Quick Question

[evaDsIcixelsiD]

now i figure the whole name undergravel filter says enough...but im just double checking. You cannot use sand if you have an undergravel filter in your tank right?

 

[nutter]

Actually i think you can?? im not a pro on this sort of stuff though, let some other members help u out with this one

 

[rvm]

I've never used a UGF, but surely the sand would just get sucked into it and clog it up? Probably better asking in the tropical chit chat section!!!

 

[juanveldez]

actually I would say no as the sand would just sift through it and eventually stop the water flow underneith it and in the end it won't be doing its job.

 

[Peter Lovett]

It really depends the size of the sand. Anything less than 1.5 mm will just not work it may well clog the plate. But more than that it will not let enough water through.

 

[parker313]

I wouldn't use it. Even with the larger size sand, there are bound to be smaller particles that could gum up the works. I'd do gravel and a UGF or sand and some other type.

 

[evaDsIcixelsiD]

ok cause i currently have a 10 gallon setup with a top fin 10 running with and undergravel filter and i was thinking of raising some real small cichlids in there. Just until there big enough so my larger ones wont eat them. but i really want to try my luck with sand...so i guess im just gonna have to ditch the ugf for now. Thanks for everyone who replied

-Dave

 

[semper fi]

i would ditch the ugf anyways. 1. they are outdated. 2. they are not effective with cichlids as they are diggers. the plates become exposed and create dead spots. 3. they are a pita to clean. 4. if not cleaned under properly the waste will sit under there raising your ammonia levels.

if you do prefer biological filtration, you might want to check into fluidized bed filters or fbf's. fbf's are a more effective biological filter than the ugf.

 

[evaDsIcixelsiD]

Ok Thanks for the advice Semper

 

[Pearlie]

I plan to use a canister filter with my sand, once we can get my new tank. As far as I know, this wipes out my need for my Biowheel and Powerhead. And, with the proper configuration, shouldn't have a problem with the sand (I have to ask the lfs guys about precautions...they just have to get the durn canisters in first!).

 

[evaDsIcixelsiD]

yea i was thinking about that. They are all like 15 percent off at one of my lfs right now. i think like 114 bucks for a 250 gallon tank one.