How to Slow Down an External Filter Spray Bar

Fish pass metabolic waste into their water daily. These organic waste products will build up and create a toxic condition in the aquarium, unless they are removed. Aquarists use an external canister filter to break down these dangerous organics into harmless products. Canister filters typically return clean water to the aquarium via a spray bar, which is a perforated, plastic pipe. Water normally pushes through each hole in the spray bar with a considerable force. Large canister filters create this strong current, which will not suit all species of fish. You can, however, slow down the water that exits the spray bar.

Things You'll Need

  • Extra long spray bar
  • Sharp knife
  • Electrical drill and bits
  • Additional filter material
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase and connect a spray bar that is longer than the manufacture̵7;s recommendations. The extra length of this spray bar will cause the water that is sprayed from each hole to be forced out far less powerfully than would be the case with a short spray bar.

    • 2

      Remove the plastic plug at the opposite end of the original spray bar, as an alternative to replacing this spray bar, with a much longer one. Use a sharp knife to make a small puncture in the middle of the plug. Return the plug to the end of the spray bar. When water is forced into the spray bar, a percentage of it will escape from the end, which relieves the water pressure in the spray bar. The streams of water which are forced out each hole will be less powerful than before the hole in the plug was made.

    • 3

      Drill extra holes in the original spray bar as an alternative to replacing it with a longer version, or to making a hole in the plug at the end of the original bar. You can also widen each hole in the original spray bar. Use the tip of a sharp, small knife or a small drill bit, to widen the holes. Place the spray bar in a vise, if you are using a drill to widen holes or adding additional holes.

    • 4

      Turn off the canister filter and remove the top. Add more filter material to the filter. Return the top and switch the canister on. The extra filter material slows the water down as it travels through the filter and into the spray bar.

    • 5

      Aim the spray bar at the aquarium glass. This prevents a strong current from being pushed across the entire length of the aquarium.

    • 6

      Angle the holes on the spray bar at a 30- to 45-degree angle, pointing toward the water surface. This angle reduces the force of the current produced by the water leaving the holes and it will not be powerful enough to disturb slow-moving fish.