New 125 gallon with undergravel filter

[Raechal]

I really wanted to use play sand as the substrate but was worried maybe it would get sucked into the undergravel filter? I've never used an undergravel filter so maybe I can get some tips from someone who has?

I also heard larger fish were better with undergravel filters. Small ones would get sucked in?

 

[OohFeeshy]

You cannot have sand with an UGF. But for a tank that big, you should get a proper filter. UGFs are only good for small tanks IMO.

 

[WILDER]

Ugf are only good on small fish that don't produce alot of waste, as they clog up quite easily.

 

[Raechal]

What about if I covered the ugf with gravel as a "pathway" and fill the rest with sand. Also, I could also add a filter that hooks on the back.

 

[WILDER]

Don't think it would work, the gravel would mix up in the sand, and I think the ugf would get blocked up with the sand.

 

[Raechal]

Don't think it would work, the gravel would mix up in the sand, and I think the ugf would get blocked up with the sand.

Hmm... I guess I will have to stick with gravel then? I am planning on getting an oscar. Would he be okay with an ugf and gravel?

 

[OohFeeshy]

Just get a proper filter!!!! Oscars are very messy I believe. A UGF can't cope with the mess of a full grown Oscar. You can have sand if you get a proper filter!!!!

 

[Raechal]

Just get a proper filter!!!! Oscars are very messy I believe. A UGF can't cope with the mess of a full grown Oscar. You can have sand if you get a proper filter!!!!

I don't have anymore money. The UGF came with the tank I bought. I wonder if they could exchange it for a better filter? They let me exchange the decorations and food.

 

[WILDER]

Big fish, you would be constantly in the tank with it being blocked, I had one once tore it out it was a nightmare.

 

[Raechal]

Big fish, you would be constantly in the tank with it being blocked, I had one once tore it out it was a nightmare.

Yea...I wouldn't want to stick my arm in a tank with a fullgrown oscar trying to move around "his" filter. I might called Petsmart today and ask them if they can exchange the filters out. I hope they can.

 

[FrAnK3333]

If your changing form gavel to sand, take the oscar out so he doesnt get stressed out.

 

[Raechal]

If your changing form gavel to sand, take the oscar out so he doesnt get stressed out.

I called Petsmart and they won't let me exchange it. I am listing it on e-bay tomorrow and hopefully someone will buy it so I can put that money towards buying two hang-on filters.

I don't have gravel or sand in my aquarium as of now. Or any fish for that matter. I just got it in my room today. It still needs to cycle and all of that fun stuff.

 

[FrAnK3333]

Well thats sucks. Instead of 2 hang on filters, go for 1 hang on , and a canister. I would get a emperor 400 and a magnum 350.