Ug Filter Or Not

[leecara]

I posted my first fish problems in the Newbie section, ( with much appreciated help) I now have the following dillema.

I put in an UG filter, a few people said they were good, having read a few articles I am not sure I have dome the right thing, so thought about taking it out, also because the pumps to run the UG are extremelly noisy.

So to not run my UG ( i still have my Fluval 2+ working all the time) should I remove the whole thing including base, or can I just not use it ? but if I leave it in and just not use it will all the dirt that falls down of its own accord cause more harm to my tank..

Another thing, someone mentioned in a topic I read a sort of filter that vacuums the gravel through a soc k type thing and puts the water back in the tank, I have the same problem that as I vacuum my gravel before I am half way round I have syphone enough water already.

Where can I get a sock thing and are they any good.

 

[scubadoo]

I've never used an UG filter, but they were state of the art some 20years ago. As with all things, developments are made and older systems abandoned. It it were me, I'd take it out and use a modern filter like your fluval (sized to suit the tank), or if you feel inclined, you could invest in an external canister filter which will be more expensive, but will be more efficient and easier to maintain.

I dont think that what you're referring to for cleaning the tank is a filter. You can buy gravel vacs (usually battery powered) which will suck up the waste of the bottom of the tank and run it through a little sock to catch the waste before returning the water to the tank. They're a bit like dustbusters for your tank.

You should be able to get a gravel vac like this form any half decent fish shop etc.

 

[mr.dark-saint]

UG filters are okay as long as the fish don't dig and if you can't find egg crate for cushioning the rocks in your tank. Don't know about Fluval 2+ so I can't comment. But from my reading you have a small tank since you can't seem to loose that much water from your tank (hydro-vac with a sock is a small gizmo). Get a canistar filter and hook up your hydrovac thing. Sure this will be kind a costly but it'll solve your problem.

 

[leecara]

hi

i have now got rid of the undergravel filter as i have been advised my so many ppl in shops and on diffrent forums to get rid of it. i have now brought an external filter wich is recommned by every1 bcause of its grat filtration .aswell as keeping the external filter i am still keeping the fluval 2 plus as it has cycled and will also help the tank.

hope you find what your looking for on here

 

[hawk]

Thanks guys - i was looking for an answer to this exact question - used the search function and viola! - I have my answer! - will be removing my UG filter....

I already have to power filters running...one internal and one external...is that OK?

 

[leecara]

I already have to power filters running...one internal and one external...is that OK?
[/quote]


yup thats fine thats what weve got

 

[Kevstir]

i use one of those gravel vacs, got it from pets at home for a fiver, its an air powered one, if you have an air pump that should do the job nicely

 

[hawk]

I already have to power filters running...one internal and one external...is that OK?

yup thats fine thats what weve got
[/quote]

Ok thanks - so i can just take it out and I wont really be very sorry when its gone?

 

[leecara]

I have two gravel vacs, one that vacs and syphons the water out for a water change at the same time, and the other that cleans the gravel and puts the water back in the tank, beacause by the time I have tried to clean my gravel i get 1/4 round and I don,t want to syphon out any more water. Although I have to say I haven't used the one that keeps the water in the tank, will give it a go after christmas.