To UGF or not to UGF...that is the question!

kooter

kooter

AquaMan
Dec 14, 2003
701
13
18
Mission, BC
Just wanted some input from all you aquarists out there on what you like about UGF and what you don't like about them. There seems to be more and more people veering away from them. I was going to set one up in my 125 gal. but now I'm not too sure. THanks in advance.
Here is one view on the subject - a good read!
http://www.bestfish.com/ug.html
 
With a tank that big, I would only do reverse flow if you decide to do the UGF. Otherwise, maintenance will be a PITA unless your tank is very lightly stocked. I have a conventional UGF on my 90 and am going to switch to reverse flow very soon. I assume you have 18x72 footprint so the UGF will have 3 plates. You could either do three 1140 powerheads, six 1140 power heads, or six 660 powerheads. Does anyone know the wattage of these two models? That would be good information to determine if heat would be a problem with six powerheads running.

See links.

Reverse flow kit here:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=4635&N=2004+113040

Penguin power heads:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=4628&N=2004+113040
 
I updated my signature to show the dimensions of the tank. I don't think I will have the UGF since I am going to have sand for substrate and don't want 4-6 powerheads running. I have 2 Aquaclear 70's for filtration right now and two aquaclear powerheads that will produce a small current along the sand and to help kick up some debris that the HOB filters will clean up.
 
Is this the tank you want to keep clown loaches in? If so, I would recomend NOT putting in an UGF since clowns like to burrow.
 
yes, I will be putting the clowns in the 125Gal. tank. I've decided not to go with the UGF. This post was also just a general discussion on what people like or dislike about UFG's in general. Thanks everyone! :clap:
 
I like ugfs for medium sized tanks up to 30 maybe 40 gallons, but I vacuum every 2 weeks one fourth of the sbustrate and break down the aquarium every 18 months. They are inexpensive, straight forward and tried and true. Plants: I plant them in icecream dishes (crypticorns).
 
hate em--switched to sand with no UGF and lovin it--water is more stabil--fish look better than ever and maintenance is a breeze
 
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