Need help with sponge filter

SomeDudeAtHome

Thanks again Kangy. I will take the HOB off tomorrow morning. I'll also try and get a video of the cories because I feel like I might be worried about nothing haha. Just don't want to wake up and have them all gone or something.

Byron

On the sponge: as someone mentioned, these filters push more water through than one might realize. The noise at the surface can be controlled a bit by where the outlet is positioned; about half above and half below the surface seems to be the quietest I find. But I don't worry about noise since my tanks are in a fishroom. In a bedroom it would bother me I'm sure. I posted some photos of my two Elites in post #12 of this thread:
Another Sponge Filter Setup Question

On the corys, if it is rapid respiration it is not likely to be oxygen shortage with so many plants. But before umping to issues, it may be normal. Corys that are moving around and feeding will naturally respire faster than after they have been sitting still for some time. Whenever I have had problems, the faster respiration is also belaboured, the gill covers are being pushed out far in an effort to pull in more water. And the fish are lethargic rather than active normally. If you do post a video I may be able to ascertain if there is a problem or not.

Byron.

SomeDudeAtHome

Thank you Byron that was once again very helpful. I think my filters are about right with the way I've set them up. Hopefully won't need too much more fiddling. I might move them from being on the back wall to the side though. Right now the output is going from corner to corner long ways rather than right down the aquarium.

From what you've described on the cories it seems like it'd be more normal behavior. It always happens when they go from swimming all over to sitting then after a minute or two the gills slow tremendously but I can still see them moving. I'll post a video tomorrow just to be sure though.

kangy

I closely watched my Cory's today at feeding time (Saturday's are bloodworms and they always get really excited) They did the same thing, rapid breathing after some very active swimming and rooting. Once the feeding calmed down they went back to normal respiration and casual "sniffing" around. I think your Cory's are fine ;)