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

[aquariumfishguy]

I don't see a need for a UGF in this day and age. Power filters, canister filters, and even sponge filters (for smaller tanks obviously) are excellent filters. I use aquaclears on every last tank I have and I get great results. :)

[fish_freak]

I dont like them becuase they create a large area waste to decaying which decreases water quality but with cichlids there almost usless anyway because they work by sucking the waste down from the gravel and cichlids dig in the gravel so as soon as they dig a whole or move some gravel around the suction will just go through the one area with the least gravel as it will be the easiest path for water flow and the rest of the gravel will remain dirty.
I guess its really just a matter of personal opinion in the end

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by Robv1965
.....Should I skip the UG and maybe get an XP3?
.....
Rob

Yes.

[Matak]

"A man with a testimony is never at the mercy of the one with a theory" I have a sponge pre-filtered RFUGF on one third of my tank and it is the sole filter for the tank. It is by far the area with the least amount of mulm in it as can be attested by the clarity of the water in the siphon tube come water change time.

As good as it works, however, the only reason I would do it again this way is for economy sake. The whole setup probably cost me only $45 CDN. If I had the bucks, I would go Ehiem.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Yea, I would ditch the UGF and get an xP3. I guarantee that you will be very happy with it.

[Robv1965]

How about powerhead placement for additional water movement? Maybe just 1 to keep thing moving a bit?

Thanks,

Rob

[aquariumfishguy]

I dont see a need for one, but thats just me. What about an air stone, do you like these? My thoughts are, if you're going to have increased water movement (disturbance) then you should at least be able to see the bubbles and whatnot. :D

I dont have airstones in all my aquariums as that would get noisy and would cost a fortune but I have them in the tanks which the most people walk past and view. Everyone loves seeing the bubbles! ;)

[NJ Devils Fan]

However, if you are going planed, then you don't want airstones, you want as little surface disturbance as possible, which makes caniser filters ideal for planted tanks.

[travelinman1969]

I just pulled my UG and boy what a differance. The nitrates aren't near as bad. That seemed to be more of a time bomb than anything. If you do go with a UG go with a RFUGF. I've done some research and they sound great, just my tank is too big to put one in now. I'm moving in 3 weeks and will consider this when I set it back up.

[aquariumfishguy]

Originally posted by NJ Devils Fan
However, if you are going planed, then you don't want airstones, you want as little surface disturbance as possible, which makes caniser filters ideal for planted tanks.

This only applies to tanks getting Co2 injections. If your not doing this than air stones won't hurt a thing and may in fact help a little.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Well, plants use CO2. Even if you aren't injecting, they are still using the CO2 that is in the water. So, an airstone would eliminate the CO2 that the plants could potentially use. Hope that doesn't sound confusing.

[Matak]

Well, actually NJ, if you aren't adding CO2 (either DIY or injected) then an airstone will actually help the CO2 cause. There is a natural or 'ambient' amount of CO2 in the air. The CO2 in the water will naturally adjust to a level that is consistant with the ambient CO2 in the air. If the plants consume water borne CO2, an airstone will bring CO2 to ambient levels quicker. So would surface agitation.