Reddit reviews Zanyzap Pre-Filter Sponge 3 Pack for Fluval Edge Aquarium
We found 45 Reddit comments about Zanyzap Pre-Filter Sponge 3 Pack for Fluval Edge Aquarium. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
3 pack of premium quality pre-filters for Fluval EdgeEasily connects to filter intake stemPrevents small and baby inhabitants from being drawn into filterTraps particles and debrisEnhances biological filtration
Hey Phantomsgf! I also have a fluval tank and man those filters are strong! I hunted around for ages and I found a really easy, really cheap solution: buy a pre-filter sponge and pop it onto the filter output. Make sure, of course, that the filter motor is at the lowest setting, but even that is too strong for a betta. You really need the sponge.
If you're having trouble with the filter intake, which are the vertical cuts in the plastic, I guess you could put some mesh over it to, again, slow down the flow. I don't have my betta yet so I'm not sure if this will be a problem.
You might also want to get a thermometer and verify your water's temperature. If it's always about 100 degrees inside your house, even at night, then yes, I'd believe that the water is warm enough for your little guy. But it has to be really really really hot to keep a fish tank at 80 degrees.
As for cycling, you're basically going to have to do a lot of water changes really often. My instinct, which is amateur, says to do 50% a day every day. I also learned from experience that you should let water sit for a while to warm up before putting it in the tank or the temperature drops like crazy.
You can check out products like this that claim to add the bacteria to your tank that eat fish waste. Do they work or is it a myth? I don't know. But for tiny tiny tanks like the fluval you have, you will definitely need a water dropper that can measure a tenth of a millimeter to put this stuff in your tank.
Anyway. Those are my tips. And when you do get a heater, you can fit it where the filter output plastic tube is! So cool!
Oh: look at this leaf. So cute.
I bought these that fit on my aquaclears..http://smile.amazon.com/Pre-Filter-Sponge-Pack-Fluval-Aquarium/dp/B004K9A15G/ref=sr_1_3?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1425919054&sr=1-3&keywords=fluval+prefilter. They work well and I always catch my shrimp eating off them.
It definitely looks like fin damage, not fin rot. The damage is more thin and narrow than I would expect to see with fin biting. For now I would recommend putting a sponge over the filter intake (something like this). I have also successfully made sponge intake protectors by sewing sponge together with fishing line... but I'm weird like that.
At the very least this will help you rule out damage from the filter.
I personally wouldn't risk that. I would go with something like this. I've had horrible luck with things like it but they were recommended on here before for situations like this :)
A sponge pre-filter on your filter intake should solve your problems, unless its broken beyond belief and can't even hold the sponge filter up.
I used these, same thing I think, worked perfectely on my Sunsun, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004K9A15G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
they also make steel mesh prefilters.
check some out here
and here
I actually use that filter on one of my 10 gallons as well, provides lots of flow for the tank which is good, and good filtration as well. I would maybe suggest changing out the ceramic rings with ehiem media or seachem matrix media, somehting with a bit more surface area, and you would never need to worry about filtration issues. I also recommend putting one of these http://www.amazon.com/Pre-Filter-Sponge-Pack-Fluval-Aquarium/dp/B004K9A15G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1343104756&sr=8-3&keywords=fluval+prefilter+sponge on the intake of the filter, this will keep the maintenance to a minimum, because it would clog less and the sponge provides additional surface area for beneficial bacteria, i dont have a single tank with out sponge prefilters.
I use this, which is a just a discounted version of this.
Visually it's cumbersome, but it works like a charm. If my tank were facing the other direction (I have it so the return nozzle is at the "front") it would be a lot less noticeable.
Despite the space it takes, I feel like Touch has regained part of the tank that he wasn't really enjoying, because the return current was so strong that he was getting a little blown around in there.
I highly suggest getting some type of foam/sponge thing to put over that filter intake. I lost a beloved ADF as a result of my oversight. His foot got stuck in one of the slats and he ended up drowning (they need to go to the surface roughly every 30 minutes to get air if I remember correctly). It was horrible taking his body off the intake :(
I'm only saying this because I don't want you to repeat what I went through.
I personally have 2 in a 2.5 gallon tank, but they are the only things living in it. So a question would be, do you plan on having other things such as fish? If you have fish, then probably 2 for 10 gallons. If not, then I could see 5 in a 10 gallon being fine.
