Filter options - UG or not to UG

[Robv1965]

I'm setting up a 46g bowfront to house some messy central/south american cichlids. I've decided to go with a Filstar XP2.

I was planning on also using an under gravel filter with a powerhead on each riser. I've noticed that they don't seem to be too popular anymore. I've had one on my 30g for 9 years without any problems and have never lost my cycle.

Should I skip the UG and maybe get an XP3?

I like the powerheads for water movement. Particularly for these messy fish.

How do I use a powerhead without the UGF riser tube. Just suction cup it to the side?

Thanks,

Rob

[NickH]

Definitely avoid the UGF. Especially with cichlids that like to dig up the substrate. It will end up being a useless fish waste trap.

I think an XP3 for a 46g tank is a little overkill. An XP2 with an Aquaclear 300 or an Emporer 280 is more than enough. You can use powerheads just for circulation or Aquaclear makes a Quickfilter attachment for mechanical filtration. Like you said, just attach it to the tank with suction cups.

[daveedka]

Although with modern bio type filters, ugf's aren't as necessary, I have had excellent luck with them in my oscar tanks, I always use a reverse flow system, and always use a filter on the powerheads, this keeps your substrate very clean and still provides the biological filtration you want. Anything but reverse flow will usually create problems at some point, and will always require a lot of maintenance.

[125gJoe]

Skip the UGF on this tank, and all your future set-ups!
You will be happy you never had to mess with a UGF. :)

[RTR]

See:

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

The over-engineered variant of RFUG was developed specifically to deal with Cichlids.

[daveedka]

The article listed by RTR is great, I read it yesterday, and am Quite excited to try the overengineered RFUG. It is definately worth the read!!!!

[Tightdog1]

skip the UGF and go for the RFUG. if you do decide to go underground