Help Methods for slowing flow - Oase Filtosmart Thermo 100

[SmartAlec13]

EDIT: Solved. I'll be buying one of the valves JayP links below, from Oase.

My Question: Does anyone know of equipment or methods for slowing flow, specifically for an Oase Filtosmart Thermo 100?

I am setting up a 45U tank for a betta fish, and I know they prefer slower flow. I do not plan on using the outflow spray bar that the filter comes with, instead I'll be using a spin-pipe.

For my Oase Biomaster on my other tank, I am able to reduce the flow by partially unlocking/locking, which closes the openings slightly. But from what I can tell the Filtosmart models don't have this, since they don't have the prefilter that the Biomaster models come with.

I have read online of some people using a ball valve or similar to control the flow. I am hoping some of the bright minds here know a good solution? Thanks!

 

[JayP]

Double Tap 12/16 shutoff valves

You might find some cheaper on Amazon but just make sure they're the 12/16 size for the 100. I use them on both the in and out sides for easy separation of the filter from the pipes and tubing for cleaning, but they also serve to adjust flow on the output.

 

[SmartAlec13]

Double Tap 12/16 shutoff valves

You might find some cheaper on Amazon but just make sure they're the 12/16 size for the 100. I use them on both the in and out sides for easy separation of the filter from the pipes and tubing for cleaning, but they also serve to adjust flow on the output.

Wow these look slick. I might have to get them for my other tank as well.

 

[TRyan]

I use the UNS ones, but they all do the same thing. I feel like they are a must for every canister filter. I have them on all my filters.

 

[H2Oyah]

The revised Biomaster 2 line released recently has a adjustable flow valve included.

Attached is a screenshot.

Oase customer service is amazing, maybe reach out to them and ask if you can order it individually as a spare part.

 

[JacksonL]

The revised Biomaster 2 line released recently has a adjustable flow valve included.

Attached is a screenshot.

Oase customer service is amazing, maybe reach out to them and ask if you can order it individually as a spare part.

I have asked them about outflow parts, specifically the spray bar segments, as the one that comes with the V2 biomasters is quite short. They have said they only sell the outlet, flow adjuster and the spray bar as one item. It can be found on Amazon: Oase BioMaster 2 Outlet Spray Bar Set V2 – 16/22mm External Filter Outlet Kit for Enhanced Water Circulation : Amazon.com.au: Pet Supplies
I would happily send it to you for free, as I have just ordered the pack to get just the spray bar segments, but I am in Australia!

 

[SmartAlec13]

I have asked them about outflow parts, specifically the spray bar segments, as the one that comes with the V2 biomasters is quite short. They have said they only sell the outlet, flow adjuster and the spray bar as one item. It can be found on Amazon: Oase BioMaster 2 Outlet Spray Bar Set V2 – 16/22mm External Filter Outlet Kit for Enhanced Water Circulation : Amazon.com.au: Pet Supplies
I would happily send it to you for free, as I have just ordered the pack to get just the spray bar segments, but I am in Australia!

Yeah that would be quite a distance, thank you anyway. I'll go with one of the ones JayP linked above.

 

[JayP]

The biomaster parts are for 16/22 tubing. The Filtosmart 100 uses 12/16 tubing.

 

[gnatster]

Another Oase valves user.

Is it better to throttle the intake to the filter or the outflow to the tank?

On the outflow to the tank below.

 

[HardeeParty]

You always want to throttle flow from the outflow. No chance of introducing air from the back end if you slow the front end.

 

[JayP]

You always want to throttle flow from the outflow. No chance of introducing air from the back end if you slow the front end.

Exactly! In any use of pumps, restricting the input side puts excess wear on the pump and results in reduced life.

 

[JacksonL]

These look interesting, I have ordered a set to try. My outflow pipe has to had the quick disconnect behind the tank due to cabinet space and I find the type that have the nut you need to unscrew awkward to disconnect with one hand. These could be a game changer and are truly quick connect/disconnect with the push fit action.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNraMZL

 

[MrJG]

@JacksonL I have a set like this that are Fzone branded and the release isn’t quite a one handed deal for me. It’s in there tight and requires me to push the release down with one hand and wiggle it apart with the other. It also holds a little residual water in past the lock that you’ll have to be aware of when separating the two.
Make sure they click back in well when putting back together, I almost fired my filter back up with it not fully locked in once.

 

[TheWetScape]

https://a.co/d/0dDHYtqV
I used this on my oase 100 with a spin pipe on a 30c cube

 

[JacksonL]

@JacksonL I have a set like this that are Fzone branded and the release isn’t quite a one handed deal for me. It’s in there tight and requires me to push the release down with one hand and wiggle it apart with the other. It also holds a little residual water in past the lock that you’ll have to be aware of when separating the two.
Make sure they click back in well when putting back together, I almost fired my filter back up with it not fully locked in once.

Thanks for the heads up!
I find all of the types I’ve tried suffer from residual water in the connection point, obviously some are worse than others.
Might not be the magic bullet I was hoping for, but it should at least be simpler to disconnect from behind the tank thank the spinning nut type

 

[Koan]

setting up a 45U tank for a betta fish, and I know they prefer slower flow

You can also consider a different outflow pipe

I use a "poppy" pipe on a 45C with the Filtosmart Thermo 200, the next size up of that same filter, and the flow is very chill

 

[SmartAlec13]

You can also consider a different outflow pipe

I use a "poppy" pipe on a 45C with the Filtosmart Thermo 200, the next size up of that same filter, and the flow is very chill

View attachment 16463

Oh definitely. I plan on using a spin pipe that I got a while ago, though a poppy would work as well.

 

[Long Sun Aquascaping]

What an incredible thread! If I can hop on, I'm running an Oase 250 Biomaster on a 60P. I have double-taps installed, and the flow does seem rather strong to me. How do y'all determine if your flow is "too much"? I understand it might be more clear for a betta, but I have some cherry shrimp at the moment and will be adding jelly bean tetras.

 

[Kwyet]

What an incredible thread! If I can hop on, I'm running an Oase 250 Biomaster on a 60P. I have double-taps installed, and the flow does seem rather strong to me. How do y'all determine if your flow is "too much"? I understand it might be more clear for a betta, but I have some cherry shrimp at the moment and will be adding jelly bean tetras.

The cherry shrimp will be fine even in very high flow. I have some in my hillstream tank. For the tetras, if they’re being blown around and have nowhere to get out of high flow, then it’ll be a problem. I haven’t kept that kind though.

 

[Koan]

How do y'all determine if your flow is "too much"?

If the livestock are happy, ie eating and active, and you are not growing BBA on the plants that are directly downstream, those are the main flags

Some plants don't thrive if they're being battered about but you should be able to tell by watching them grow