undergravel filter.

[7620le]

so as the title state. i would like to know more about undergravel filter.
I have a 30G fish tank with about 7 tiger barbs and a sailfin pleco.
so i was wondering how does a undergravel filter work and is it possible to make your own design for it. What are the steps for this?
any comment or help would be thankful =)
:thm:

[beblondie]

hope this gives you an idea how they work-Anne

[7620le]

hope this gives you an idea how they work-Anne

o_O so are yu using it from a airpump? or a powerhead?

[Mgamer20o0]

anne i was hoping for some kind of list....

[beblondie]

PPPPfffffft!!!!!!

[excuzzzeme]

30 gal is too small a tank for a sailfin pleco. You will need a tank with at least a 48" footprint.

[Rbishop]

A UGF can be driven by air from the air pump or by a power head. You will get a higher flow thru the substrate with the power head, which is desirable.

A more preferred way to run these filters is in the reverse mode, RUGF, with a power head pushing water back down the lift tube, under the plates and up through the substrate.

This helps lift the debris out of the substrate and keeps it in the water column.

[7620le]

A UGF can be driven by air from the air pump or by a power head. You will get a higher flow thru the substrate with the power head, which is desirable.

A more preferred way to run these filters is in the reverse mode, RUGF, with a power head pushing water back down the lift tube, under the plates and up through the substrate.

This helps lift the debris out of the substrate and keeps it in the water column.


oooo ic it now.
thx =)

[jpappy789]

I agree with Rb, RUGF's are much more efficient, especially when complemented with another filter such as a HOB or cannister.

[Cory Keeper]

Yeah, RUGF would be far superior to a regular UGF.

[7620le]

Alright since i am hearing a lot positive stuff about RUGF i guess ill give it a shot.
so can anyone tell me where to get started?
like the stuff i will need and maybe a little sketch.

[jpappy789]

Best option is to get a reversible power head...I know AC has one, but I used the reverse kit from marineland (purchased at drsfosterandsmith.com) because I already had one of their ph's. I'm sure you could rig one up on your own, but I wouldn't know how to go about it in a DIY way...

[centralharbor]

I've looked at the UGF plates before, and it seems like you could rig up something similar with a matrix of pvc pipes with holes drilled through the tops. Has anyone tried this before? It would seem beneficial if you would want the flow to go to only certain parts of the aquarium so you don't disturb your plants, but you would just have to be sure to make enough holes so you don't create back pressure on the power head (unless that's not a bad thing).

[7620le]

hmm sound interesting ...i will give it a shot after i gather up some more information .

[Cliff Mayes]

You can do a DIY UGF but it is not worth the trouble. I do not recommend it.

The folk who have done some studies say that there is no difference in flow between an airlift (bubbles) and Power Heads (PHs) although I prefer the PHs because of the lack of noise and no splashing from the PHs.

UGFs are somewhat old fashioned and I have gotten rid of most of mine at the Auctions where they go for a buck a bundle.

[jpappy789]

Maybe old fashioned in a technological sense but they are still the best bio filters out there...

[7620le]

i agree ^
:)

[ProjectMaro]

Anybody ever setup a RUGF or UGF with sand substrate?

[catnipgal]

Even with an RUGF you still have to vaccum the gravel. That is why I passed on it.

[jpappy789]

Anybody ever setup a RUGF or UGF with sand substrate?

I wouldn't personally do sand with either, though I'm sure it could be done with at least a UGF, possibly even reverse...


Even with an RUGF you still have to vaccum the gravel. That is why I passed on it.

You have to vac every setup...no one said a RUGF was an exception, just it lessens the need for a vac every week.

[Weezer]

Here is a link with alot of discussion about RUG Filtration that maybe helpfull.......:) http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/search.php?searchid=2614946&pp=25&page=2