And like u/numb3rb0y suggested, I would focus some more hides as well. Overall though, I like the tank set-up :)
Before buying a whole new filter setup itself, try one of the sponge covers for a filter intake (I'll add a link in an edit in a second) they're just a couple dollars and they'll help a lot! My guy used to get stuck by the intake force alone. But he doesn't even get drawn to the thing now. I have them on all my filters!
Edit: you can probably find them cheaper but here's what I'm talking about! just put a rubber band right around it to keep it in place.
Just went through my box of fish goods. Probably the best things (which I coincidentally got off Amazon) are random airline accessories. One-way valves, random connectors, suction cups, and a pack of check valves have all proven useful. It's great having extra pieces for whenever you need one. I built a drip acclimation line that I saw for sale somewhere with these parts, I have two DIY sponge + K1 filters that I needed one-way valves for to regulate the airflow, etc. Just so many uses :)
Some other good purchases:
Seachem Purigen
Bubble Counter - for DIY CO2 or DIY in-tank brine shrimp hatchery
Yeast - for DIY CO2
Metal Faucet Adapter - for gravel vacuum that attaches to your sink
Pre-filter Sponge Pack
You can probably find them pretty easily. I ordered this pack on amazon which comes with three since I had more than one tank, but I'm sure anything similar to that will work fine. It's just basically a little cylinder shapes sponge sleeve that you stick over the end that sucks up the water.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004K9A15G/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8
Put foam over the intake, aka http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004K9A15G/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Or a very fine mesh pantyhose etc..
Get one of these. It'll save your fry from being sucked into the filter. Also, maybe I'm missing it but I don't see a heater in there.
I bought the pre filters off Amazon, they come in a 3 pack. I was going to offer to mail you a spare but judging by your comment history it looks like you're in Australia? I'm in the states and will only mail to US address...they're cheap though!
Pre-Filter Sponge 3 Pack for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004K9A15G?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share. I used this with my hob filter for the past 5 years with no problems.
Definitely. Which means good water parameters. They're highly sensitive to ammonia so be on top of testing your water and water changes.
I also learned the hard way that my filter allows little frog legs and bodies to be sucked in. For example, if you have the standard HOB filter, the tube may cause problems so cover it with prefilters.
You really don't need carbon cartridges unless removing medicines from the water, as the other commenter mentioned. Carbon Cartridges need replacing monthly because the carbon inside is spent after that amount of time, and if left in it would start to leech out nasties back into the water. It's really a money-grab tactic by the pet store to get you to keep buying more carbon cartridges (plus you throw your whole nitrogen cycle away every time you change to a new cartridge).
You could cut out the filter floss (the cottony sheet part) from the old spent cartridge and stick them in along with the following materials to do this mod for a HoB filter:
Visual example: https://i.imgur.com/QYNiVEV.mp4
With these materials (long lasting, don't need monthly replacement, just replace when completely falling apart):
But I personally REALLY HIGHLY recommend sponge filters, they are VERY gentle on bettas, while often HoB filters produce a bit too strong of an outflow current... If you want to consider a sponge filter, here's my favorite sponge filter setup which I use in my own 5.5g tanks (they're rated for up to 20g and are nice compact sponge filters, so do not take away much space from your tank).
https://www.amazon.com/Powkoo-Double-Biochemical-Aquarium-Gallons/dp/B01M3VALFU/ My bettas (and I) LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!!
AND from Petsmart - I HIGHLY recommend the TopFin Quartz BioBalls ceramic filter media, the rounded pearl shape makes them fit a lot more into a small space such as the dual-media chambers in the sponge filter I highly recommended above. It looks like this in store: https://i.imgur.com/Xz50k5F.jpg (I think it's not yet listed on their website because the stuff is still a new release).
https://www.amazon.com/U-picks-Aquarium-Gallon-Quietest-Accessories/dp/B07RRNDMXJ/ Nice air pump with all accessories to set it up - quiet mini air pump, check valve, and airline tubing.
See it all in action: https://i.imgur.com/KAyjMaj.mp4 (not my tank but my friends when she was fishless cycling hers, and the sponge filter is nicely visible. Mine is hidden behind bunch of silk plants :< lol)
There is really no impact. In fact is catches a lot of the debris. You just have to rinse it out once in a while.
http://www.amazon.com/Pre-Filter-Sponge-Pack-Fluval-Aquarium/dp/B004K9A15G
Sorry! [Here is an example] (http://www.amazon.com/Pre-Filter-Sponge-Pack-Fluval-Aquarium/dp/B004K9A15G) but I picked up some cheap one at the pet store that didn't really fit and just used some sewing thread to tighten it up so it would fit my filter properly. I think it was $3 for a 2 pack maybe?
