UGF removal procedure

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BillyHal

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Dec 5, 2002
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Ok, so I decided to remove the UGF from my (currently lightly stocked) 45G, which is running for about 2years now. I do not have the luxury to remove my fish though. Here are the steps I think I am about to follow, and I would like to know your opinion and/or corrections.

1. Remove as much decor as possible, to leave the surface free
2. Vacuum the gravel first.
3. Then insert the siphon through the airlift tubes of the UGF (there are 2) and vacuum as much debris as possible from underneath the plates.
4. Remove some gravel and expose a part of the UGF in order to pull the plate up and insert the siphon to take care of what’s left of the debris
5. Remove gravel and disassemble one half of the UGF. Then perhaps stop for some time (maybe a day?) to let things calm down.
6. Move gravel to the other side of the tank and remove the other half of the UGF.

So what do you think? Is there something else I should consider?

Oh, something else: After this procedure, I will be left with an internal HYDOR power filter, which (according to the specifications) is more than adequate. I, however, am thinking of purchasing one extra HOB. Do you think this is too much?
 
It's pretty well impossible to over filter, unless the circulation gets too high in the tank. I'd go ahead and get the other filter.
Can I suggest you go and get a 'fish-only' bucket? You really would be better off removing the fish before you start the removal of the UGF; this proceedure will be stressful and dangerous for them if you leave them in there. You may have fish that try to sneak under the UGF plate as you lift it and then have substrate rain down on them when the plate comes out. You'll be much more in control and things will go smoother if you're not worrying about the fish.
I also suggest that you do everything exactly as you outlined, you have a great plan, but remove most of the substrate before moving the plate, and then remove the entire filter plate in one day. You can then replace the substrate, and the water left behind in the bucket will be full of debris that otherwise would have been in the tank. Be prepared to do more water changes during the next couple weeks as the tank settles.
Congrats on removing the UGF, I wish I had the ambition to remove the one in my 45g; I set up my 20g without one, and don't miss it one bit.
 
No matter what you do it will be hard on the fish. I don't know what type you have, so trying to decide if it would better to remove them or not is questionable. A large fish is not likely to get burried by the gravel and wouldn't find enough room to sneak anywhere, while little guys would be in trouble. A large "food safe" tub is cheap and would work well.

I would try to get it done in a day.either way. Letting it settle and then upsetting the tank again doesn't serve any purpose IMO.

You are going to have a lot of small particles floating around and if you can pick up something that causes them to clump together will cause them to sink or your filter will grab them quicker.

Keep an eye on your water quality. Whether or not you have a spike is debateable, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

God speed and best wishes. :)
 
I originally thought of not removing the fish because I believe that the procedure of chasing, netting and putting them in a totally unknown evnironment for a number of hours will be just as stressful for them as staying in the tank. I mean, after all, they are used to me doing the standard cleaning procedure every now and then. Now, I know this is not "standard cleaning procedure", but...
I have only 1 angel, 1 pearl, 1 cory and 4 penguins now in the tank. When I clean the tank, they know and gather in one side of it, while I am cleaning the other. That's why I think they will stay clear and not mess with the procedure (or get trapped under etc.)

Anyway, I will give it a second thought about removal. I will let you know of the results.
 
I would make sure to setup another filter BEFORE taking out the UGF... ideally, this new filter should be setup for about 4 whole weeks (or more) to establish good bacteria in it. This would certainly be less stressful than if you put a brand new filter in the tank w/o any bacteria to feed on it.
 
I would make sure to setup another filter BEFORE taking out the UGF
Click to expand...

This is a concern IMO as well, assuming you did any kind of maintenance at all a very large portion of your bio-filter will be in your gravel. When you remove the water flow and subsequent O2 supply, there will only be a small portion of your gravel which will be able to sustain bacteria by comparison. For this reason you potentially will lose a good bit of your bio-filter very quickly. You will need to make sure you have adequate estabilished bio-media eswhere in the tank so that the bactria can quickly compensate elsewhere.

The big question on my mind is why do you want to remove a low cost low maintenance highly effecient filter. It seems to me like a lot of trouble for no appearant reason.
Dave
 
I am a bit confused as to why adding another filter before hand would be a concern, but I was told (and researched) that most bacteria is in your filter and not gravel. Certainly there is this "good bacteria" in your gravel, but having it in your filter and its media is also very plentiful, or should be.

I do not think removing the gravel is a good idea either.
 
Originally posted by aquariumfishguy
I am a bit confused as to why adding another filter before hand would be a concern, but I was told (and researched) that most bacteria is in your filter and not gravel. Certainly there is this "good bacteria" in your gravel, but having it in your filter and its media is also very plentiful, or should be.

I do not think removing the gravel is a good idea either.
Click to expand...


Adding another filter beforehand isnt a concern its something you almost certanly have to do to let the good bacteria establish on the new filter before you remove the old filter...otherwise it could cause your tank to cycle again. Yes, most bacteria is in your filter....in this case the filter was a UGF (under gravel filter) so the gravel IS the filter, thats why it was suggested to get another filter biologically established before removing the current means of bio filtration. And yes it will establish in his new filter....as soon as its given time....

also he isnt even considering removing the gravel......:confused:
 
I am not sure if you missed what I mentioned in my original post: I DO have one filter in the tank BESIDES the UGF. It is a filter suitable for tanks larger than mine (>60G).

Dave: Why I don't want the UGF anymore? Because a) I am thinking of dealing with live plants, and b) because I was shocked with what I found underneath my plates when I had to uncover the UGF in my original 20G. Maybe it was my fault (although I was serious in maintenance), maybe I was a beginner then, but I do not want to risk it again. Oh, and c) because, as others have mentioned, UGFs may be good in their job, but with today's technology I think I can do as well without them, and gain the extra space.
 
I don't know what 1 pearl is (pearl gourami?) but outside of the emperors (with whom I have no experience) those fish are plenty hardy enough to take a few hours in a bucket.
 
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