you to change the flow to fast or slow. It's something like this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Single-Wate...&sr=1-17&keywords=air+pump+-+air+flow+control

It's basically like the non return valve, you just attach the tubing to it.

 

[knyptozoologist]

Mine didn't come with anything like that :/

For now I tied a knot in the line that's slowed it down a tiny bit....I'll be at the petstore on Wednesday and will look at the valves when I'm there.

 

[layna]

Hey, i have a sort of clip/peg thing made for keeping sandwich bags closed, i just clip it round the pipe and it makes the flow a lot calmer, if i take it off the bubbles are ridiculous haha!

 

[Kaysie]

Choking the air output from your pump can shorten it's lifespan.

Take a gallon ziploc bag, and 'sew' it to your lid above the filter with some fishing line. The water hits the bag, falls back in, doesn't rust your lid.

 

[layna]

I would prefer shortening the pumps lifespan though as the pump really is powerful and it disturbs all the water, my axies dont like it

 

[Kaysie]

Another thought would be to split the line between your filter and an air stone on the other end of the tank. This helps turn over your water too, eliminating dead spots.

 

[knyptozoologist]

Ahhhh, such great suggestions!

I think for now i'm going to keep the knot in my line and "sew" a bag to my screen until I work my other job on Wednesday and look into picking up a second airstone or see if we carry any valves that allow me to change the flow.