Undergravel Filter in a Planted Tank?

[Jag1980]

Ok...so no ugf......that's fine.....one quick question though......How often should I replace the flourite?

Maybe after 5 years, if it looks like it's still doing ok then leave it.

 

[fishhead]

When I was doing CO2, I injected it through an airstone into the RUGF. It bubbled around in the tube and dissolved it pretty well that way. I have heard claims that roots can get tangled in the UGF, but have never had an issue with it.

 

[jpappy789]

run all the planted tanks you want with UGF but preferably with RUGF.

I would love to see some pics of tanks that failed with the use of UGF/RUGF and have some input from folks that have actually done them with plants, vice just plain not recommending it.

I agree. UGF/RUGF get a bad rep because they are "outdated" compared to recent cannisters and HOBs when in fact they are still the best bio-filter out there. I have been running my 30 with a RUGF for almost a year now, planted, and have not had any problems. Flourite may be an issue but in a regular planted tank either would work fine.