IMO, power filters are a must as opposed to airlift tubes for anything bigger than 20gallon. and really nice for any UGF in any configuration. RTR's article covers UGF RFUG (reverse flow undergravel) and his own overengineered version which I am running right now, and it seems to be very effective.
I truly believe that Reverse flow undergravel is far far superior to conventional flow. Penguin makes a very nice very in-expensive kit to set up reverse flow without changing the direction of the powerheads. Other powerhead manufacturers have the option of reversal, but generall when an impellar pump is run backwards it is not as effecient. The penguins are the best way to go as far as I can find. The reverse flow kit includes the adapter tubes needed, and a hang on filter so for $8 or less you can set the penguin up backwards.
Reverse flow virtually eliminates any downside there is to UGF. The article contains details. But I have no intentions of running normal flow agian exepct for an experiment I am planning in the near future.
As far as the right size powerhead for a ten or 15g, the 550 penguin is perfect IME. in a ten g you will have to rig your own sponge filter if you run it in reverse because the tank isn't tall enough for the penguin hang on filter. I can help with this if you need additional info, since I'm running a 55 RFUG in my ten and have tried a couple of different prefilters (all very easy and cheap)
If you are dealing with a 15H (same footprint as the 10g but taller) then you will have more than enough tank height to run the ready made penguin kit.
RTR, myself and a few other folks have run these filters just about any way you can imagine that actually works. so feel free to ask if the details aren't clear.
Dave
I truly believe that Reverse flow undergravel is far far superior to conventional flow. Penguin makes a very nice very in-expensive kit to set up reverse flow without changing the direction of the powerheads. Other powerhead manufacturers have the option of reversal, but generall when an impellar pump is run backwards it is not as effecient. The penguins are the best way to go as far as I can find. The reverse flow kit includes the adapter tubes needed, and a hang on filter so for $8 or less you can set the penguin up backwards.
Reverse flow virtually eliminates any downside there is to UGF. The article contains details. But I have no intentions of running normal flow agian exepct for an experiment I am planning in the near future.
As far as the right size powerhead for a ten or 15g, the 550 penguin is perfect IME. in a ten g you will have to rig your own sponge filter if you run it in reverse because the tank isn't tall enough for the penguin hang on filter. I can help with this if you need additional info, since I'm running a 55 RFUG in my ten and have tried a couple of different prefilters (all very easy and cheap)
If you are dealing with a 15H (same footprint as the 10g but taller) then you will have more than enough tank height to run the ready made penguin kit.
RTR, myself and a few other folks have run these filters just about any way you can imagine that actually works. so feel free to ask if the details aren't clear.
Dave
