powerhead reverse flow ?

[bestbet98133]

I have a Hagen-402 powerhead hooked up to my UGF uplift tube. After close examination I noticed that in reverse flow any particles in the water were sucked down the uplift tube. This doesn't seem right, because wouldn't this mean that food, waste, ect. was being trapped under my UGF? Is this just a bad powerhead or is this normal and/or o.k.?
(right now I changed it back to regular flow, but I would like it to be reversed for better nitrifying) Thanks!

[OCSupertones]

it is truly called reverse flow, and some people prefer it for UGF, they call it RUGF (reverse under gravel filter)

Just some free info for ya, i dont like ugf's too much anymore

[RTR]

If you do not prefilter the powerhead, yes, debris from the water will be pumped under the plate and yes, that is a bad thing. The whole object of RFUG is prefiltration to keep the substrate clean for biofiltration. - keping mechanical filtration out of the gravel.

Hagen 402 powerheads are very inefficient in their reversed flow mode. Penguin powerheads with reverse flow kits are far superior - and provide prefiltration of the water.

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

HTH

[Slappy*McFish]

If I were going the UG filter route, reverse flow would be the only way I would go...excellent biofiltration, and prevents dead pockets in the substrate if done properly.....this method, teamed with a good mechanical/HOB filter, would be the way to go, IMO.