Reddit reviews Fluval Edge PreFilter Sponge_LQ

I would suggest using Fluval EDGE Pre-Filter Sponge. It slips over the nozzle creating all the turbulence in your tank. I use it on my spec v and have no problems.

Fluval Spec 3

Best tank I've ever used. Built-in 3-stage filter concealed in the back, plus space for a 25w heater in the same compartment the pump is in.

If you get this tank I reccomend two things:

Get a Fluval Pre-filter sponge to place over the pump-output to diffuse the current

Set the pump to the lowest possible flow (It's still pretty strong so that's why you'll need the pre-filter sponge)

An intake guard is a necessity with shrimp.

The big ones may have a chance to escape, but any shrimplets are sure to get sucked in.

They come in stainless steel mess as well, which look nicer, but the sponge type give shrimp a nice biofilm grazing spot.


Sorry about your shrimp.

Get a [sponge] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LL32RY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_zLL2wbKA1P1B7) like the kind they use for sponge filters or a pre-filter like the one I linked and put it on your filter intake and that'll keep it from being a problem.

[Source] (http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f60/how-to-stop-your-filter-from-sucking-sand-67489.html)

EDIT: I was on mobile and my link was formatted incorrectly lol.

Beautiful tank!! If you are going to put a betta there I hear that people say the current is to strong so they recommend this sponge so that your betta doesn't have a hard time swimming!

I have this tank! If you think the current is too strong you can get a pre-filter sponge to slip on output nozzle thing (I totally forgot what it's called) to slow it down. I got mine at Petco for like 3 bucks.
https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-A1387-EDGE-Pre-Filter-Sponge/dp/B002LL32RY

I use one of these! I just popped it on the filter output. I later poked bigger holes in it and trimmed the end with the hole a bit shorter. I'm still feeling like my filter is too still, but my betta adores it. The tank gets grimy though so I might find a different solution.

The tank looks like a fluval spec, right? Get yourself one of these, cut it to size, and stick it over the filter outflow nozzle. It will keep the flow gentle while still allowing your filter to work. You do need the filter on.

I would also suggest increasing the temp. He will get stressed out at lower temperatures, which will lower his immune system. You can also stick an indian almond leaf in there, which releases tannins that are beneficial to healing.

He's lovely! His colors are so vibrant. Just a word of warning, you might wanna pick up a prefilter sponge to stick over your filter intake like these.

Bettas are curious little guys and are notorious for tearing their fins on that kind of stuff. Just figured I'd let you know, he's a gorgeous fish!

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.

One of these bad boys.

Fluval Edge PreFilter Sponge https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LL32RY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RzHvDbTQG9SRH

So you have a filter on a 6 gallon tank that's rated for 68 gallons per hour. This is great filtration (I use an eheim that's rates for over 120 gallons that's running on a 5.5 gallon tank here temporarily). However I myself found that i HAD to control the filter flow.

If you live near a PETCO they may have the Fluval sponges on clearance for 70.cents if not less. don't pay more than 2 bucks for one. I found out my Local petco had a a whole bunch of them on clearance for 70 cents so i picked up close to 30. lol

These sponges look nice, and work well. What you do is fit it over the outflow of the filter. if you get a couple you can cut them to your needs and even use one as an internal filter sponge if your filters design will permit it.

Bettas are used to being in still water. you want the water to have a very very gentle flow, it will look almost still. There's a good chance hes fighting the current and cant get up to the top to breathe regularly.

You mentioned your Nitrates at around a 5? i would prep some water (chlorinate it, maybe let it sit over night) and do a 50% water change, do this about twice a week until your filter is balanced and your tank is fully cycled. if you are seeing high nitrate levels you might be on the tail end of that cycle which is good.

As for clamped fins. Once the previous measures have been taken and your beta appears to be regaining health and vigor (give him a week or so) You can do "betta exercise" which is essentially putting a mirror in front of the tank for about 5-10 minutes once or twice a week. don't do it consecutively, so maybe Monday and Friday or something like that. This causes them to flare their fins and fan them out. preventing clamping and helping their muscles that they use for the fins get some strength. Just be sure to watch him and take it away after the 5-10 minute period. if he is in bad shape right now i would just do 5 minutes for a while and see how that works out.

That's about all i can give right now based on the info provided. Make sure the tank is not near a heavy sun window or an air vent.

