Habitat - Indoor :: Filter current

[cam722]

I've read under a few other topics that you should watch the current created by your filter. I don't quite understand this. One of my turtles, not sure which one because I'm never quite fast enough to see, loves going under the flow of the filter. Swims right in it.. same with the bubbles from the wand.

Is this dangerous or just not typical turtle behavior??

[jenaero]

They were probably referring to hatchlings. I know mine used to have a hard time with the filter current until they grew a bit and became better swimmers.

[marisa]

Some filters create quite a bit of current for smaller turts, and the output has to be angled toward the tank wall to calm it down. I haven't found this to be a problem with the AquaClear, though, even though the turts in the tank are small. They like to swim under the waterfall that the filter creates.

I do have the XP3 output angled toward the side of the stock tank, though. The current isn't too strong for my RES, but things that get put in the tank (like cuttlebone, for example) are carried "downstream" and get caught under the corkbark if I don't.

[cam722]

thanks ... yep he loves to swim in the waterfall..

[bradhart]

I don't have a canister filter, but i thought you could adjust the output flow strength... I seem to remember doing that with my friends' canister filter.

Does reducing the output also reduce the input? Seems like that may be the case

[marisa]

I can reduce the output on the XP3, but I've read it's not a good thing to do for any length of time--something about pressure build-up in the canister, and also the effect it has on the beneficial bacteria. Don't know how much is true, but I want the outflow to be stronger to push crud toward the intake. As long as it's angled at the wall, it's been OK.

You can reduce the outflow of the AquaClear as well; actually in the instructions it recommends it at feeding time (for fish), but I haven't really noticed a big difference when I have.

[jezzell]

mine is the same way, she loves to swim right into it-it usually knocks her to the bottom of the cage, but she swims right back up and does it again=).