As an aquarium owner, you need to maintain the right environment for your fish’s survival. Apart from the correct tools, you also need to ensure that the filtration is correct too. The key to keeping your fish healthy is to guarantee adequate filtration and achieving the perfect balance of water flow in your tank.
So, can a strong filter kill fish? When the filter is too strong it can kill fish as the aquarium’s currents may be too strong for the fish since they tend to swim against the current. By constantly trying to resist the strong flow, the fish are likely to overexert their swimming, stressing them out. The great danger is when the small fish get sucked into the filter and die. Similarly, some filters have strong membranes and chemicals. In case of a malfunction, the fish could die in the process.
Are you worried about your fish’s health concerning your filter’s strength? This article is your guide in matters of fish filters. Read on to find out how to tell that your filter is too strong for your fish and what you can do about it.
Can a Strong Fish Filter Kill Fish?
A strong filter is one cause for alarm for your fish. You want your fish to swim freely and stress-free in the aquarium, but this may not be easy if your filter is too strong. When the filter is too potent, so are the prevailing currents in the tank.
The currents may be too strong that the fish will keep struggling to counter the flow. This way, they easily get tired and stressed, which is not a great environment for your fish. Stress may eventually lower the fish’s immunity, which will increase their chances of contracting diseases.
Similarly, the constant swimming to overcome the currents will prevent the fish from getting to the water’s surface since they will be too exhausted. Denying them this chance may cause serious damages to their breathing organs. On the other hand, if the fish can’t swim up the tank, it may mess up their appetite.
Given that they cannot get to and stay on the water’s surface, the food particles will only deviate from their reach. Hence, no food for your fish, and if the particles sink, they will eventually decay, expelling dangerous gases like ammonia into the aquarium.
Secondly, some filters have strong membranes and contain powerful chemicals. Unless you balance these levels, you will interfere with the water’s normal pH, harming the fish. Also, if these powerful filters malfunction, the fish may be stressed and eventually die.
The main strong filter-related deaths occur when the fishes in your tank are too small. It is common for the water inlet to suck them in and kill them in the process. While bigger fish may maneuver and escape, the small ones are the most vulnerable. The big fish may also face injuries when the water inlet sucks them in, some of which may be severe. One of these damages is fin damage, caused when the fish strains and ruins the fish’s muscles.
How Do I Know if My Fish Filter Is Too Strong?
The most noticeable way to tell is to check how the fish are swimming. When the water flow is too powerful, you will notice that they are straining when swimming. If they look agitated as they swim around the tank or they look like the waves are overpowering them, then it may be time to fix the filter. Similarly, you may notice that they are struggling to get to the water level or find it hard to balance when swimming.
It is important that the water in your aquarium keeps flowing steadily; this means more air circulation. But this flow may interfere with your fish’s health and natural swimming, especially when it is too strong. Most owners cannot tell when this is happening unless disaster strikes; you wouldn’t know when or how to fix it.
Secondly, when your fish are small, you may realize that they swim at an angle and not straight, as usual. The only explanation is that the current is forcing them to bend a little. However, when checking for your fish’s swimming patterns, you need to confirm that it is the strong filter causing it and that the fish does not have an underlying condition. For instance, when the fish has gall bladder issues, it may have trouble swimming even if your filter is okay.
Generally, fish are intelligent; therefore, they can tell you what they are just by their behavior. When the eddies are overpowering, they will tend to avoid staying in the affected area completely. Instead, they will hurdle in a safe spot to avoid going near the current.
This is necessary so that they do not strain in swimming in the region. Lastly, the fish will use the decorations and the water structures as their fort as they try to avert the strong currents. If you spot them constantly hiding, it will help to find out why.
How Do You Fix a Strong Filter?
As soon as you determine that the filter is too strong for your fish and that it may be lethal to them, the most logical step is to mitigate the situation. In doing so, you will create a conducive environment for your fish, and you won’t need to worry about their health. Fortunately, we have some tips to help you solve this issue.
- One way to reduce the water flow is by baffling it with a sponge. You can place the sponge to cover the water inlet; this way, you will greatly reduce the current’s strength. This is a simple and cheap way to make the filter less potent. When you place the sponge at your filter’s nozzle, the flow will significantly reduce.
- Ensure that you purchase a filter with an adjustable flow; hence, if the flow is too strong, all you need to do is adjust the controls to lower it. You can also apply this principle when there are pumps for your filter. There are so many such filters available in the market that are cost-friendly and will effectively suit your preferences.
- Many people opt for decorations; this way, you can make your tank attractive and reduce the filter’s strength. All you need is great plants or structures that will also serve as the fish’s hiding places. Here, you can decide to go the natural or the artificial way, based on your preferred décor. It is an effective remedy since all you need to do is place the items in the current’s path to disrupt the current.
What Are the Advantages of a Well-Regulated Filter Flow?
A well-regulated filter will be beneficial to your fish. It will improve air circulation and help them breathe better. Secondly, you will effectively clean your aquarium without worrying about killing them in the process. A steady current will also lower the chances of organism breeding in the tank, especially if they thrive in stagnant water.
Lastly, if you have constant water flow, you create a suitable aquatic environment for your fish since it will mimic their habitat. This will make your fish thrive and reduce stress. The key is to ensure that the filter is of the right strength for the fish.
A Strong Filter Will Endanger Your Fish
In the quest to make the environment clean for your fish, you may be putting their lives at risk. Thus, it is best to ensure that your filtration system is at the right level; not too high or too low.
With so many options available, you will always find the perfect one depending on your fish and your tank’s size. If you get one with adjustable flow, it will be more convenient for you since there will be no need to change the pump. By getting a well-regulated filter, your fish will be happier since they won’t struggle to swim or stay alive anymore.