Hang in there man and good luck. I know what its like to lose pets. Its a major let down and you feel like you failed. I've been there and im sure ill be there again at some point. I lost alot of dwarf shrimp in my early experiences, it will pay off once you figure out the nuances.

Best of luck and feel free to PM me if you need more help.

I'm not 100% sure this will fit, but I've used the fluval edge pre filter sponge on the an Aqueon Quietflow filter for my 10 gallon.

First, I would remove the male, leaving only the gravid female. Assuming the eggs are fertile, you'll slowly see them develop over the next few weeks until you can begin to see little crayfish inside each one. I don't think you need to swap out your filter; I prefer covering the intake with a sponge pre-filter (e.g.). I say this because you're going to want to keep your tank clean while minimizing water changes which could lead to you sucking up tiny crayfish.

Once you get to the point where eye spots develop in the eggs (two little black dots), you'll know the eggs are close to hatching. Monitor them closely as you'll want to remove the female shortly after the babies hatch and begin to move around freely. If you don't remove the female, she'll eventually eat the babies.

Once the babies are on their own, it's pretty easy. I feed them like I do adult crayfish, except that I grind the food up a little bit. For example, ground up algae wafers are always welcome. Make sure you provide plenty of hiding places for them to seek shelter when they molt, which they will do very frequently at first.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Agree re the Betta and cherries. But there are people who do so it prob depends on if you happen to have an exceptionally chill Betta. No, those Aquaclears/Fluvals don't come with any prefilters but it's wierd, I have a whole bunch of diff sizes and other HOBs as well and usually this prefilter sponge fits on them all (except for I think it's my deep blue nanos (?) for some reason/with those I cut a square piece of foam instead). You can get it on Amazon and they sell multiples together or singles too, but I know my Petco has the single little box too. It even fits on my massive (well for me at least) Fluval/Aquaclear 70.

I have this sponge for my betta over the output: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LL32RY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

He actually likes to lay on top of it sometimes, he's silly :P

I bought one of these and it worked really well.

http://www.amazon.com/Fluval-A1387-EDGE-Pre-Filter-Sponge/dp/B002LL32RY

buy this

Over filtering is better than under. You'll need to baffle the flow, especially for a betta. A sponge cap on the outflow works well and diy fixes can be easily found online.

A lot of us use the fluval pre filter sponge Just stick it on the end of the outflow, tying it on if necessary.

I agree that you should also give back the neons. Too small of a tank. Look into getting a snail or shrimp to go with your Betta instead.

I have (this)[http://www.amazon.com/Fluval-A1387-EDGE-Pre-Filter-Sponge/dp/B002LL32RY] over where the water comes out on a tank similar to yours. If you can get it to stay on the outflow, the water will be diffused calmly with no current into the tank without having to turn off the pump.

Good luck.

you can buy prefilter sponges for 5 bucks on amazon. they're round and black so they don't stick out as much as nylon socks. theyre cheaper if you buy them in bulk

https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-A1387-EDGE-Pre-Filter-Sponge/dp/B002LL32RY
I use this kind of thing. This particular sponge I know fits the filters built in to MiniBow 5 tanks, the Tetra Whisper 3i and the Aquaclear 20

that would work, but this is probably better: https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-A1387-EDGE-Pre-Filter-Sponge/dp/B002LL32RY

It's what I use.

Sorry, that's just a huge pet peeve of mine because it is a strategy typically used by big box stores like Petco and Petsmart to intentionally evade local invasive species laws. (E.g. the Petco where I live sells Procambarus alleni as "blue lobsters" because they are trying to get around the fact that the entire family Cambaridae is illegal to own in Washington state… something I found out AFTER I got my as-it-turns-out-illegal-to-own crayfish.) Lobsters are the family Nephropidae, which are only marine.

I think you should buy at least a 10 gallon (20 gallon long is MUCH better) + an Aquaclear 20 or 30 (depending on what size tank you get) + a pre filter sponge like this: http://www.amazon.com/Fluval-A1387-EDGE-Pre-Filter-Sponge/dp/B002LL32RY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1413430808&sr=8-2&keywords=prefilter+sponge

That's what I do on my RCS tank and my baby RCS are much smaller than your crayfish and they have no problems, plus that filtration is adequate.

I know it seems big given your cray's current size, but as an adult they will get much bigger. My bud was 10 inches (counting claws) when he died.

And then, again, the API Freshwater Master Test kit… and please do look up information about the nitrogen cycle! /r/aquariums has good info in their sidebar.

