Bristlenose and Power Filter Return

My pleco seems to have a death wish with the water return on my power filter. What can I do to prevent this. See the photo.

use a different filter

they like the current and will always be attracted to it with that filter

Hi,have you got a good water surface agitation and a good current running throughout the tank or is it just localised in a small area?

Quote :

Hi,have you got a good water surface agitation and a good current running throughout the tank or is it just localised in a small area?

I have a full bubble wall on the back of the tank.

Quote :

use a different filter

they like the current and will always be attracted to it with that filter

If that is the only option, I might have to return the BN. Getting a new filter is not something I would like to do.

If you can make more current throughout the tank it would help.You could buy a cheapish filter for this reason and just add it and keep the one you have aswell.

Thanks for the advice. I'll try adding another filter to the other side of the tank to see if that helps.

It won't do. It's probably the algies growing in the filter they're atracted to. I've created stream in my tank (canister filter - intake on one side, exhaust on another. The current IS really strong. And still every week I find 1-3 little ones in small Marineland that I'm using as a back-up "justincase". It was same story with every HOB filter that I used.
Surprisingly, they're alive. Water movement provides oxygen and there's plenty of algies, so I just gave up.

For my baby pleco tanks, I drop the water level an inch below the lip of the return. I do this, as it seems to give better water movement and higher oxygen exchange. Never thought about them crawling right into the filter.
Shiela

bristlenose love current, LOVE IT! ever seen all your new babies sitting in the flow of a power filter, its the current they love. And lets face it, who wouldnt, it means they dont have to activly breathe, must be so relaxing not having to remember all the time

HOB filters are always a trap for them and you will always end up with some that get in there. however, as mentioned above, drop the water level or put some sponge over the outlet and you will be ok...or use it as a way to trap fry to move into another tank

Today, at 1027 local time, Pete the Longed-fin Albino Plecostomus was found dead. Police are investigating the scene of the crime at this time. Reports are that Pete was seen over the last few nights entering the return flow of a Marine Emperor power filter. Reasons are still unknown why he wanted to enter this spinning death trap. Was it in search of food? Local resident Nathan disagrees. When asked, he said. "The tank was full of food. Algae tablets, blood worms, and even fresh vegetables littered the bottom of his home."

It is a sad day in Saint Charles today. Residents there mourn the lost of not only a good fish, but a good friend. What can we learn for Pete? Filters are dangerous, and you should not mess with them. You might get a fun ride, but in the case of Pete, you might end up dead.

Also, I had dropped the water level, but I guess not enough

Too bad he was quite handsome...

Sorry to hear that Pete's adventuresome spirit could not be tamed.
As mentioned by Jeff, he was a handsome fellow.
shiela

It's a shame Petes' adventures have come to such a tragic end , sadly they can not resist the dangers of a fast current.