Undergravel filter caused major problems

R

rainbowprizimz

AC Members
Sep 13, 2003
52
0
0
42
Denver, CO
Visit site
Undergravel filter the cause of fungus problems??

Hello all, thanks for your time once again. I'll start by explaining what happened.
I set up and cycled a 2 gal hex tank, with an undergravel filtration system, using the standard air pump and air diffuser. I was using the tank to raise a small brood of guppy fry (8 total) and they're not all that big, so I didn't clean the gravel or change the water for approximatly 2 weeks.
I noticed one morning that all of the fry had developed a mouth and body fungus of some sort, so I changed 50% of the water and cleaned the debris from the gravel, and proceeded to treat the tank with Jungle's Fungus Clear. After the treatment (period of 4 days) I noticed the fungus growing on the air tube and air diffuser, and immediatly took out the undergravel filteration system entirely, replacing it with a Whisper Mini hanging filter. Upon pulling out the undergravel filter I noticed the white/gray cottony fungus also growing underneath the filter plate.
I planned on taking everything out of the tank and washing it off with hot water, maybe even vinegar. I know it is important to leave some sort of bacteria in the tank and all, but it seems like this fungus is everywhere.But I thought I'd ask you all first, should I wash off the gravel? Since it is also growing there. Might this fungus have anything to do with the fact that while I was still using the undergravel filter 1 of the fry turned up missing? Maybe he got under the filter plate, and started the growth of the fungus without me realizing? Any info, or advice will help thanks.
 
Last edited:
for the gravel, atleast, I say dump it. Pay 2 bucks for new stuff, it'll take forever to clean those rocks...
 
Agreed, but to be honest, I wouldn't use UG filters. Sure they're cheap, but they are not that reliable. That's definetly fungus underneath the filter, so I would just throw out the old, and in with the new.
 
Originally posted by Sum-X
Agreed, but to be honest, I wouldn't use UG filters. Sure they're cheap, but they are not that reliable. That's definetly fungus underneath the filter, so I would just throw out the old, and in with the new.
Click to expand...

As a personal choice, use them... I figure that they're cheap, and provide an extra layer of bio for my tanks... That said, I like using air risers and a powerhead, I just have to remind myself to 'vacumm' real good :D
 
That's just it though, why have a build up of un needed bacteria that has to be swept underneath everytime you water change? I just say no, and use a HOB filter. But like you said its personal choice! :D
 
As someone here once told ME to do.... take that old fashioned style filter and smash it to pieces!!! do you have another cycled tank you can put the fry in? It is very possible that one of the fry was sucked into the UGF and started the fungus... i had a feeder get sucked into mine but fortunatley i saw it happen and was able to get it out.
 
My RFUGF runs great and has never given me problems. If on the other hand someone was to by me an Eheim, I wouldn't argue...
 
Well everyone, I did it lastnight. I emptied the entire tank, all but 1/4 of the water. (I kept the fry and the 1/4 water in a bowl while cleaning the 2gal Hex)
It did take me forever, but I managed to get the rocks clean. I scrubbed everything with hot water, refilled the tank 3/4 full and let the temp & AquaSafe settle. Then I re-acclimated the fry into the tank, adding the 1/4 amount of original aquarium water as well. As soon as the fry were settled, I treated them again with Jungle's Fungus Clear.

I will have to watch them closely for the next week or so, and I was suprised I didn't lose any of the fry overnight. *Keeping fingers crossed* The fungus that remains on their bodies is slight, and has cleared up around their mouths. Now I just have a few body spots and fins to tackle.
Thanks for all of the advice, I know now that UGFs just aren't for me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom