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Has anyone used both in the same tank? and if so what do you think?
I am considering this setup for the 55 using the HOB for mechanical and Chemical, and the UGF for biological. Is this something you guys recomend for or against?

mts.gif" border="0"> I vote do you?
My Tanks at Photobucket

To me, the more the better. Although, it may just be extra filtration because the HOB will eventually be enough to supply the biological needs of your tanks.

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I would highly advise against using a UGF without a powerhead attatched to the uplift tubes. Air powered UGF's don't draw a lot of water, and are great at creating 'dead spots' in water flow underneath the plates. These dead spots don't get enough oxygen to support aerobic bacteria, and these are the kind you want in your tank. Instead, any waste that collects there will just rot, and the lack of freshwater will destroy any good bacteria, and result in the formation and propogation of anaerobic bacteria. These little suckers kick off toxic waste that is lethal to fish, even in small amounts. God forbid you're vacuuming the gravel and unleash a patch of this gas. Your tank will have some hard times ahead.

If you do want a UGF, use reversable powerheads and consider running them in reverse. This takes clean water and pushes it down the tubes, and then up through the plates into the gravel. You'll have a much better chance of the plates keeping clean and avoiding any problems.

As for your biological filtration, you should be fine with the HOB. Bacterial colonies colonize on any surface in the tank, including the gravel and filter pad. These high flow areas will generate more than enough bacteria to sustain your tank without any trouble. Just don't change the filter pad and vacuum the gravel at the same time. This can cause such a reduction in bacteria to cause trouble. Instead, vacuum one week, and change the filter the next. Even better, snag a filter with seperate pads and/or bio wheels. Penguin models are good for this, but if left unmaintained, the wheels can stop and reduce efficiency. Aquaclear models have a seperate sponge that is submerged at all times and may be better.

Bottom line, procure a nice HOB, and ditch the UGF, it'll only cause trouble down the line. Yes, some people (including myself) have had great success with UGF's, but you have to do it right.

I agree with Fallout about using power heads on uplift tubes, and in a 55gal it would be a must, because of the water flow. Some people don't use UGF's in larger tanks, but the more filtering the better. One thing is to buy a power heads with reverse flow so that every so often you can clean out the gunk that will build up under it to keep a good flow. Tt will push water through the gravel up and into the tank where the HOB can get it. With proper care they are very good for the health of you tank. Cation when vacuuming gravel be careful not to bust trough the UGF.

Djrichie
"So Long, and Thanks For All The Fish" Douglas Adams

im guessing this would be the best place to ask this since you guys and girls are already talking about ugf's and hob's i saw some guy who cut the uplift tube and connected a flexible tube from the open uplift tube to the intake of the hob. would this work? or is it just wasting the effciency of the filters?

*click *flash *click "whered he go???"

In theory that would work, but it would probably cut down on mechanical filtration. With UGF's, the gravel bed acts as a mechanical filter, so you'd have to keep up on vacuuming. I'm not sure the HOB would have enough behind it to eliminate all the dead spots though, especially in a larger tank.

Don't cut the uplift tube just above the water and just drop the suction tube of a HOB and it will suck the water about 2" below the top of the tube. Only problem is it not balanced if you can find a HOB the has the suction tube on the right side it could work. You can how ever use the HOB to vacuum out under the plate, just stick in and turn it on and you will be amazed how much gunk comes out. UGF have been use for years successfully, if you have good circulation of water you will not have dead spots. They are not really good for 75gal or above.

Djrichie
"So Long, and Thanks For All The Fish" Douglas Adams

thanks richie. i think ill try something like that. my mother-in-laws tank has an aquaclear hob, and the intake tube is on the opposite side (left) so i can try it on that side

*click *flash *click "whered he go???"

the hob is your best bet for a 55 gallon try for a aqua clear 300 hob thats what i use its good for up to 70 gallons and works quite and it works clean

33 gallon 7 neon tetras-5 platys-3 bleeding heart tetras-2 corys-1 rainbow shark-2 L83 gibby plecos

Thanks for all the info. The setup I was considering was this. HOB (Emperor 600, I think) On the right side of the tank and the UGF A Ten gallon plate, on the right with a Powerhead. However after what you guys have said I will stick with the HOB Any Ideas for hanging a Powerhead from the tank? I got it used and it doesn't have a hanging bracket? Also what can I do to put a screen on it to keep the fish from getting sucked in?

mts.gif" border="0"> I vote do you?
My Tanks at Photobucket

You should be able to get the bracket from your LFS, and for a screen, I highly recommend using a "Quickfilter" from aquaclear. It's a little plastic housing with a block of foam inside to provide filtration as well as circulation.

Logansleathers

I have the same setup on my 30gal tank, i am using a AQ 110 which i highly reccomend over the Emperor's, and i use a Fluval internal filter for my powerhead filter. They both work really well.

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
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