DIY Undergravel Filter

[northampton_matt]

Having come across this link

http/saltaquarium.about.com/cs/filtersdi...22297diyugf.htm

everything makes sense except for the airpump/airstones. Surely im missing something obvious but how do these work to suck the water through the filter, there is no mention in the article about using a powerhead??

this is something I am very interested in as I have a spare pump, heater etc but not a spare powerhead. And I would like to try something on an 'ultra-budget'!

Cheers,

Matt

 

[northampton_matt]

Anyone?? Please!!!

When I was in my LFS today, they seemed to be using the same system, an Undergravel Filter without a powerhead, it was just a pipe coming up from the gravel to just below the surface, bubbling away. I asked if it was an airpump creating a vacumn effect that operated the UGF and she said it was.

So is this really true, can an airstone really replace a powerhead??? if so what size should the airstone be in relation to the up-pipe??

Cheers,

Matt

 

[Unphased]

i didnt read the artical cause of my ADD lol but i have in 2 55gals just the pipe wiht an airstone that bubbles and they push the water up and threw the filter... its simple... ill post pics later when i get the digi cam. dont know if that helped or just came off stupid but hey, i tryed =)

 

[MrMashashin]

yea an air stone will work in its place but rich people prefer power heads becuase they make the vacume suction much more powerful
air stones will bubble and make a vacume.

it depends on the size of your tank... If your tank is 10-39 gal. use the little ones that come in a 2 pack
if its 55 and up... it depends.

 

[northampton_matt]

Thanks to the both of you, that does go with what I saw in the LFS today.

Great news as it means I can now setup another tank, without having to buy a powerhead or filter!!!

Cheers

Matt