Under gravel filter

[steve p]

Hi all, Im setting up a new 10g tank for my sons bedroom. I've decided to go for an under gravel filter but have not used this type of filter before. I have a spare power head so i have decided to use this with the UGF.
The reason for the post is can anyone give me any tips as to getting it up and running. I plan to bag up some gravel from my existing established tanks and put in there, also use some water from my established tanks.
Also are UGF filters as good as external filters and will the tank take longer to cycle with a UGF. I do weekly gravel vacks on my existing tanks around 50% of the gravel at a time, should i do the same for a tank with a UGF.
Any info much appreciated Steve.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

your best bet is to turn it into a RUGF. that way your using the gravel as a bio filter. i am not a fan of them but they do work. i would also say get a hob for it. same with any tank 2 filters is always better. shouldnt take any longer to cycle. its fine doing gravel vacs.

 

[soccerkidbs]

you will want another filter as well. i had just a UGF on my 10 but id did nothing, so i added a whisper as well because it was only 7 bucks and it seems to pick up everything and keep my water clear

 

[Rbishop]

UGF and RUGF are the best bilogical filtration available out there, I recommend running it as a RUGF, and have some small HOB or internal to catch the pkysical debri.

As a RUGF, the power head would take suction on the tank and push water down the lift tubes, under the plates and back up thru the gravel. This may take an adapter kit depending on what power head you have, or DIY with pvc fittings.

 

[steve p]

Ok so if i set it up as a RUGF with the pump pushing water down through the gravel and back into the tank it will be better than a UGF. Can someone explain why? Also what is a HOB sorry to sound stupid but im new to these terms.:huh:

 

[J double R]

well, the RUGF does a couple of things differently for ya.. number one, it pushes detrius OUT of the gravel vice sucking it in, which means better overall flow for the RUGF, and it gives the HOB an opportunity to suck up the solids and filter them out completely.

HOB is a term used for Hang-on-Back filter, youll also see them called Power Filters.. Whisper makes them, as does Aquaclear, and marinelad.. just to name a few.

 

[steve p]

Thanks for the info as they say "everday is a school day" i will go for the the RUGF and also add a HOB just to be on the safe side. As for cycling whats peoples opinions on using bagged prawns. I've not tried this approch before.

 

[J double R]

bagged prawns are useful, just make sure you don't leave them in there TOO long and completely foul the water.. just leave them in long enough to get your ammonia levels up.

 

[steve p]

Thanks i'll give the prawns a try.

 

[kmail5776]

do you have any other tanks running right now? If you want to speed up your cycle, seed some gravel and filter floss from your existing tank into the new tank. Should cut the cycling time down dramatically.