tank question

[hippybngstockng]

Do you cover your intake valve with something? If so, with what, and how did you attach it?

I am starting to suspect D'Argo might be getting caught on theirs, and this might be the source of the continued fin damage. I also saw Crichton get stuck to his for a few moments last night, but he seemed able to free himself without too much trouble. I might cover his up as well, just in case, and also because the flow is still pretty strong even after I modified the modification.

At one point (in D'Argo's tank) I tried using some filter sponge stuff, but that was rather bulky and seemed to cut down on how much crud was getting sucked into the filter. This time I'm pondering either an old nylon, or perhaps some of the needlepoint stuff I used to make the dividers, though I might be better off getting the stuff with the smaller holes if that's what I do. I want to go get new elastic bands, ya know, that haven't been used on food or a newspaper...

Comments

[djinnthespazz.livejournal.com]

Rubberbands have a short life in the fish water - I used them to keep plants together for a while when I was attempting a natural set up (ended up needing more light than I could supply)

So if you use them, plan on replacement every six to eight weeks or so.

I don't use the Fluval/in tank filter for the bettas, I use the little (admittidly expensive) 2 gal tanks with undergravel filtration only.

[hippybngstockng.livejournal.com]

*sighs* I wish I had gone with undergravel... Someone made a big stink about it being evil when I was doing my shopping, but somehow I am betting they were blowing it out of proportion.

[djinnthespazz.livejournal.com]

Wow, really? Evil?
Wow.

I know that with my goldfish, undergravel just supplements the Fluval that does the lion's share of the work.

But with the small fish load of a betta or two, I don't see the gravel system as being evil. Really simplifies things for me.

I'd be interested to know the rest of their story, for balance.

[waysofseeing.livejournal.com]

It wasn't me, but I suspect the reason someone complained about the undergravel filters is that they have a tendency to clog very easily. Their suction isn't all that great either. But you're right, that objection mainly applies to larger community tanks.

To hippy's question: I don't know how big your betta tank is, but if you can get away with it, you might try putting a decoration in front of the filter to discourage the fish from getting too close.

[djinnthespazz.livejournal.com]

Ooo! Decor. Yes. The fish like this, too. Plastic, whatever, they don't care.


The stores sell a short bristly bush type thing that would work pretty well for this.

[by-sea-change.livejournal.com]

I used to cover the valve with pantyhose and a rubber band. The rubber bands disintegrate pretty quickly, so you'll want to have a bunch on hand. I stopped covering it eventually when Robin learned not to get too close to the valve. It took him a few months, but he got it. I never bothered with my other tank. The tank is so big that PJ doesn't bother getting near the valve.

[hippybngstockng.livejournal.com]

I figure D'Argo will eventually get it as well. I have fear about how it will go between now and then because of the current amount of damage he has- his tail fin is getting shorter, and has some pretty significant splitting that seems to make it tough for him to get around at times. I imagine if he gets too close, there's not much he can do to avoid getting caught for long enough to tear something before he gets away.

I've pondered switching him out temporarily, and putting Pilot in since he's got lots of good finnage right now, and is also the youngest and strongest. D'Argo would probably have his fins back by the time the tank with Rygel in it cycles, and then we could try it again. If Pilot has the same problems that D'Argo is having, even after I reduced the major amount of the flow, then I know I have to modify the intake.

Intake valves suck!

[greyaenigma.livejournal.com]

Is the take structured such that you could put some chicken wire or some sort of mesh in front of it, but not directly attached to it? The main thing seems to be preventing him from getting near it, since most other options that don't impair function would still suck. (In the vacuum sense.)

Re: Intake valves suck!

[djinnthespazz.livejournal.com]

Yep.

Your scale is a bit large... Her thought of using needlepoint backing is based on this idea.

But I like your salmon. Is that a chinook?

Re: Intake valves suck!

[greyaenigma.livejournal.com]

I think it's brass. Or possibly the famous copper river salmon. I'd have to check a reference to determine what type of salmon it's meant to be.

Ooops, didn't notice the needlepoint idea. I think big thoughts.