Reverse Undergravel Filter

[alkataz]

I am currently running a UGF using an airpump. From my understanding the air bubbles from the stones hinder CO2 mixing into the water. I did some reading and I know that I can run the UGF off a powerhead and that would eliminated the air stone problem. Then I was told that reversing the flow would make the UGF even more efficient as well as eliminating the need for the air pump. I have tried to find the information on reversing the flow the a UGF, but a lot of the articles have been more about how they work and whether or not they are effective rather than on how to set them up.

I am currently using a Perfect-A-Fow 36" x 12" UGF in my 30 gallon tank. How do I go about setting the UGF to run in reverse? I know you need to use powerheads and prefilter them using a sponge filter. I also know you can use a canister filter to accomplish this as well, I have a filstar 1xp, but I would not want it to run my RUGF, I would rather it preform just the task of filtering. Although this just may be me being paranoid. And I don't really have the space to setup another cansiter for the sole purpose of running the RUGF. I also have some maxijets lying around that I could use. Are these a good for this purpose, or would you recommend another brand?

 

[Mgamer20o0]

it turns the gravel into a bio filter. you use use a power head or canister to push the water down and up though the gravel bed. sponge pre filter would be good keeps junk out. maxijets should work.

 

[Rbishop]

Penguin sells a reverse flow kit that fits most powerheads out there.

 

[alkataz]

So I fit the maxijet with the penguin reverse flow kit and attach the powerhead to the uplift tube? I am assuming that I will need two of the same powerheads funning at the same gph. How much output should the powerheads be putting out for a 30 gallon tank?

 

[TwoTankAmin]

I always ran the rugf I used to have on my 45 gal using a single powerhead.

Here is what you want for reversing flow: http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCatalog/ctl3684/cp18678/si1382179/cl1/marineland_penguin_reverse_flow_kit?&query=reverse+flow&queryType=0&offset=

 

[alkataz]

How much flow should I have running through the RUGF?

 

[Rbishop]

What ever is comfortable for the fish you keep.

A thin substrate will require less than a deep one. I use 4 Penguin 660s on a 90 gal, I can barely feel the flow up from the gravel that is 1 1/2" deep. I have another 90 with 1100s and thinner substrate, and I like this set up better, especially with heavy feeders in it.

 

[alkataz]

The gravel is about 1 1/2" - 2" thick. I have just one plant in there now but I will be adding a bunch more. So I'mm guessing that I will need about 300 gph to get through the gravel and plants. Is this a good figure or do I need more?

 

[Rbishop]

Many folks here will not recommend RUGF for a planted tank. It can be done, but doesn't seem to be popular for reasons I have not been able to confirm.

 

[alkataz]

I have heard as much too, but I am willing to try it.