Stick one of these bad boys over the output nozzle.

Fluval EDGE Pre-Filter Sponge https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LL32RY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gaKPybNKN3XM0
Or in bulk
Generic Pre-Filter Sponge / Foam Set For Fluval Edge Aquarium (Pack Of 12) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J5Z44OE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_AaKPyb5NGTFHQ

The live plant is helping with your tank's ammonia especially when combined with the constant water changes. How often are you changing the water in there and how much? Water changes during a cycle will set it back and make it take longer (which is why fish-in cycling can take longer depending on how it is done). If you are dosing Prime, you don't need to change the water as much since Prime converts ammonia into the less toxic ammonium. For fish-in cycling, it is recommended to do two 50% water changes each week.

As long as the betta looks like it is thriving (growing, nice color, and bubble nests are good signs), I wouldn't worry too much. Just continue adding Prime (and Stability if you want) and doing regular (but less) water changes.

Prime states that you can dose up to 5x the normal dose in emergency situations. So as long as you're close to the suggested dose, you are fine.

EDIT: Regarding your question about adding biofilter stuff, if your filter has room and doesn't already have it (I can't find much on that filter), it would be helpful to add something like Fluval Biomax. There are many other products that help with providing a surface area for bacteria to grow. I just have experience with the Biomax because I have Fluval AquaClear filters. Another option is wrapping a "sponge" around your filter's intake (assuming there isn't already one inside). I don't know what fits your specific filter, but here is an example of one (I use a knock-off that was $5 for 6 and works well):
https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-A1387-EDGE-Pre-Filter-Sponge/dp/B002LL32RY

I just bought one at my LFS yesterday, (this is the one I got, you could probably go generic and be fine. I'm sure you could go to almost any store that sells and find some.

I believe this sponge would fit perfectly over the outflow -

Fluval EDGE Pre-Filter Sponge https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LL32RY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RCXJDbQ0RYS2X

I use it in two of my tanks with outlets like this and it works perfectly to diffuse the flow!

Its available at most petco/petsmarts too

I got mine at Petsmart. If it's the same one I got (and it looks like it is) it's this.

Buy a small filter sponge. These ones are easy to mod. In some areas they've been repackaged with the Fluval branding. You should be able to get them or something similar at any LFS. Cut a small hole and secure it over the filter out take, or get one that already comes that way. Should help reduce flow and maybe give him some respite. It will also provide a little bio filtration.

Definitely should check parameters too. His scales and eye look pretty unhappy. It's hard to tell but he may be harboring a bacterial infection. If you test high in nutrients that could corroborate that hypothesis. Water changes never hurt. 10% every day will only help secure ideal conditions, and isn't that demanding in a 5g. Might even want to do a little aquarium salt to help boost gills and slime coat.

And I would get those plastic plants out of there. Bettas like to lounge on stuff, and if hes trying to lounge on those and the flow is knocking him around, that could be part of the problem. Silk or live plants will be much more gentle.

You should be fine removing the Whisper. Another suggestion would be to put a foam prefilter over the intake. I believe this one will fit: http://www.amazon.com/Hagen-A1387-Fluval-Pre-Filter-Sponge/dp/B002LL32RY

i have anacharis in mine. fyi, you may also want to baffle the filter's output. it depends on the bettas fins though. my flow was pretty low but Felix kept swimming in it and got a little split in his tail. so i got a sponge like this i cut the excess off (so it doesn't stick out so much) and rubber banded it to the outflow.

Your best bet would to be use something like this sponge filter as it not only will prevent inadvertent fish chumming, but will also act as a second media for beneficial bacteria to grow.

If that is either too much of an eyesore or it inhibits your flow too much, use a mesh screen like this to prevent Khuli sushi.

Also, sorry for your loss, Khulis are sweeties! Try Zebra Botia (Loaches) as well, they're great for small tanks and click extremely loudly when excited!

If you are talking about the Biomax rings they are not meant to collect waste. They are a highly porous and tortuous material with a huge effective surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow on. That's the bacteria that will break down ammonia and nitrites. This is called biological filtration. Water has to flow through it for it to be effective.

Sponge and fibre will physically block debris but will not provide the same amount of surface area for bacteria to attach to. This is mechanical filtration.

Activated carbon is charged and adsorbs microscopic debris and other charge specific molecules until it is saturated at which point it will have to be discarded. Not very effective. This is called chemical filtration.

