filters

[Luvin'Nemo]

If you tank isn't already set-up, I would highly reccomend an undergravel especially in reverse flow configuration. IMO one filter is never enough, and an RFUG is virtually maintenance free and an extremely effective bio-filter as well as a decent secondary mechanical filter.

If the tank is already set I would look at a second fiter of some other type, to add stability to the sytem.
For more info on RFUG sheck out this article:
http://www.aquasource.org/CMS/modul...artid=17&page=1
It will answer almost any question you have.
dave

Thank you. I've been going back & forth over equipment, etc. - I feel the need to research things to death before I make a decision. Anyway, I had ruled out going the UGF route until I'd read some of your other posts actually. I then came here, asked my question & changed my mind again to go without the UGF. Now...I'm thinking a UGF would work well with my tank setup in the reverse flow configuration you talk about.

I've not set up my tank yet - due to my psychological need for intensive research - but I'm getting there. Do you have any particular UGF recommendations that would work well with a 29 gallon tank? Also, do I need a specific brand in order to setup the reverse flow configuration or is this something common to all UGFs (I don't really know anything about them except that my father-in-law also thinks I should use one). Based on the link you provided, I guess any UGF can be used this way, but is this a standard modification? Will I need to buy a separate air pump or can I hook it up to my Penguin 125, as (I think) was suggested in the link? I'm a little fuzzy on how all of this comes together & appreciate your insight.

Sorry for all the questions. Thanks for your help!

 

[daveedka]

I feel the need to research things to death before I make a decision.

This is a really good condition to have in my opinion.
Whatever decesion you do make you can make it a well informed decision. If you have all of the facts, you will be more comfortable with whatever you use.
Dave

 

[Luvin'Nemo]

This is a really good condition to have in my opinion.
Whatever decesion you do make you can make it a well informed decision. If you have all of the facts, you will be more comfortable with whatever you use.

I guess. Sometimes I get on information overload though. Do you have any UGF brand recommendations that work well for reverse flow? Do I need to purchase a special pump (I'm aware of one that works for the reverse flow configuration and is purpose designed for it) or can I somehow hook it up to the Penguin 125 that I've got? My field is psychology, not an engineering & this stuff totally confuses me...I know many people consider it simple stuff. I don't know how I survived statistics in college or grad school. Diagrams & numbers completely confuse me. Pathetic, I know.

Also, do you break your tank down & take it all apart to clean everything? From my research, this is not a good idea. However, I know my father-in-law does this with his tank & UGF setup.

Thanks again for your help!