filtering of youhave LR

reds_21

reds_21

AC Members
Feb 4, 2007
30
0
0
Cincinnati, Ohio
I have been reading a few threads that seem to be opposite of each other maybe i could get a clearer answer.

i read that if you have a LS bottom and some LR you do not need an undergravel filter. is this correct?

if i plan on having a sandy bottom with live rock would the undergravel filter be wasted money? i definately don't wanna buy something that is not needed.
 
WHAT i dont need a filter? I just paid $100 for a filter. It can hurt though right??? Should i take it out, is it just going to be more work for me?
 
If you cap off the UGF and have a couple inches of sand (media) above then you basically have a Jaubert Plenum. The area under the UFG is low in oxygen, but not void of oxygen, which breaks down nitrates and works as a nutrient sink. The problem is if you disturb this area, then something bad things can be released.

Nitrate reducing reactors work this way with very slow flow and very little oxygen. I tried one in the early days, but it work properly. Now I use it as a phosphate reactor and having great success. Sadly, this was only 1 of the many junk I could use for something else, beside dust collector.

Several years later we learned that a sand bed alone will do the same thing. A minmum of 2 inches of sand is all you need.

SaltTinker
 
Mine is a hang on filter. Are these better? I guess so but still if i did not need one what a waste.
 
NIck540 - You have probably made the same mistake as millions of other people who are coming into marine fish keeping...I did when i first started..I had my filter on for about 3 weeks and then took it off and sold it on fleebay to make my money back...

we all live and learn mate dont we...

Niko
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom