how can I diffuse the current from HOB?

[rugrat]

I have a 5g tank on my desk with a bunch of small tetras in it (that I religiously keep clean, no probs there ) but the HOB filter that came with it seems to push the fish around when they swim near it. Is there any known way to maybe "there, I fixed it." to diffuse the water more? I have tried putting tall plants in front of it but it just blows them down after awhile. Any thoughts? Or is this fine for the fish? It just bugs me since they tend to avoid that area.

 

[Lotus]

It's fine for the fish. They're probably just playing in the current.

 

[OrangeCones]

You can add a prefilter to the intake, it will slow the flow down a bit.

 

[rugrat]

Thanks! I will keep that in mind but I'm still sitting here after I turned the light off and they appear to be playing. They will all go up to the edge of the area and stop, then they'll zoooom through it, and turn around and approach it from the other side. It's like some kind of fishy double dare thing or something. Also they don't seem to have trouble with it at all with the light off! doh.

 

[exhumed07]

most fish seem like they play in those spots of localized current.

 

[lauraf]

Is that why my platies love to swim under the pour of fresh, treated water from my bucket when I'm doing a water change?? Yeah, I'm old school - siphon and bucket.

 

[exhumed07]

yeah that would be one reason probly.