cleaning undergravel filter

[TheZoo]

oh, the ugf's arent my only filters. I have a cascade HOB in the 20 and a whisper internal in the 10. Im thinking that for now I will attempt to suck the gunk out through the uplift tubes but plan on removing the UGFs alltogether when moving time rolls around.
How long would any bacteria remain viable if I kept all gravel, decor, plants, etc wet in tank water? If i kept those in the same container as the fish (large rubbermaid or something) would it be better? If (big if) I do decide to go ahead and construct and install a 3D background in the tanks, the fish et al may be out for a few days.

 

[Native American]

I'm using 4 UGF plates linked by a manifold that feeds to a Magnum 350 canister filter. Changing out the pleated filter isn't a problem, and frequency of changeout gives me a direct indication as to whether or not I'm over-feeding. All I do with that tank is the occasional gravel cleaning with a siphon.

My wife's tank as a pair of UGF plates serviced by airlifts. I built a gravel cleaner using a powerhead and siphon that I connect directly to the airlift (sans fishguard and airhose/stone) when I really want to do a good cleaning under the plates every few months. Usually, that layer of goop under the plates is only paper-thin to begin with.

Just some ideas.

v/r, N-A

 

[TheZoo]

My wife's tank as a pair of UGF plates serviced by airlifts. I built a gravel cleaner using a powerhead and siphon that I connect directly to the airlift (sans fishguard and airhose/stone) when I really want to do a good cleaning under the plates every few months. Usually, that layer of goop under the plates is only paper-thin to begin with.

Just some ideas.

v/r, N-A

Is this basically just putting the siphon end over the uplift tubes? Any mods? Thx....

 

[Jericho]

The bacteria should be fine for a couple of days in a container with fish water. If you put it in the gravel with the fish it would be beneficial to the fish in that the bacteria will be able to feed off of the fish...