If you are going to use a Fluval FX5 don't even waste your time with the UGF, you have more than enough filtration.
I know people use them, obviously. But they are more work. As you guys point out there are all sorts of conditions just to get them to work right.
Pros and cons are one thing, but IMO there are NO pros to UGFs that other filters can't do better, in a way that is easier to maintain, etc.
And I never said they were designed in the 80s, I said they went obsolete in the 80s (which should imply they were around before that).
I understand that UGFs can work well enough, and that gravel can work as well. But that doesn't mean there are not much better options out there. IME sand is a much better option than gravel in almost every freshwater tank. It is cleaner, much more natural, much less maintenance (NONE!), is a better option for MANY species of fish, and looks better.
The way I setup tanks creates the minimal amount of work needed. NO vacuuming. Water changes are just drain and fill. Filters need to be cleaned monthly, like any filter (except UGFs which need weekly maintenance).
IMO in ten years gravel will be just like UGFs, considered old school, outdated, and the only people using them are the people who started when they were the best option, figured out how to make them work well enough, and are just sticking with them no matter what.
I know people use them, obviously. But they are more work. As you guys point out there are all sorts of conditions just to get them to work right.
Pros and cons are one thing, but IMO there are NO pros to UGFs that other filters can't do better, in a way that is easier to maintain, etc.
And I never said they were designed in the 80s, I said they went obsolete in the 80s (which should imply they were around before that).
I understand that UGFs can work well enough, and that gravel can work as well. But that doesn't mean there are not much better options out there. IME sand is a much better option than gravel in almost every freshwater tank. It is cleaner, much more natural, much less maintenance (NONE!), is a better option for MANY species of fish, and looks better.
The way I setup tanks creates the minimal amount of work needed. NO vacuuming. Water changes are just drain and fill. Filters need to be cleaned monthly, like any filter (except UGFs which need weekly maintenance).
IMO in ten years gravel will be just like UGFs, considered old school, outdated, and the only people using them are the people who started when they were the best option, figured out how to make them work well enough, and are just sticking with them no matter what.
And it is nice to have a good cannister filter for polishing and chem filtration when needed. Anyway, I would appreciate any feedback on my proposed setup. Thanks all and I look forward to being a part of this forum.