You would clean it like your normal bio filter--when you're doing a water change, rinse it out in the discarded tank water bucket to get rid of excess gunk. Don't rinse it in tap water or wash it or else you'll kill your beneficial bacteria.
I have some dwarf lettuce floating plants in my 5 gallon and they just sway gently but aren't pushed all over the place. The only downside to this is that you may get a biofilm on the surface of your water which is harmless but kind of gross looking (oil slick). You can add a little air stone if you like--that should be enough to agitate the top of the water and not bother your fish.
If you need a quick-quick fix, just get some filter floss and rubber band it securely around the intake--that works in the same way but I hate having rubber bands in the tank so I see it as a temporary fix. Hope this helps!
I have the same one! My dude also hates it. I got it in a Aqueon basic 10 kit.
I made a baffle out of a plastic bottle and put it over the outflow. It made the flow not fully reach the front of the tank, but it didn't seem like enough to really slow it down.
After that, I also bought one of these fluval sponge things and put it on the outside of the intake tube. I also put this aquarium filter fiber on the inside of the intake tube and inside where the filter cartridge is. If you put too much stuff in the intake tube, the filter will be really loud and suck up some of the fiber. I had to really pack it in. The intake flow is SO STRONG that it will suck up gravel (I had the genius idea of putting gravel on top of the fiber to stop the fiber from getting sucked up- did not work)
After all this, the filter is weaker and slower, but still pretty strong. I wish I would have just bought something else in the first place, but its so far working out. I'm just sad that every bubble nest my little dude tries to make is being instantly destroyed. He's still trying though!
Most local fish stores will have pre-cut intake sponges that will fit any standard HOB filter. Like an aquaclear 20 or whatever. I actually bought filter sponge from my local store, cut it into a strip about 4 inches long, folded it in half and sewed the edges (leaving the opposite end of the fold un-sewn). Simply slide onto the intake.
or buy something like this
Not sure what type of filter you have but maybe try a sponge filter? It helps prevent the babies from being sucked up: http://www.amazon.com/Pre-Filter-Sponge-Pack-Fluval-Aquarium/dp/B004K9A15G
Put a sponge over the intake. You can buy sponges specifically made for this purpose, or use pantyhose.
http://www.amazon.com/Pre-Filter-Sponge-Pack-Fluval-Aquarium/dp/B004K9A15G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1398461060&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=intake+sponge
ive never had a problem with neons getting sucked in the filter, but if youre worried you could put a sponge over it like this.
I have one in my tank for when random cory babies survive. it also helps big chunks of debris like broken plants from being sucked into the filter and clogging it!
I put sponge pre-filters on mine.
https://www.amazon.com/Pre-Filter-Sponge-Pack-Fluval-Aquarium/dp/B004K9A15G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1465528898&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=sponge+pre+filter
Pantyhose works too but the sponge is added filtration.
What you need to prevent the is a prefilter media
I also use these prefilter sponges in addition to the sponge inside my filter. I pull them off and rinse them ever couple of weeks.
Here is the mobile version of your link
You definitely need a sponge for your filter intake, I got these here https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004K9A15G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Here you go:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004K9A15G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
I think there is a larger pack too. And it doesn't just fit fluval. Mine is an Aqueon.
I run an aquaclear 50 on my 10gal and an aquaclear 30 on my 5gal. You could easily add another 20 and run them together or go with a single bigger one. Bigger ones will have a stronger flow output (though it is adjustable with aquaclears) so keep that in mind if you have fish that struggle with current (like bettas).
Edit: a sponge filter would be good too. But you'll get more bang for your buck with a second hob. You can add a sponge to the intake of the hobs for added filtration.
Sponge filters are great, I even have a couple for some of my tanks, but you could get a pre-filter sponge for your current filter to make it work. The sponge lessens the flow and keeps the betta's fins from getting ripped up by the intake tube. You won't need to buy another filter or air pump and the pre-filter sponges have the best of both worlds; mechanical filtration and the sponge for beneficial bacteria growth.
get pre-filter sponges next time, they work great and all you have to do is rinse it off. amazon link
Even at less than an inch, it can create a downflow too strong for a fish like a Betta with such large fins (as you've clearly witnessed). Think about a sail boat... even a soft wind will billow the sails. That's exactly what their fins are.
