diff --git a/nether/depends.txt b/nether/depends.txt
index a6b36a8..8893bf0 100644
--- a/nether/depends.txt
+++ b/nether/depends.txt
@@ -4,4 +4,5 @@ riesenpilz
 stairs
 vector_extras
 fence_registration?
+function_delayer?
 watershed?
diff --git a/nether/portal.lua b/nether/portal.lua
index 2dfae00..f21cf6b 100644
--- a/nether/portal.lua
+++ b/nether/portal.lua
@@ -224,9 +224,11 @@ if nether_prisons then
 		end
 	end
 
+	-- the function delayer mod works similar to a scheduler
+	local delay_function = minetest.delay_function or minetest.after
 	local function tick()
 		update_players()
-		minetest.after(2, tick)
+		minetest.after(0.5, function() delay_function(1.5, tick) end)
 	end
 	tick()