how do i change the ugf

[LJH]

ok at the moment I am battling with ammonia and nitirte problems, I have given up using the tests as the fish give me more of an indication that something is wrong (thanks to wetwetwet for spotting the ammonia problem), now I have a question when and how do you change ugf systems? do you take it out the tank? how do I change the filters and stuff? and when do I change them? sorry but a total newbie here getting lost in all the information

 

[devinf]

You don't change a UGF.

It is important to clean them! You should vaccuum the gravel and do a 20-25% water change every 1-2 weeks (over time, you'll find the right schedule).

You should also clean the plastic tubing every so often (a bottle brush works well), as algae and other bits of muck will start collecting in them. If you have powerheads helping with the circulation, it's a good idea to take those apart (I do it every couple of months) and clean them really well.

Devin

 

[sandyd]

Just my 2 cents, but i have never had good luck with ugf's. I have tried them a few times and all they ever seemed to do was to make things harder to take care of. They get really nasty underneath. It is up to you, but if it was my tank, the ugf would be out of there. Sandy

 

[PunkRock050]

Yeah UGFs arent good. I was constantly battling with ammoniaand nitrate levels and I finally pinpointed it to the crap under my UGF bed. I had to move the fish and completely re-do the tank without the UGF this time

 

[CFC]

UGF's are more or less obsolete,id rip it out and start again from scratch with a good internal power filter,they are much easier to maintain and do a superior job.

 

[njparton]

I don't have ammonia or nitrite problems but my nitrate levels go from 20 mg/l (just after water change) to 100+ mg/l in about 4 days.

I guess these levels will eventually kill my fish?

Not having anywhere else to put them I guess i'll just have to change the water twice a week - but that means I'm changing 50% of the water every week!

 

[wetwetwet]

Whats the nitrAtes out the tap?


....(mine 50-60 )

 

[njparton]

Whats the nitrAtes out the tap?


....(mine 50-60 )

I never get a reading so I take that to be at or close to 0.

I will check again today however as I'm sure it varies...