While the filter intake wouldn't be a problem for other fish with smaller fins, that might create an issue with a Betta. I'm sure he'll be fine for today while you go to work, though. For later, you can simply increase the size of the sponge on the intake to slow down the flow. I bought a bunch of these a while ago for various purposes (great for scrubbing glass on small aquariums!), and they're dense enough to slow water flow pretty significantly.
Also, I have to say - kudos to you for being so concerned and attentive to a fish you received as a gift. Most people (sadly) would throw him in a vase on a window sill and forget about him until he started smelling. I really admire your desire to learn as much as you can so you can take good care of him.
I run an Aquaclear 20 in my shrimp/betta tank with a [Pre-filter sponge] (https://www.amazon.com/Pre-Filter-Sponge-Pack-Fluval-Aquarium/dp/B004K9A15G/ref=sr_1_3?s=pet-supplies&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1504034098&amp;sr=1-3&amp;keywords=prefilter+sponge) Flow is excellent. No babies get sucked through the sponge.
Be mindful of sand getting into your filter and messing up the impeller magnet. Had it happen to me before when I had sand.
One thing you could do is buy this and put it over the intake:
http://www.amazon.com/Pre-Filter-Sponge-Pack-Fluval-Aquarium/dp/B004K9A15G
Petsmart sells them for like $2.
Here are some links:
Fake grass you can float in the tank, and also put in the substrate-http://www.petsmart.com/fish/artificial-plants/top-fin-betta-grass-artificial-aquarium-plant-zid36-17760/cat-36-catid-300067?var_id=36-17760
Decor that can float-http://www.petsmart.com/supplies/ornaments/zoo-med-trade-floating-betta-log-zid36-17531/cat-36-catid-300071?var_id=36-17531
Aquarium safe filter sponge if you want to use that to baffle your tank-http://www.petsmart.com/fish/filter-media/marineland-rite-size-filter-pads-zid36-17130/cat-36-catid-300089?var_id=36-17130
Pre-filter sponge-http://www.amazon.com/Pre-Filter-Sponge-Pack-Fluval-Aquarium/dp/B004K9A15G
Plastic bottle filter baffle directions-http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=30139
I cut off the bottom part of the 2nd intake tube that came with it (the pointy part), and used it to extend the tube. With an intake sponge https://www.amazon.com/Pre-Filter-Sponge-Pack-Fluval-Aquarium/dp/B004K9A15G/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1500078885&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=aquaclear+intake+sponges, it is about 1cm off of my substrate.
Seconding sponges! My Eheim's spray bar is a bit too forceful as well, and I have covered it with these Fluval cylinder sponges. I used a knife to poke a hole in the bottom of the sponge so I could easily slide it onto the bar. Of course, any shape of sponge can be cut and molded and tied where necessary. I just went for the fool proof option (alas, I am only a fool).
The filter current can be too strong for Bettas to swim against. Even in my larger tanks they struggle, and will often try to spend their time as far away from the filter outflow. People 'baffle', or slow down the outflow, in a variety of different ways. Personally I put a filter intake sponge, like this to avoid having any delicate fins sucked into the intake, and then also use a cut, clean water bottle over the flow like this
But your number one goal right now should be not the PH, but rather the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Get a liquid test kit, and Prime by Seachem. Those are the two most important things you will ever purchase for the health of your fish. You can return the air stone. Bettas do not need it, and often the increased flow can stress them out.
Using Prime by Seachem as a water conditioner is the best thing you can do for fish in cycling. Widely available at LFS and even Petco. It binds up to 1ppm of Ammonia into a less toxic form, to safeguard against ammonia poisoning between water changes. I will never, ever, ever be without it ever again.
You can use a prefilter sponge to reduce the flow on the filter. http://www.amazon.com/Pre-Filter-Sponge-Pack-Fluval-Aquarium/dp/B004K9A15G/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Get some of these: https://www.amazon.com/Pre-Filter-Sponge-Pack-Fluval-Aquarium/dp/B004K9A15G/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1519365577&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=aquaclear+sponges
and go with the 20-30 rated. It's always better to over-filtrate, but with small inverts you need to pre-filter.