Beginner With Ugf Questions.

[JonE]

Morning All

New member here with a few questions.

I've recently setup a 40 litre tank (61cm x 25 x 26) that was given to me which came with a UGF I've got it all setup as per the basic instructions but have a few questions. I've replaced the pump I was given with it as I think it was a bit small/tired, the pump I've got now is an Interpet AV2 rated at 200 lph which is powering the filter and a airline type bubble curtain via a 2 gang valve.

1. It has one uplift tube, will this be enough for the size of the tank?

2. I'm not using an air stone in the uplift tube just an open ended standard airline, the instructions mention you can use an air stone or just the airline will this make much of a difference?

3. How much water should be coming from the top of the uplift tube, It's a steady(ish) flow atm which causes some bubbling under the surface as it flows out and hits the water, the head of the uplift is just above the water line as per the instructions.

4. Is there any way to gauge how well a UGF is working, is it just a case of testing the water and making sure the fish seem happy (which they do).

As a side note I'm aware that there is a lot of controversy over UGF but for the time being it is all I have and I'm willing to give it a go.

I think that's it for now, but I'm sure there will be many more questions in the future.

Cheers

Jon

 

[Hermithall]

1. Yes, one uplift is enough for a 40L (under 10 uk gallons) tank.

2. Don't think open-end versus air stone will make a huge difference. It's all about creating as much lift as possible in order that the water is in turn sucked down through the substrate at a decent rate. Bigger the air pump - better it works. To have your UGF system working at max efficiency you would need to disable the 2 way valve to your air curtain to concentrate all the air into your uplift pipe. I'm not saying you should, just something to consider!

3. The more flow the better.

4. Yes, testing your water for ammonia from time to time is the best way to know your filter is working. The presence of ammonia would likely indicate the UGF filter system is becoming ineffective.

UGF's are controversial for a good reason, but with a low bio-load they can work out well for a very long period of time. I'm sure you'll be getting plenty of chimes slating it though! Best of luck with the tank

 

[JonE]

Thanks for the quick reply, I'll bear that in mind about the air curtain and maybe get a small cheap pump to run that or try and refurb the old pump (a 20 year old Rena 101) and use that.

Cheers

Jon