View Full Version : Undergravel filter and Plants a bad mix?
BumBumBee
03-11-2003, 7:25 PM
I have a 45 gallon tank with 4 36" fluorescent lights. I have an undergravel filter and I'm thinking about getting a wet-dry (just because they are so cool). I want to have Discus and as many plants as I can. Will the roots plug the filter?
Thanks
Dangerdoll
03-11-2003, 7:36 PM
The roots will definitely find their way into the filter, making their way into the holes. Depending on how many plants you'll have and your set-up depends though. I have live plants and an undergravel filter (UGF) but my setup is a bit different. I don't have the UGF flush acrossed the entire bottom of the tank. I have a 55 gallon, (which would normally take 4 squares, not sure of the names) but use only 2 squares of the UGF placed in the center. I have my plants placed in the areas where the UGF isn't. It might seem like "what's the use", but it does my tank fine and everything and everyone seems as happy as can be. My filter hasn't been clogged yet. I also have a HOB filter though, as even if I had the full 4 squares, I wouldn't depend on the UGF to carry the full load of filtration for the tank.
HTH :)
AntmanMike
03-11-2003, 7:40 PM
I used to have a 10 gallon with a UGF. I took a hybrid anubias (the flimsy kind) and planted it in there. It took STRONG root, and could never be removed. The plant finally died after i beleive 2 years when a system collapse (a Clown Loach introduced ich and I had to go away for a week. Collapsed the system.).
BumBumBee
03-11-2003, 7:44 PM
HOB? Hang on back????????
Dangerdoll
03-11-2003, 7:46 PM
yep, "hang on back", sorry about that... :D
Matak
03-15-2003, 11:05 PM
So the question still remains: will plant roots plug a UGF so bad as to make it useless?
BTW, Dangerdoll, I have 1/3 of my tank filtered by a RFUGF (See Tank Specs, below) much the same as yours and it is an excellent system IMHO. It doesn't create any water surface disturbance, which is beneficial for keeping CO2 in a planted tank.
125gJoe
03-15-2003, 11:36 PM
Originally posted by Matak
So the question still remains: will plant roots plug a UGF so bad as to make it useless?.... Not much "use" in the first place.... IMO... And, yes, I would think roots would hinder it's ability to suck and hold debris in the gravel and under the plates. :)
Well Joe, we all know your love of UGF's :rolleyes: I'm not concerned about the debris under the plate as the water entering under the plate is pre-filtered.
Heady
03-16-2003, 11:20 AM
I have had a 55 gallon tank filtered only by a UGF powered by 2 powerheads and several plants for 7 years. No problems with clogging.
125gJoe
03-16-2003, 4:44 PM
Originally posted by Matak
Well Joe, we all know your love of UGF's :rolleyes: ...... I'm sure about everyone knows of some gadget or device they despise... :D
Did you once have a UGF in the past that has caused you heartache?
125gJoe
03-16-2003, 10:06 PM
Matak, yes you can say that.. There now are much better ways to filter a tank (don't want to offend, it's my opinion, and what I've noticed). Others should be aware of options that are available. :)
odessa
03-17-2003, 10:14 AM
I have a good friend that uses reverse flow on his ugf and injects c02 into the down tube. He has very good growth.
Also using a ugf mays also help to carry warmer water and nutrients to t he roots of the plants thus allievieting cold feet syndrome. I wouldn"t count on it for total filtration but I could see how one could be usefull for plant gorwth.
125gJoe
03-17-2003, 3:33 PM
Originally posted by odessa
..... I wouldn"t count on it for total filtration but I could see how one could be usefull for plant gorwth.
I knew someone that had a UGF only in a 30 or so gallon. Countless water changes, vacuuming, careful not to overfeed, no live plants, and still had water problems - such as brownish water, fungus, fish seemed lethargic (some died).. I suggested getting a good HOB filter like an AquaClear. What a difference! Both "systems" working did great! I still have 'my unchanging opinion' that a canister and the HOB would have worked even better. At the time, this person decided not to spend a few extra dollars for a good canister. Mechanical filtration does work. There are varying degrees and personal preferences as to what is necessary. :)
I would probably agree with you Joe on the UGF. I got irritated real fast with the bubbling air lifters and replaced that with a fluval simple 1 sponge prefilter and turned it into a RFUGF. No problems since and I am now experimenting with letting my plants naturaly creep into this section.
Hmm, if my gravel plate gets clogged with roots, I wonder if I could just throw some cutworms from my lawn under my RFUGF and let them eat the roots. Can they swim?
125gJoe
03-17-2003, 9:10 PM
Don't try that! What if they don't swim.. LOL
I'd just wait for the 'water-proof' aquarium weed-eater. Soon marketed by A-Zoo Aquatics... :D
Too funny. :D Sometimes you crack me up!:p
Dangerdoll
03-17-2003, 11:23 PM
Originally posted by Matak
So the question still remains: will plant roots plug a UGF so bad as to make it useless?
BTW, Dangerdoll, I have 1/3 of my tank filtered by a RFUGF (See Tank Specs, below) much the same as yours and it is an excellent system IMHO. It doesn't create any water surface disturbance, which is beneficial for keeping CO2 in a planted tank.
Matak, I agree, I think it's an excellent system as well....I'm curious though as to how you made it a reverse flow......I could be just acting on blonde genes, but is there something else you do? I mean, just by using the 1 sponge prefilter does it? Did you get this "fix" from a lfs? Is it simple? (sorry so many questions)
I could be just acting on blonde genes,
Q: Why are blondes so dumb?
A: To give redheads & brunettes a fighting chance! :D
I took an in-tank sponge filter (click here to see (http://www.hagen.com/canada/english/aquatic/product.cfm?CAT=1&SUBCAT=107&PROD_ID=01001600011001)), and did a DIY make-it-fit tube to attach it to my existing airlift tube that attaches to my UGF plate. If you have the money, I would look into ready made systems that are made just for that purpose. If you go my route, use the next higher pump than I did, the 2Plus. If you want more info on how to convert your UGF to a RFUGF, we could start a new thread at freshwater DIY where some real experts can help us as well. PM me if you want to do that.
HTH :)