Having trouble with my filter

[CaceyT]

I'm hoping someone can offer some advice on this. I recently got my first betta, about two weeks ago, and I'm worried the filter in the tank is too much for him. I've been trying to find ways to baffle it - it's just a basic internal sponge filter that came with the tank.

I've tried a few things so far - tied tights around the output, put a decoration in front - but now I've got a filter sponge around the outlet. This seems to be doing the trick for the current, but I'm concerned it's reduced the flow in the tank too much. The water seems pretty stagnant now. Will this be bad for the fish or the tank?

[CasCat]

A picture of the filter would be super helpful, it might give us a better idea of how to baffle it properly.

[CaceyT]

Here's a picture of my filter with the sponge attached.

[reefkeeper]

I'm hoping someone can offer some advice on this. I recently got my first betta, about two weeks ago, and I'm worried the filter in the tank is too much for him. I've been trying to find ways to baffle it - it's just a basic internal sponge filter that came with the tank.

I've tried a few things so far - tied tights around the output, put a decoration in front - but now I've got a filter sponge around the outlet. This seems to be doing the trick for the current, but I'm concerned it's reduced the flow in the tank too much. The water seems pretty stagnant now. Will this be bad for the fish or the tank?

One of the key functions of a filter outlet is to create flow and surface agitation, which in turn helps introduce oxygen into the water. By covering the outlet, you've significantly reduced the flow, resulting in minimal surface agitation. This could lead to inadequate oxygen levels in the tank. I'm curious, do you have an air stone in the tank to supplement the filter, or is it just the filter providing circulation?

[CaceyT]

I'm just using the filter for now. Would adding an air stone help with the oxygen levels in the tank?

[CaceyT]

I'm worried an air stone would just make the current even stronger, which is the opposite of what I'm trying to achieve with baffling the filter.