Is the filter current too strong for your betta? A lot of tanks have this problem and luckily there are ways to fix it. So if you think your filter current is too strong then keep reading to find out the solutions you can use, as well as why it’s so important you do so.

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How To Tell If Your Betta Fish Filter Is Too Strong?

Before you start making a lot of changes to your tank which will only stress your betta out, you should make sure you’re not imagining things. It’s only when you’re certain your betta is getting stressed out (which is incredibly harmful, learn how to spot a stressed betta) that you should fix any issues with your filter.

And here are some of the most common indicators your betta is stressed.

He’ll Swim With Ease

You should check to see if your betta is swimming with ease. When the current in your tank is too strong, your betta may look like he’s struggling to swim. It almost looks like he’s getting blown around in the wind.

However, if your betta has come from a small cup, then you have to remember that his muscles are probably to weak to swim properly. If this is the case, then you should keep the filter as it is. Eventually he’ll be strong enough to swim normally again.

He Should Swim Straight

Along with swimming easily, make sure your betta is swimming straight. If it seems like your betta is always swimming at an angle then it could also be caused by the current pushing him around.

However, be aware that a few diseases can also cause this to happen. As well as checking the filter you should also consider whether your betta is suffering from an illness such as dropsy, constipation or swim bladder disease.

Avoiding The Current

You may also notice that your betta will constantly avoid the area where there’s a strong current. Or he may just stay in one spot. He’ll try his hardest to never go into the current because he knows he’ll struggle to swim there.

So make sure you’re keeping an eye on your betta to see if he’s only hovering in one area of the tank, or if he constantly avoids an area.

Constantly Hiding

And lastly, your betta may constantly hide in some of the decorations in your tank. If you have a cave structure or a lot of plants then your betta may hide in them. They’re going to act as a break from the current and stop him from struggling.

What To Do If The Filter Current Is Too Strong For Your Betta

Now that you know that the filter current is too strong for your betta, the next step is fixing the issue. And luckily there are a lot of things you can do to reduce the strength of the current. Some of them are easy, while some of them will take a little more work.

Buy A Pre-Filter Sponge

One of the easiest and cost effective ways of reducing the filter strength is to buy a pre filter sponge or something similar. Once you have a pre filter sponge all you have to do is wrap it around the nozzle of your filter and it will slow the flow.

Buy A Filter With Adjustable Flow

If you don’t like your filter anyway, then why not buy a new one. You can buy filters that come with adjustable flows which means that you can get the perfect flow rate for your betta. And the best part is that filters are inexpensive! If you’ve only got a 5 or 10 gallon tank then you can pick up a filter for $10-$30! Check out all the aquarium filters you can buy off Amazon!

If the filter is annoying you anyway (due to loudness etc) then why not buy a better one!

Use Decorations To Slow The Flow

Another great idea, and my personal favourite way is to use decorations and plants to slow the flow of the filter (Check out the best decorations for bettas). Your betta tank should be full of hiding places anyway, so you’re going to be killing two birds with one stone. Artificial caves are a great way of slowing the rate of water. And if you’re looking for something more natural then you can also use driftwood or plants.

Some great plants for slowing the flow of water are betta bulbs, anubias, java fern and anacharis are all great choices! Or if you’re feeling lazy why not just buy a marimo moss ball and weight it down in front of the filter!

Creating A Filter Baffle

You can also try and create a filter baffle if you have the right type of filter.

If you have a cascading filter then creating a filter baffle is incredibly easy. In fact, all you’re going to need is a empty plastic bottle (preferably a water bottle).

To make a filter baffle you need to:

1. place your water bottle next to your filter output and measure how long it is.
2. Once you’ve measured it cut the bottle in half until it matches the length of your filter.
3. Thoroughly wash the bottle with water to remove any chemicals that may be on it.
4. Then attach the outside of your bottle to the filter to slow how quickly the water comes out.

What About Bubble Nests?

And you may be wondering how you can slow the flow of water to protect your bettas bubble nest as well! While you may not want to breed a betta, it’s still nice to know that they’re making bubble nests. It shows that you’re taking care of them and that they feel comfortable in the tank.

If you want to look after your bettas bubble nest then you can use a feeding ring. All you have to do is attach the feeding ring to the side of the tank and it will stop the current from affecting it.

Your betta should be smart enough to realize he can build his bubble nest safely in it.

Check Out The 6 Best Sponge Filters For Your Fish Tank!

What Will Happen If You Don’t Fix The Flow?

Don’t believe the lies that you hear about bettas being hardy fish. While they can live in conditions that other fish would never survive in, it doesn’t mean they’re completely invulnerable to harm. As you’re about to find out, if you don’t fix a powerful filter flow then there are going to be negative consequences for your betta.

Stress

Of course, the first thing that will happen is that your betta will be stressed out. While it’s not going to be extremely high stress, it’s going to be low constant stress that is going to slowly wear him down. (If you want to know more about why betta stress is so dangerous check out this article.)

And once he’s stressed his immune system will be weakened which can open him up to a whole host of diseases and illness.

Tire Him Out

As well as stressing your betta out, constantly fighting against the current of your filter is going to tire him out as well. He may struggle to start reaching the top of the tank. While bettas can breathe in water, not coming to the surface often is going to damage their labyrinth organ.

If your betta is too tired to reach the top, or doesn’t have the energy to stay there long enough to breathe then he’s going to start damaging his own body.

Trouble Eating

And of course, if your betta can’t reach the top of the tank then he’s going to have trouble eating food in the future. Not only will he struggle to stay at the surface or fight through the current, but the food might also get pushed away from him too quickly.

Not only will that mean your betta might go hungry, but any food that sinks to the bottom of the tank is going to decay and release ammonia into your tank.

Damaging Your Bettas Fins

And lastly, if the flow in your bettas tank is too strong then his fins might end up getting damaged. He might exert himself so much that he ends up doing muscle damage, or if you have a lot of decorations in your tank then he might catch himself on something and damage his fins that way.

In Conclusion

So is you filter current too strong for a betta?

If so, then you should follow the advice in this article and you won’t have to deal with any of the problems. Remember, you have a lot of options available to you to stop the current being too strong such as creating a filter baffle, buying a new filter, blocking the filter with decorations etc.

So as long as you do something your betta is going to thank you for it!

Caring for your Betta can be tricky, but it gets easier with the right guide. Click here to read a comprehensive guide on Betta fish care!