It's true that an UGF shouldn't be your only filter, but you can increase it's efficiency by powering it with a small powerhead. You might want to pick up a small Hang On Back filter to supplement the UGF
JOhn ><>
JOhn ><>
Undergravel Filters
- Thread starter bozco
- Start date
my UFG in my 30 gal is powerd by 2 penquin powerheads and i have a HOB filter
ive never heard i had to clean the undergravel filter
ive never heard i had to clean the undergravel filter
I've had undergravel filters in years passed. Often used powerheads to run them. As long as everything is in good order your water will be very clear.
The problem is that the area under the gravel can become a great breeding ground for parasites and bacteria if you do not clean the gravel well. This can build up over time and become a real problem.
Also, you can ruin your gravel by not vacuuming it often enough. If you find your gravel starting to lump together (like clumping cat liter) then yo need to take action immediately. This is especially a problem when you connect a powerhead to the UG system.
If your tank is on a cabinet stand and you have an UG filter, get a flashlite and look at the bottom of the tank from inside the stand. You may be surprixed at how much gunk is in there. Try checking it before and after your next water change/gravel vacuum. If you did a good job of vacuuming you should see that most of the gunk is gone. If not, you need to do better or more frequent gravel cleanings.
I think there are still applications for UG filters. I would not use them for fish that produce large amounts of waste, like cichlids or goldfish.
The problem is that the area under the gravel can become a great breeding ground for parasites and bacteria if you do not clean the gravel well. This can build up over time and become a real problem.
Also, you can ruin your gravel by not vacuuming it often enough. If you find your gravel starting to lump together (like clumping cat liter) then yo need to take action immediately. This is especially a problem when you connect a powerhead to the UG system.
If your tank is on a cabinet stand and you have an UG filter, get a flashlite and look at the bottom of the tank from inside the stand. You may be surprixed at how much gunk is in there. Try checking it before and after your next water change/gravel vacuum. If you did a good job of vacuuming you should see that most of the gunk is gone. If not, you need to do better or more frequent gravel cleanings.
I think there are still applications for UG filters. I would not use them for fish that produce large amounts of waste, like cichlids or goldfish.
