Undergravel Filter

Thank you all for your input, I think I will try a reverse flow. I've located everything I need, but does anyone know where I can find some taller risers for my 15 gallon tall tank.The base is the same as 10 gallon tank, so the undergravel filter for a 10 would work, but the risers are far to short to reach the top.
 
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Back to the flow question again. My tank is a tall 15 gallon. Its base is the same as a 10 gallon, just taller. I am thinking of using one tube with a power head for reversing the flow through the undergravel filter. Penguines smallest powerhead is still 145 gph. Is this going to be to much flow?
 
IMO, not too much. You will have a flow loss from the lift tube resistance and the loss of head from going thru the substrate.
 
Thank you all very much for your advice.
 
The trouble with ugf is that you never really know the actual GPH/LPH or turnover. With a HOB or canister or even wet/dry you can measure it. With a UGF it's a guess. It will be less than the rated output of the pump. Possibly 70-80% depending on the brand.

As said, there are losses due to various restrictions and resistances and differences from the 'ideal'.
 
How does a reverse flow undergravel filter work?. The reason why I am asking is my undergravel filter is connected to my powerhead and sucks water through the substract. I dont think my powerhead has a option to suck water in and push it through the UGF- if thats what the reverse flow is suppose to do. I would like to know- thanks in advance....
 
It's just a matter of how you attach the powerhead. Attach the UGF to the output of the powerhead...
 
Does this have any detrimental aspect if its a planted aqaurium? As I have plants - so I would think this would either dislodge the roots or isn't the powerhead powerful enough to do such a thing?
 
amosf said:
The trouble with ugf is that you never really know the actual GPH/LPH or turnover. With a HOB or canister or even wet/dry you can measure it. With a UGF it's a guess. It will be less than the rated output of the pump. Possibly 70-80% depending on the brand.

As said, there are losses due to various restrictions and resistances and differences from the 'ideal'.
Click to expand...
With HOB and canisters you have the same or greater loss of flow. Read the fineprint on their tech specs. You will see something along the lines of ideal installation, no media or restrictions in place. SO if you remove all cartridges, pads, media, floss, and any restictions with ideal head placement...you get this. Now, add your floss, media, cartridges, pads and let them filter out crud. 50% at best and decreasing over time.
 
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