UGF Questions

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bblboy54

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Sep 7, 2004
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I am a rapidly growing newbie as in I am fairly new to aquarium, however, my addiction is growing and I'm already up to 6 tanks from 2 gallons to 29. In all except one I have some type of undergravel filter. Here are some questions that I have regarding them.

First, I just recently purchased an undergravel kit from Wal-Mart (I know, I know...). The uplift tubes are rather short and if I fill my tank to the level that my other 10 gallon tanks are at, they are drastically under water. My question is what is the proper height vs water level. I always assumed the water level was supposed to be between the top and bottom of the media, but perhaps I am wrong and they should be completly underwater?

Second, I have been using carbon media in my UGF systems but recently I saw at PetSmart that there is media that I can purchase the filters out amonia. Should this be used at any certain time or is this better to use than the carbon. Would it benefit to use one of each in a tank that has 2 uplift tubes. Any advice on that would be appriciated.

Lastly, if I ever decide to add an UGF to my goldfish tank (10 Gallon), what would be the easiest way to an an UGF to an exsisting tank... also, does a gold fish tank even need one? It currently has just a TopFin Powerfilter 10.

Thanks for your help!
 
I don't have experience with UGFs but for

Second, I have been using carbon media in my UGF systems but recently I saw at PetSmart that there is media that I can purchase the filters out amonia. Should this be used at any certain time or is this better to use than the carbon. Would it benefit to use one of each in a tank that has 2 uplift tubes. Any advice on that would be appriciated.
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Carbon is useful for many reasons, but unless needed, isn't necessary to use all the time. It great for filtering out chemicals, tannins and smells. But depending on your tank is only active from a few days to a couple weeks. I suggest skip the ammonia stuff and add more biological filtration.
 
Im not sure about your first question as i have never used a ugf!
The second question, i can help. I think the ammonia remover you will have bought is called zeonlite(sp?). It a good filter addition as it will get benifical bacteria, and of course remove the ammoina! Don't use it if you are medicating, as it does the same as carbon and removes the treatment!
Third question, you'll have to strip the tank down and fit it! What kind of fish do you have in the 10g and how many?? This will answere the "do i need it question"!
Hope this helps!
Ops missed your post spartan..I think the ammonia remover will do good, as it can have a good ammount of bio filtration, if i am wrong im sure somone will correct me!
 
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So on a normal basis should I use the zeonlite filters? I believe my options for my UGF filters are either carbon or zeonlite. Would having one of each work in a tank with 2 or more uplift tubes but still, which would be better in a single uplift tank? or rotate them month to month? UGF's are very good for biological filtration from what I understand so I would think that the carbon media that those filters come with would be good for that. Am I incorrect?

Re: the tank to add a UGF to, its a goldfish tank with 3 fancy goldfish. 10g tank. Am I going to benefit a great deal if I would add one? I was told by someone that goldfish really only need one filter, as I have a Powerfilter 10 on it....
 
IMO, ammonia removing chips are a BAD idea. They remove amonia form the water, which starves the bio-filter. Then when the ammonia removing media is saturated with ammonia, the ammonia levels rise in the water and the bacteria can't keep up, so you get an ammonia spike. carbon is unneccesary if you're doing water changes like you should as well. Sponges are the only filter media I use.
 
Also IMO, UGFs are a bad idea in general. they trap wastes in the gravel where it's more difficult to remove than if it were in a filter sponge. And if you get lax about gravel vacuuming, it'll cause a fast buildup of toxins in the system.
 
Since I have UGF's in place right now would you recommend that I stop using media all together and wrap a sponge around the top of the uplift tube?

Anyone else have feedback. Id like to hear any advantages to UGF's, even tho it is becoming evident that most dont use them.
 
I would say our 10g tank is overstocked. Those fish will get big, so an ugf will help, also GF are messy which will add to your load in the tank! Some people use ugf's all the time with no problem, they just need more attention than other filters. There is heaps of info about them on the net, have a look arround. :)
 
Just an update. I found out that using a UGF without carbon cartridges is normal as long as you have a power filter as well. Also, the outlet at the top of the uplift tubes needs to be under or partially under the water level.
 
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