I personally stock my filters with bio-media only and attach a pre-filter sponge like this to the intake for mechanical filtration.

You should be fine. I run a "mini" one on my 10 with a fancy betta, no issues. My 70 on a 29 though, tears for days.

Edit: If you're worried about the intake I highly suggest these sponges. They fully enclose the whole intake instead of just the sides leaving you with an open bottom.

• I was hoping the sword would grow to like what you mentioned, but when I was cycling one leaf died and another sort of floated away. I had the water at 10% for the final change to lower the nitrAtes and a leaf popped out with no root attached. Not sure what happened there. The remaining three, I think, are doing okay. I replanted it after I saw the other leaf pop out and the roots were much longer than when I originally planted them a few weeks earlier. Although none of them are actually growing... To my knowledge. Might just pick up something a bit more mature.
  
  
• I actually bought one of those pre-filter sponges per the amazon recommendations in a couple reviews, cut it, and stretched it around the output. I'm not sure if that's what they meant to do or if I was supposed to cut it and shove it in the output (saw pictures of that, but it was a different recommended technique to baffle). It's what I did. I hope that's enough a baffle. I can always cut it down again and fill the output if not.
  
  
• I've been thinking of floating plants. Are they a pain to maneuver around when you're cleaning the tank and whatnot?
  
  And thanks! I actually have some insomnia going so I went out and picked up three small ghost shrimp. When I introduced them to my tank, Dirk swam right up, looked at them for a few seconds, and swam away. I'm hoping I have a friendly betta.

Be careful, mystery/apple snails can get their feet and head stuck in the filter grate, and it's very risky to get them unstuck. I lost two snails to a filter intake a few months back. :(
I would suggest covering it with a sponge so your snails are safe.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LL32RY/ref=oh_o01_s00_i00_details
I use this on my Aquaclear. It doesn't look bad at all and you can sleep soundly knowing that your snails are safe from the jaws of the filter intake. Aquaclear also sells replacement filter sponges that you can cut up and cover the intake with pretty easily.
Here is some further information about snails and filter grates, in case something does happen.
http://www.applesnail.net/forum3/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=19558

Also, your snail is adorable!

I linked an item that might work to dampen the return flow. Most filters will work for a Betta but you might need to modify it accordingly for their needs. Heck, you could also make this yourself using zip ties and a sponge.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LL32RY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Good on you for having done your research! It breaks my heart to hear a pet store employee recommending going without.

Here is the mobile version of your link

I bought my tank about a month ago and have been letting it run, as per the advice I received here. It is now finally ready to house a fish. I don't want to hurt or stress out my fish at all so I waited til everything was set. Plus my tank decor only just arrived due to the original package getting lost by UPS.

I may buy a betta this weekend if I see "the right one" but I am ok with waiting!

Here is a list of things I got, based on the general reddit consensus. I wished someone had included a list like this so here you go

Fluval 5 gallon (includes filter/light)

Hydor heater (hides right in the side part of the Fluval tank)

Thermometer

Sponge thingy to make the filter stream not too strong for bettas (I zip tied it on)

pre filter
I just got this. Perfect, although a tad expensive for some foam. But prevents my shrimps from getting sucked up. They actually sit on it and eat the detritus and food off it.

Fluval Edge PreFilter Sponge https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LL32RY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_l8bQCbCNNCWZM

Buy one of those if you have the fluval spec. works really well and looks nice.

my water doesn’t move but i think that’s just the cost of keeping it mostly still. i just make sure to do water changes.

As long as the flow is good, then that's fine. Most people that do sponge filters get the hydro-sponge (I have one myself), and use an air pump or powerhead to power it. Doing it the way you do it will act like a pre-filter as well. These are good for this purpose as well.

What is the flow like on your filter after putting this on?

As some others have said, that plant is Anubias. That hairy stuff is algae and the brown crud looks like diatoms which is common in new tanks. The "suckerfish" (on the underside of that leaf) you have looks to be some sort of plecostomas which don't eat really anything but certain types of green algae. They aren't algae scrubbers like the old school of thought suggests. I would suggest getting some nerite snails. They cannot breed in fresh water so you won't have explosion of them.

Also, as others have said, get a timer and start keeping your lights on a schedule. Start at 8 hours on and the rest off. You can set it to be whenever you like if you want to enjoy it so you could start it at Noon and push it to 8 pm or however you like. That will help the plants "out compete" the algae.

