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Undergravel Filters? | |
CoryAddict Enthusiast Posts: 184 Kudos: 231 Votes: 6 Registered: 16-Dec-2004 | I have an undergravel filter in my 55 gallon. I was wondering of they did anything. They make my tank look ugly. Are they really that good at doing whatever they do? What do they don? |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:38 | |
DoctorJ Big Fish Posts: 344 Kudos: 1159 Votes: 191 Registered: 13-May-2003 | The idea of an undergravel filter is that the bacteria that convert ammonia into nitrite into nitrate live in the gravel. The filter pulls water through the gravel and filters it that way. Undergravel filters have their defenders, but the consensus seems to be that there are more effective ways to provide filtration. The concern is that it is difficult to keep them clean and if dead areas form where there is little water movement, harmful bacteria can develop and hurt your fish. On a 55 gallon I would look at a powerful power filter that hangs on the back, like an Aquaclear 500 or an Emperor 400. I've never done it but I suspect removing a UGF from a running and established aquarium would be kind of difficult. |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:38 | |
Babelfish Administrator Small Fry with Ketchup Posts: 6833 Kudos: 8324 Votes: 1570 Registered: 17-Apr-2003 | Removing a UGF from an established tank can be done...however it is a bit difficult. Unless properly maintained they can lead to trouble.... I suggest getting a HOB filter like DoctorJ mentioned...a AC 500 would do nicely. Let that run for 3 weeks then spend a free day removing the UGF plates. It's best to move all the fish from the tank to a holding tank or a large water change bucket. Once the fish are out do a REALLY good gravel vac, then remove the plates carefully. You're likely to see alot of waste float up (which is why it's good to remove the fish ). Once thats settled do another gravel vac and when the water looks clear again you can trasnfer the fish back. ^_^ Current [link=Contest Rules]http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/Aquascaping/44382.html?200412022138" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link] |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:38 | |
keithgh *Ultimate Fish Guru* Posts: 6371 Kudos: 6918 Votes: 1542 Registered: 26-Apr-2003 | angeladdict Exactly what do you mean by this statement "They make my tank look ugly" Are you refering to the risers (where the bubbles and outlet is) If you are concerned by this good aquscaping can hide these very easly. I have a full UGF in my 5ft and you cannot see the risers at all. Also it is set back about 1/2ins from the front & sides, in that way you cannot see the UGF at all. Keith Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do. I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT? VOTE NOW VOTE NOW |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:38 | |
victimizati0n Banned Posts: 1217 Kudos: 1105 Votes: 31 Registered: 29-Apr-2004 | If a UGF is making your tank look ugly, then you put it in wrong. It should be completly covered with gravel. |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:38 | |
CoryAddict Enthusiast Posts: 184 Kudos: 231 Votes: 6 Registered: 16-Dec-2004 | I have a UFG and an Emperor 400. Ill try to cover it up |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:38 |
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