u/EuphoricMeds1915

WARNING: Lots of fish death :(

TL;DR A filter that has been perfectly fine kills all my fish, and I have no clue what I can do to stop it.

I am incredibly heartbroken and confused. I am (unfortunately) on vacation right now, so I can't post a picture until my friend who is watching over them is available (so that you have a visual of what has happened), but I have been betrayed by my HOB filter.

I have a 10-gallon tank that has a small black nerite racing snail and, previously, 10 gold neon tetras lovingly named the Fishstick Clan. My friend has dutifully been taking care of them, following my meticulous instructions and updating me at the slightest changes. Yesterday, when on the phone with her, she asked "If they're supposed to be clump up against the intake tube like that?" and my heart legit dropped. 7 of them were pressed all around the bottom intake tube of my HOB filter, dead, with one laying on the floor in clear distress and near death. After a swift euthanasian and burial, I figured out what went wrong. Previously, I had a filter sponge (borrowed from an unused tank) around it loosely. I had taken it off a day or two before leaving because I wanted that tank to cycle for when I came home. Nothing bad happened in those two days, plus all the days before yesterday. I don't know what came over them, but I guess maybe they were curious and the pull was just too much.

My friend replaced the filter sponge back onto the intake tube, and I was so thankful that my favorite (One-Eyed Jack) was still alive, along with another. Somehow, horrifically, both fish got stuck BETWEEN the sponge and intake tube. My friend had shown me the first 8, as we facetimed after she asked that question, but she told me that I didn't want to see this, as it was "gruesome".

Now I am at a loss and feel incredibly helpless. The Fishstick Clan had lived in that tank WITH the sponge covering the intake for quite a while with no casualties. Now, of course when I am hours away, all 10 die horribly to a filter that is in EVERY TANK I HAVE. I got them from Walmart, as any pet store that has anything fish related is bare minimum and hour away, and all of them came with a filter to use. I always read the manual that comes with it, and there is no dial to change the flow. I feel awful, and like the filters are out to get my fish, even though its my fault for not being there.

I don't think I can afford new filters, and I am, again, hours away on vacation for at least another week. Is there anything I can do? Or instruct my friend to do? I am really worried and overwhelmed as I am relatively new to the hobby.

Thank you so much in advance for any help and advice.

I have a betta fish (lovingly named Baby), and have been interested in getting some kind of snail for my tank. The only aquarium place I have nearby (and even that is a little over an hour) had mystery snails, and in a purchase I unfortunately now know was impulsive, I bought one.

My snail, Hoover, is a cute, dark color, and was super active and swinging his little antennas around. At first, Baby had absolutely zero interest in Hoover, and Hoover was having a time crawling around the tank. Overnight, things must've changed. I came back in the morning, and Hoover now stays completely in his shell and barely moves, and when he does Baby immediately comes over and hovers near him until he stops.

I finally saw Baby attack Hoover's antennas, and decided to remove Hoover for his own safety. I am VERY new to fish and snails and aquariums in general, but I have tried to do some research. I knew bettas could be nippy, but I just didn't account for the antennas when I picked the snail.

Hoover is in a reused candle jar (don't worry, very old and very thoroughly cleaned) with smooth rocks, a tiny algae wafer, and a pothos to try and keep the water ok. I dont have a filter to agitate the water surface, and like I said, and aquarium shop is far and currently not within budget. I topped off his water (leaving room for him to get out of the water if he wants of course), but i am worried about his health. Until I get paid again, buying another tank is out of the question. I plan to keep Hoover separate from now on, but what can I do to help him in the meantime? Will his antennas be ok? He barely sends them out anymore, and I am worried he is messed up.