Finally, get a filter. I have an Aquaclear filter with a pre-filter sponge to keep shrimp out of it. This will also help disturb the surface to keep surface bacteria managed and increase gas exchange at the surface ensuring you have enough oxygen.

http://www.amazon.com/Fluval-A1387-EDGE-Pre-Filter-Sponge/dp/B002LL32RY

i use that one

You may be looking more for something like this, which is not pretty but would cover the intake and maybe baffle the outflow (if it's too hard for him):

https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-A1387-EDGE-Pre-Filter-Sponge/dp/B002LL32RY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481504354&sr=8-1&keywords=aquaclear+prefilter+sponge

On my Spec III, I used this cut in half. Worked wonderfully

Something akin to these http://www.amazon.com/Fluval-A1387-EDGE-Pre-Filter-Sponge/dp/B002LL32RY

They just slide over the filter inlet

http://www.amazon.com/Fluval-A1387-EDGE-Pre-Filter-Sponge/dp/B002LL32RY

I found a site a while ago with lots of tips about using the Spec V for bettas. He recommended, and I use, a Fluval EDGE Prefilter Sponge and stick it over the outflow nozzle. The current is still strong so you get the filtration power, but it's not so strong that your boi gets blown away

This one does the job just fine!

fluval edge is perfect for most intakes. Can find at any petco/petsmart. https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-A1387-EDGE-Pre-Filter-Sponge/dp/B002LL32RY I have it in all my tanks that have a HOB.

I used these prefilters on my Spec tanks, and actually had to turn the pump to a higher setting. They slide on perfectly and no modifications were necessary.

Yes the koi was a great find, luckily my LFS hand picks there bettas from breeders. Most are show quality and very unique, hence me owning four aquariums!

So biomax stuff is your biological media stick some in the filter this is normally where they’d be I do have some scattered through the gravel. Just more surface for bacteria but your main source would be the filter. Never water change and clean filter on same day.

Nitro cycle
Is 0ppm ammonia, 0ppm nitrite and between 5/10ppm nitrate. If no ammonia and nitrite in tank, this is sign of established cycled tank. If present not established. You can buy bacteria in a bottle these days which helps.

I’ve also got a betta and in the beginning worried about flow myself. Fluval makes a pretty good sponge for this type of thing. It worked a treat. :)
Fluval Edge Prefilter Sponge https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002LL32RY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I'd love a more focal stone in the middle, or some more plants to add to the tank. Also, the sponge on the filter is a bit of an eyesore compared to the rest of the tank, I'd consider getting a Fluval Edge pre-filter sponge to clean that up a bit.

Otherwise, I *love* your CPDs.

You'd be surprised how many places shrimp can get into.

Put one of these over the intake

Our aquaclear is great. If you don't have the funds for a canister filter, and if you plan on keeping/breeding small fish/animals like shrimp you can fit a Fluval Edge prefilter sponge on the intake so you won't have to worry about 'accidents'. http://www.amazon.com/Fluval-A1387-EDGE-Pre-Filter-Sponge/dp/B002LL32RY

If you're going full-planted, you may consider taking out the activated carbon from the filter and substituting it for filter fiber or similar media, as I've read in some places the activated carbon will get rid of beneficial bacteria.

Yeah, but this is probably the only way to reduce the amount of the stuff especially since you're not sure what it is. You should take a closer look anyway and figure out if it look organic or more like dust.

It all depends on what the sponge looks like. It needs to be a shape that will make a good seal around your intake. You can use a zip tie or a clamp of some sort if you need to. And you will know it needs to be unclogged when you return flow rate goes down. I'm sure if you google DIY pre filter you'll find a lot of stuff. Filter floss is very flexible and probably easier to work with than a sponge. If I had to do it again I would probably try filter floss and a clamp to seal it.

You can also get a fluval pre filter from petco/petsmart for like $4. Probably the easiest solution if it fits around your intake.

No I have the fluval one that came with it, the pump isn't loud for me personally but it's in my kitchen so the noise doesn't bug me.

The filter output is really strong yeah, but I bought some of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002LL32RY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2QgvDbJYGTT0K and it's baffled the flow of the two nozzles perfectly when I aim them upwards and a little bit above the water line. There's still a little bit of flow, but my betta can swim around very happily now with no issues :) Hope this helped you!