Question about a filter

[RedFish]

I have a Fluval 1 in a 12 gallon eclipse tank (the tank was given to me that way - the original eclipse filter equip is long gone).
The fluval is a small contained filter that sits just under the water level.   The water is sucked in at the bottom of the canister and shoots out a tube at the top.    It creates a current that goes all the way around the top of the tank.
The fluval 1 is rated for tanks up to 12 gallons so it is the correct size for the tank.

I have harlequin rasboras in the tank, and I notice that they swim in the current all the time.    They can only avoid the current by going deep.    Is this OK for them?   Since they are a mid to top dweller, in the long run will it be hard on their systems to be constantly fighting a current?   I want to add a dwarf gouramis at some point - will this be ok for him?

[Seanc]

if you think it is too much current then just point it at the glass.That should work.

[RedFish]

Thanks for the reply Sean but it uses suction cups to stick to the aquarium wall.   So you can either have it on a short wall -> current goes across the back and all the way around or
have it on a long wall -> current still goes all the way around.
Or am I missing something in your post?

[Mettle]

Thanks for the reply Sean but it uses suction cups to stick to the aquarium wall.   So you can either have it on a short wall -> current goes across the back and all the way around or
have it on a long wall -> current still goes all the way around.
Or am I missing something in your post?

I think he was thinking about larger sizes of the internal Fluvals that have adjustable nosles that allow you to point the filter output in a desired direction. Unfortunately as you know the Fluval 1 does not allow you to do this.

Now you said it was a Fluval 1. I know with the Fluval 1 Plus (I have one) you can lay the filter on its back so it points straight up. This would require having it on the bottom of the tank. (Did that for my turtles when they were incredibly little.)

I see the problem you're having though. I can also imagine with the shape of the tank itself that you're having issues with a whirlwind almost with water blowing about the tank.

Maybe move the filter lower?

The last thing I'll say is that is when a filter says it does 'up to' a certain amount of gallons, that is the top end of the spectrum. So your filter may be inadequate for a heavily stocked tank. Also the internal filters tend to be poor for building up beneficial bacteria as they generally only run on sponges. (Though there are carbon inserts available for the Fluval 1 - but whether or not to use it is another story and comes down to preferences on carbon.) I would suggest a new filter altogether - which one though is another question.

[RedFish]

Maybe move the filter lower?


I would suggest a new filter altogether - which one though is another question.

Yes, I have come to the conclusion I would like another filter.  
The instructions say not to put it lower.

There is no place to put a HOB and I cannot find another small canister type.   I don't want to spend $$$ on a new hood.  Any filter suggestions are welcome.....

.....I wonder if I could put a piece of hard tubing with holes in it, on the outtake to diffuse the water...

[Aiglos]

Redfish: Install a Sponge Filter....  Perfect Solution.

15$ you have have yourself a nice sponge filter

[RedFish]

Well I popped in to Big Als to check out  sponge filters, described my problem and they said to take the filter off the aquarium wall and set it at an angle on the gravel, with the output spout pointed toward the surface.   It works great!   I was stuck on the manual - which said the filter should be just below the surface of the water.   The employees said that was not necessary.
So thank you all for the help- crisis averted!