Took out under gravel Filter!!! HELP! ASAP!!

[t_h_e_s_a_c_k]

I just took out my under gravel filter and now my 75g is totaly filled with ****!!! is this going to kill my fish whats should i do??!!

[Hebdizzle]

get as much mechanical filtration on the tank as possible, also, a couple big water changes (like 75% if possible will take a lot of the stuff out of the tank. It is usually reccomended to take out your fish before you do something like this but I believe they will be okay.

Aaron

[wengdragon]

i can't think of anything that will hurt the fish beside the beneficial bacteria might die so keep your eye on water chemistry. also some harmful germs might come out also. again those are just what might happen. so don't be too worry but prepare for anything

[Slappy*McFish]

Run your net through the water to remove the larger debris, as well. I wouldn't worry about it much, though. My 55 looks like that every time I do a major pruning and/or replanting. It should clear up very quickly with good filtration.

[125gJoe]

You have just unleashed the UGF TimeBomb! Oh that stored fermenting crud! :eek:

As mentioned above crank up the filtration, and the net scooping is a good idea too! I think the fish will be ok...

Find the nearest concrete wall, and bash the UGF to bits - throw it hard - serveral times (eye protection is probably wise so you also don't get crud in your eyes..) Now, find the nearest trash can for that ancient, old fashioned "filter"... HTH

:D

Feel any better?
Your fish will, since if you followed these directions they will never have this happen to them again....

:)

[t_h_e_s_a_c_k]

i thought about taking the fish out, but i dont have anything to put a fish that size in! i'll do that 80gJoe!

[NJ Devils Fan]

I would follow Joe's advice on crushing the filter.;)

wengdragon, the beneficial bacteria cannot die just by moving the UGF. It can only die if it dries or is exposed to chlorine.

[t_h_e_s_a_c_k]

Oh my God am I in for a lot of work!!! I did the water change while waiting for replies here. I netted all the big **** out, but theis a ton off tiny stuff that the net won't catch. Hopefully the filters will get the rest of it... Unfortunately, one of my other filters broke down a few days ago, so i could be in for some problems. How much will a new good quality filter cost me?

[Slappy*McFish]

If an Eheim canister is too rich for your blood, you can get a Marineland Emperor 400 for $99 canadian at Bigal's.

http://www.bigalsonline.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?inUID=1066701358.1066701358&inCatID=9:Filters&inSub=19

[t_h_e_s_a_c_k]

yea i cant get anything too expensive, 100 bucks plus tax would be in my price range. Remember, I'm a 14 yr old kid without a job...;)

[viboy]

If you have some spare powerhead laying around you can make a mechanical filter reel quick with some quilt batting and a plastic pop bottle. Just cut out the bottom and cut a few holes in the side of the bottle - stuff it with batting or floss and hook it up to the powerhead. It may not look pretty but it will make quick work of the haze in your tank.

[wengdragon]

to:NJ Devils Fan
I see.....the reason i wrote that is because i read something online say that if fish dig the gravel to the under gravel filter it can create a "dead spot" for bio-filter. maybe the source i read was wrong.....thanks for the correction
to everybody
how often do you need to clean the gravel if you are using a UGF?

[RTR]

To each his own - I still use UG, but as RFUG, as it does not clog with debris as the mechanical filtration function is moved to the prefilter. But I have operated either filter flow direction in excess of 10 years without problems. If not maintained, yes, they cartainly can be a time bomb - just as any unmaintained filter can be. Don't blame the technique of the failure of the hobbyist to operate it it properly.

http://www.aaquaria.com/aquasource/rtrrfug.shtml

[NJ Devils Fan]

wd, you must remember, beneficial bacteria grows on surfaces, like decorations, heaters, and the top centimeter or so of substrate. Anaerobic or "dead spots" occur much deeper in the substrate.