How to Adjust a Tetra Whisper Fish Tank Filter

A Tetra Whisper filter is designed to hang on the inside back of an aquarium tank, which gives an aquarist the ability to place the tank tight against a wall. This design is different than most other hang-on back filters. The other unique attribute of the Tetra Whisper filter is the fact that it does not have a built-in flow control. This can present problems if you are nursing sick fish back to health and the water draw from inside the tank may be too much for them. This can be corrected with a small modification.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium silicone
  • 600 grit sandpaper
  • Water
  • Clean towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the filter cartridge from the filter and place it off to the side. Wipe the filter dry with a clean towel. The filter must be dry before sanding on the filter housing can be completed.

    • 2

      Locate water inlet holes. They will be on the front of the housing at the bottom. It will resemble a grate. Lightly sand the left half of the grate with 600-grit sand paper. Sanding the grate on the enclosure will help the aquarium silicone adhere to the plastic housing.

    • 3

      Wash the enclosure out under a sink faucet to remove any sanding residue or plastic particles from the enclosure. These particles could be pulled into the pump causing damage to the pump. Dry the enclosure with a clean towel.

    • 4

      Cover the left side of the filter grate with aquarium silicone and allow the silicone to completely dry before placing the filter back into the tank. This will restrict the amount of water that is pulled into the filter thus lowering the flow of water.