Flow rate for RUGF(reverse under gravel filter)

[fwiffo]

i am revamping my 20 gallon tank and would like to setup the undergravel filter system. this time though, i would like to do so with a reverse flow instead of the airstone method.

my tank is the standard 20 gallon high, 2' long by 1' wide x 16" high.

i read online at www.drfosterandsmith.com 's article section that when running a powerhead in an aquarium you should look for 4x rate of turnover per hour. i looked through the articles and did not see an article on running a powerhead reverse undergravel! hence why i come here for help!

so, my question is what would be the proper flow rate for rugf?

 

[Rbishop]

I don't shoot for a specific gph....if I can feel the soft flow when my hand is 3-4" above the substrate, I like it.

 

[kj5kb]

1 penguin 660r powerhead (170GPH) in my 20H's RUGF works great; I installed the powerhead near the center rear of the tanks, rather then the corner. I also have a Whisper 20 HOB on each of them; may want to go a little bigger like a Whisper 40 size if you have a lot of bioload. (or Aquaclear,or whatever your favorite HOB brand is...)

 

[legendaryfrog]

I don't shoot for a specific gph....if I can feel the soft flow when my hand is 3-4" above the substrate, I like it.

That sounds like a good indicator. Although we dont always have that chance of trying out various powerheads. If it were me, I would also aim for about 4x the tank size. seems like plenty.

 

[Dragon Queen]

I've got a Penguin 1140 (300gph) on my 20H and 2-penguin 660 on my 29 gal, plus both have either HOB or a canister on them.

 

[blasterman_]

Note that some reverse flow kits drastically reduce the current flow of conventional power heads, so you have to take this into account.

For a 20 gal I would feel best with something that moved an *actual* 150-200gph.

 

[kj5kb]

Note that some reverse flow kits drastically reduce the current flow of conventional power heads, so you have to take this into account.

For a 20 gal I would feel best with something that moved an *actual* 150-200gph.

The Peguin 660R moves the same direction when using the reverse flow kit...flow should be the same....~170 GPH.

 

[fwiffo]

i have an old aquclear 50 powerhead. it pumps 125 reverse. would that be sufficient?

would this be a good idea: run the aquaclear 50 in reverse on one end and run an aquaclear 20 powerhead on the other? one runs reverse and the other forward? both pump 125 in either direction?

 

[jpappy789]

i have an old aquclear 50 powerhead. it pumps 125 reverse. would that be sufficient?

would this be a good idea: run the aquaclear 50 in reverse on one end and run an aquaclear 20 powerhead on the other? one runs reverse and the other forward? both pump 125 in either direction?

somehow that doesn't seem like it would work...one pushing water in and one pulling it out? basically the water is mostly circulating and never getting to the debris in the substrate...though I may be not thinking straight...