Ugf Filter - Enough Bubbles?

[jiffy]

I have just set up a 2.8 gal hex that has a UGF. I have never used a UGF before and want to make surethere are enough bubbles for the tank. It is 15" tall and at any time there will be 2 marble sized bubbles on their way to the top. Once one hits the surface another one will be on its way from the bottom.

Does this sound like it is set up properly?

 

[yvez9]

i guess so
the only way you'll know for sure is by testing your water for ammonia/nitrites/...

 

[reg2k2]

I would suggest clearing/replacing the airstone.

 

[jiffy]

this actually brings up my next question.

The air tube runs down into the UGF plate but then I am missing the tube that carries the bubbles back up. So, bubbles just come up through the gravel on their own. No lift tube, no airstone. By the time it gets to the top it makes a loud enough noise to bother me.

1. how do I solve this?
2. am I missing anyother necessary parts for the UGF?

 

[jmkgreen]

What are you trying to achieve? Decorative effect, enough oxygen for fish to breathe or something else?

 

[jiffy]

jmkgreen - filtering and oxygen for the fish, however the noise of the pump pushing a large (marble sized bubble) out of the ugf and it breaking at the surface is pretty annoying as I try to sleep. thats why im not sure how i can get a diffuser onto there without the lift pipes...

 

[Lateral Line]

You are missing a part. The uplift tube uses air to entrain water upwards. This lowers the pressure beneath the ugf plate and causes water to be drawn down through the gravel which acts as your biological filter bed. What you have at the moment will not be filtering at all.

 

[reg2k2]

So the airline tubing actually has a connector at the plate? Is there a space for an uplift?
Any idea on the maker..or is this an item you inherited?

 

[jiffy]

The tank is inherited, so I have no idea who makes it or where it even came from.

The UGF plate has a connector for the airline tubing (which I have run the tubing to) and another bigger hole where I'd assume a lift tube goes, only no lift tube is present so the bubbles just come out of the hole.

I should add, I don't feel any commitment to keep the UGF, but a HOB won't work with this tank unless it is tiny, as in no more than 4" wide. I know petco sells some for about $13. Then there is a problem of making a lid for the tank...

If anyone knows a better option, maybe a sponge filter or something, let me know.

 

[reg2k2]

I know Lee's puts out replacemt tubes...about 1", but maybe yours needs something smaller?

Smallest HOB I've seen is prob. around 4", I think it was Whisper, a micro-filter.

Standard sponge might be a bit bulky in your tank...sponge itself 4-5" long, 1.5"-ish diam.

I've used this filter on a 2.5gal...I like it ('cause it fits), but not sure just how efficient it is longterm. jme, tho...could be it needed more frequent rinsing.

Hope u find something.