swapping tanks questions, and an ugf

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Lazersniper

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Mar 9, 2004
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Ok I just got this great deal. A supposedly 40 gal tank, ugf, hood, light, air pump, some gravel, and some decor all for $30. I put everything from my 20 long into it. If I transfered all my gravel, decor, filters and at least 10-15 gals of the water into the new 40 gal will I have to worry too much about ammonia spikes or other problems? No new fish will be added yet. The only thing 'new' is the tank, a couple of fake plants, and about 1/4 of the gravel. I'm assuming it would just be like doing a large water change. Is this assumption wrong?

I've never used a ugf before. I have searched for threads here and some on other sites. As far as I can tell the only real problem with ugf's are that the gravel needs to be properly vaccumed regularly. I do this on a regular basis anyway when I change my water, will I have to worry about anything else? It is not a reverse flow set up. I have no live plants and don't plan on buy any in the near future.
 
You don't mention what filtration you are using on your current set-up, but from the sounds of your post, I am assuming you are not using a UGF in the current set-up, as you mentioned moving your filter also.

If you are moving your filter across to the new tank with all the filter media in-tact, then your theory is correct. It would be just like doing a large water change. If your bio-filter is already established, you shouldn't have any problems.

My only thought would be that as the new tank is twice the size of the old one, make sure your current filters have the capacity big enough for the new size tank.

Obviously if you are running the UGF alongside the current internal filter (or the like) then you will increase your filtration capacity immediately. Moving the gravel from the old tank will help establish the correct bio-filter in respect of the UGF.

Hope this helps!!

By the way, that sounds like an absolute bargain. Just make sure you give the new tank a good clean (and thorough rinse) before use. I lost a tank-full of fish due to impatience and not wanting to clean a used tank properly!!! We learn.
 
I am using 2 hob filters. One rated for 20-40 gallon tanks and one rated for I think 10-20 gallon. I used both to try and get the tannins out of the water with little success. Yup all media everything. Nothing thrown away at all except for about 5-10 gallons of tank water which I rinsed the gavel in to get rid of some of the crud. I would assume that both the filters along with the ugf would suffice.

I soaked the new tank for about 2 days with salted water, wiped and scrubbed down, then was rinsed very well for about 2 hours via a garden hose.
 
Those filters sound fine if they are rated as you say. Assuming you have a "normal" fish load.

If your fish load is not excessive, you could get away without running the UGF. Obviously, if you do run it, the filtration capacity will be increased, however I find UGFs a bit of a chore, and not overly effective.

If i were running that tank, i would not even bother with the UGF. But it's up to you.

What fish are you going to have in it?
 
Right now I only have 6 fish in there. 4 are about 3 inches long, 2 catfish and 2 gars, 1 bristlenose pleco (3.5 inches) and 1 eel (5-6 inches).

What kinds of exp. have you had with ugfs? I'm just curiouse to know so I know what to expect or how to better care for it. The biggest difference I've noticed right now is that the water is much, much, much, more clear then before. For the life of me I couldn't get the tannins out of the water. I was doing water changes every 2-3 days. I started this tank up about 4 days ago and crystal clear water still.

What other chores are there to a ugf then constant gravel vaccuming? Perhaps replacement airstones?
 
I just find that UGFs clog up real easy and, once they do, their effectiveness is terrible.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating, as they say!!! If it is working for you and you can clean it regularly enough to keep it working well, then use it.

If it ain't broke...don't fix it.
 
thanks for the encouragement :) So I guess getting a messy fish like an oscar in there wouldn't be a great idea huh lol.
 
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