UGF's

[lelover]

I just bought a used 55G tank that came with an undergravel filter. I know they aren't recommended, but I can't justify spending another $50+ for a filter right now. If I understand correctly I just put power heads on the top of both tubes. Although this is a less than ideal filter what can I do to make it work the best?

 

[StanTheBetta]

Well I'm not an expert on this but I think gravel vacuuming good when you change the water helps so that too much debris doesn't get under the filter plate at the bottom and clog the holes. Other than t hat I really don't know. I think UGF provide good biological filtration since theres such a large surface area for the bacteria to colonize. I think it'll do fine for a while until you want to invest in a power filter or a canister filter.

 

[YesRushGen]

Hello, this is my first post to this forum. I've been active on FishGeeks for a couple weeks now, as I'm just getting back into fishkeeping.

In my prior fishkeeping life, I used UGF's on every tank I had - in combination with HOB Whisper filters. On the 55 gallon, I had two Whisper 3's and an UGF which was powered by FOUR columns. Two of them had powerheads, and the other two had airstones powered by an airpump. Stan is absolutely correct with the vacumming. You must keep the gravel good and clean so that too much "gunk" doesn't get under the plates.

When I began my new fishkeeping life a month ago, I first setup my 20 long. I set it up exactly how I had it before, that is, a Whisper 1 HOB, and an UGF powered by two columns with airstones. No power heads, as I think they're overkill on a 20long with a HOB.

Well, about 2 weeks into cycling (I know, bad time to make this call) I decided that I didn't like my substrate, and to replace it. At the same time, I decided to ditch the UGF based on some negative things I'd been reading. As if that wasn't enough change at one time, I also figured I might as well get rid of my old Whisper 1 and get an AquaClear 200. If you're interested, I talk about the changes I made in this thread on FishGeeks: http/www.aquaria.info/index.php?name=PNp...ewtopic&t=25597

So, UGF will work, but if you decide to get rid of it in the future you will more than likely have a mini-cycle in your tank - and some VERY cloudy water for a week or two! If you are even remotely thinking about replacing it later, I'd forfit the $$$ now and get two AC 300s rather than deal with changing it out later. I sure wish I had!

Well, don't know it this is of any help, but there you go!

regards,

Kelly

(edit) I forgot to add that I also still have my 55 from my "prior fishkeeping life." I still have the UGF, airpump, Whispers that I used previosuly. I plan on replacing all of that before even setting it up so I don't go through the same thing I'm going through now with my 20 long.

 

[lelover]

Thanks for your responses guys. I just checked out Big Al's for the first time and was very encouraged by their prices. I think I will ditch the UGF. I don't want to go through all the hassel in a year or two. Do you think the AC 500 in combination with a powerhead would do the job for an mbuna aquarium?

 

[YesRushGen]

I'm guessing it would be enough. An AC500 will pump 500 g/hr which is *almost* 10 times your tank volume. I guess the powerhead will make up for (and then some) the extra 50 g/hr.

Still being new though, I don't know if that 10 times rule refers to 10 times being based through a bio filter - or just moving the water. In anycase, I think you're probably close enough. Hopefully someone more knowledgable will chyme in here.

What I plan for my 55 is two AC300s. That will give me 600 g/hr - more than enough. For increased surface aeration, I plan to have two long airstones on both sides of the tank, burried under the substrate. I've done that on my 20L as well, and bubbling up under the substrate is quite pretty!

Enjoy your 55! (I still have to wait for a stand for mine!)

Kelly

 

[jams.alaskan]

There are still folks that use the UGF and some of them really like them. Ten years back I think I probably had them in all my tanks but no more... There are so mant great filters out there that you can check on, clean and maintain...the UGF was never that way for me. When it went sour it was a mess, always around the two year mark for me...

ALASKA

Get the filter you want now, sounds like you got a deal on the tank so go for it.