Removing and undergravel filter?
- Thread starter fiveiron
- Start date
I don't understand why you want to remove your UGF? Just because someone on this forum said that they "suck"? Why don't you try doing some research on UGF and see what you come up with. There are many people on this board, myself included, that use undergravel filters with much success. I actually prefer a UGF to a power filter or canister filter. And if you do end up decided to remove it you need remove the WHOLE thing, leaving the plates under the gravel will cause big problems in the long run.
It's best to know what kind of filtration you need before doing a set up but being new to the hobby, you wouldn't know that. Most people wouldn't. I did the same thing intially but since found hang on the backs (hobs) and cannisters work better, especially if you do planted tanks or have sand, like I do.
Since you already have it though and have it running, there's no harm leaving it in unless you find it will be more detrimental to your tank than helpful.
Since you already have it though and have it running, there's no harm leaving it in unless you find it will be more detrimental to your tank than helpful.
Last edited:
patoloco
De seguro no sabes lo que dice aqu
Judge your tank and use common sense: if your tank is working fine with the UGF and you like it, leave it like that.
The main problem with UGF is that they tend to accumulate the dirt below the plates, and eventually, probably in 1 year, you'll need to strip everything down and restatr from almost zero. However, until that day comes, you might still use your filter.
Remember to har several opiniopn in a forum before you take someone's word for granted. I don't even trust my own words sometimes
The main problem with UGF is that they tend to accumulate the dirt below the plates, and eventually, probably in 1 year, you'll need to strip everything down and restatr from almost zero. However, until that day comes, you might still use your filter.
Remember to har several opiniopn in a forum before you take someone's word for granted. I don't even trust my own words sometimes
There is no reason to have to tear down a tank with a UGF once a year. As long as you KEEP UP with gravel vaccuuming from the get go you should be fine. Also you can still have a planted tank when using a UGF.
I have had only UGF tanks and never had problems. My last tank, a small 15G tall, I had for 4 years and never cleaned under the gravel, just a quick vac once a month. Tank started leaking so moved up to 38G corner bow front.
Started it with a standard UGF, but changed to a reverse flow using a penguin power head and kit. Works great, water has never been clearer or fish happier.
Just a 25% water changed each month (I know most say that's not enough), but it seems to work for me.
Started it with a standard UGF, but changed to a reverse flow using a penguin power head and kit. Works great, water has never been clearer or fish happier.
Just a 25% water changed each month (I know most say that's not enough), but it seems to work for me.
Last edited:
hey i have one too. and im removing it next weekend....
it just doesnt work for my filtration needs anymore.
im also switching to sand so i figured it would be best to do it all at once.
with that said. you cant just take out the pvc pipes as well, you would just be leaving a slew of bacterica collecting down there. its actually not that hard to remove the whole thing...
it just doesnt work for my filtration needs anymore.
im also switching to sand so i figured it would be best to do it all at once.
with that said. you cant just take out the pvc pipes as well, you would just be leaving a slew of bacterica collecting down there. its actually not that hard to remove the whole thing...
Bravo! I always used undergravel filters and have been happy with them. When I set up an aquarium again last year and read here and other places that UGFs were an "antiquated" technology, I started borrowing filters from my friends, wasting my money on other filters that I wasn't happy with, and finally just went back to my trusted UGFs, "antiquated" or not. IME UGFs are extremely efficient, my tanks are planted, I've never had them clog or create other problems.Bitsy said:
Take care,
Mary.
UGF gets a bad rap...
with the proper maintenance you should be able to run an Undergravel for a very long time before you need to do anything.
reg gravel vacs which are perfomrmed in regular tanks on a regular basis, should be able to keep a handle on the mulm build up.
the latest RFUG looks like a good idea..but might be best set up on a new tank... :coffee2:
with the proper maintenance you should be able to run an Undergravel for a very long time before you need to do anything.
reg gravel vacs which are perfomrmed in regular tanks on a regular basis, should be able to keep a handle on the mulm build up.
the latest RFUG looks like a good idea..but might be best set up on a new tank... :coffee2: