How strong is the suction on this? I need to replace a filter that is too strong for the fish in the aquariun and might give this a try ?
1968540
We have a small tank with a betta, and the fish hangs out at the filter. Its tail moves toward the filter from the suction but it never gets stuck. So it's a pretty weak suction. The suction opening is actually facing the tank wall so that helps too.
1968541
I wouldn't exactly know how to compare as this is my first aquarium and filter, but it did not seem too strong to me. It is small. We had one betta fish that swam near it and seemed fine. The filter rests close to the aquarium wall, close enough that the fish could not swim behind it and get caught as far as I could tell.
1968542
The suction is light to moderately strong. Bigger fish are ok, but I had a neon tetra get trapped in the mechanism. Then again, the fish might have died then got stuck, as I had 4 others that have had no problems with the suction.
1968543
Honestly its not the best pump. It is low suction so it might work for you but the pump dies within a year. I've gone through 2.
580730
Sorry. I was a gift. It was sufficient for a whole fish of perhaps no bigger than 4 obs. Hope this helps. Jane
1918058
Dan, I purchased this for my husband and he's had a guppy in it for nearly a year. The filter is strong and it can suck the guppy to it. The fish don't get sucked INTO it, they get pulled to the side of the plastic area at the top where there is suction. However, my husband said the guppy can get away without a problem and that the guppy actually seems to enjoy snuggling to the filter (as in he PURSUES it). He has used a piece of black sponge foam to reduce the suction of the filter, but the guppy still likes the sucking of the filter. Bottom line is that we have had this piece for 10 months and my husband is very satisfied with it. He only speaks positively of it, and he's pretty picky. Dan, I purchased this for my husband and he's had a guppy in it for nearly a year. The filter is strong and it can suck the guppy to it. The fish don't get sucked INTO it, they get pulled to the side of the plastic area at the top where there is suction. However, my husband said the guppy can get away without a problem and that the guppy actually seems to enjoy snuggling to the filter (as in he PURSUES it). He has used a piece of black sponge foam to reduce the suction of the filter, but the guppy still likes the sucking of the filter. Bottom line is that we have had this piece for 10... » Read More Dan, I purchased this for my husband and he's had a guppy in it for nearly a year. The filter is strong and it can suck the guppy to it. The fish don't get sucked INTO it, they get pulled to the side of the plastic area at the top where there is suction. However, my husband said the guppy can get away without a problem and that the guppy actually seems to enjoy snuggling to the filter (as in he PURSUES it). He has used a piece of black sponge foam to reduce the suction of the filter, but the guppy still likes the sucking of the filter. Bottom line is that we have had this piece for 10 months and my husband is very satisfied with it. He only speaks positively of it, and he's pretty picky. « Show Less
527869
Its pretty strong. What you can do is add stuff to the filter....some carbon and maybe that biomax stuff.... The fuller it is the less strong the current is (as long as you don't clog it) and that way you actually have a chemical filtration too...rather than just a sponge. I inadvertently lowed mine by doing this. If you have patience and are willing to go through the trial and error, you can slow it down...not sure if its slow enough for a betta....but I wouldn't want mine any slower or else I'd question its effectiveness. Hope this helps :-\
2013051
I used this Finnex for a 20 gallon freshwater fish tank. It was fine at first, but mine did not last very long though. There are Tetra filters at places like Walmart, too, that may be a better choice.
828318
I would suggest trying just the Aquatop and see how much it circulates first. You may be surprised. It really moves a lot of water. I have it on a 120 gallon tank and wouldn't use any thing more unless I was doing a salt water set-up and wanted a wave maker. Even then it is more than adequate. Remember this, canister filters filter more water by design that H.O.B filters do.
1022584
I just want to add, though off topic, the pump and filter is way too strong for its size. Good tank in design but not for the filter or pump.
1821411
I also have a RES. It doesn't bother him at all--though he is full grown. No idea how big yours is. You do have to take it apart and clean it more often than you would for a regular fish tank with a RES though. But that's going to be true of any filter.
72131
I have not tried such extreme scenario. It it works it may probably will with minimal suction as water is heavy, it may take longer and use a lot of water from your faucet. I have a sink in the basement less than 50 feet from my two aquariums. The Aqueon siphon has weak suction and cracked, having to replace it two times. My aquarium per store had the same issue cleaning a few dozen aquariums. They now use the Python syphone adapted to the Aqueon tubing and vacuum nozzle. They claim that the Python siphon is studier and generates more suction. I followed their advised and they were right! I can endorse their recommendation. Here is the Amazon link to the Python siphon. http://www.amazon.com/Python-13B-Aquarium-Replacement-Pump/dp/B000255NVE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1417656862&sr=8-3&keywords=python+aquarium+cleaner You can also find the Python nut-luck for it that will help you reuse/adapt the rest of the Aqueon parts. I am sure the Python siphon will produce more suction but you may have to test it going up one flight of stairs. Good luck!
1137035
I think you will be happy with this filter. I am using one in my 200 gal fish tank I like it because 1. it is a good filter 2. It keeps the water oxygenated. ( lot's of bubbles ) :-) when I get my 75 gal tank ready I all ready have one for it.
1573436
I don't think it is strong enough for the big fish tank. A small on emay be ok.
1743284
I use this in conjunction with an over the top filter. I guess it would depend if the filter media was cycled with good bacteria and how many fish you have.
1959301
I actually got a betta heater that suctions to the side of this tank without an issue. I love this tank. I would, however, invest in a different "filter" as it doesn't come with a filter but an air stone. I found a small tank filter at my local pet store. The LED light is amazing, several colors and a couple effects on it. All in all my Betta and I love this tank :)
1892830
Yes it is and I would not use it for longer than you have to. I recommend upgrading to a hang on the back type filter. I thought I had lost one of my fish and couldn't find it. When I upgraded the filter, I found him. He had swam over the edge of the filter and had gotten stuck in there. Luckily he was still alive. I don't have that problem with the traditional filter.
1121855
This product is not a filter for your aquarium, it is a device that is used to siphon water out of the tank when performing a weekly/monthly cleaning. Any size siphon vacuum will work, but the smaller the siphon, the longer it will take water to drain water from your tank. If you are looking for a power filter, I would recommend a hang-on bank filter rated for at least 30 gallons.
1014030
I've got a 306 for a 38 gallon, and the flow is way too strong, it moves all the sand and lighter items. I have to set it to half the flow. But I assume that one still benefits from the larger bio-filter.
879051
Not too strong but there is a mini switch you can lower in case you feel it is a bit too strong. I have aquatic turtles so the current would be different for fish as they are not heavy in weight. I feel that this filter would be good for fish not too good for turtles as they are a bit bigger & their stool is as well.