Need to remove UGF.

[Crookster]

Hi there guys, a few months ago I removed my uplift tubes and power head on my UGF because it was crap and replaced it with a fluval 304. At the time, i left the plates in the bottom, I've since come to the conclusion that's that why all the plants I put in there die.

My question then is, how do I get the plates out from under the gravel. I could just pull them out, but this will create a whole load of debris and should I remove the fish first?

Any suggestions greatfully appreciated.

 

[The-Wolf]

Yes remove the fish first.

do you have a spare tank to put them in?
if not you could use a bucket.

 

[Crookster]

I have a spare tank but only a little one and the tank I'm changing is 3 and half foot and fully stocked ( probbably a bit over stocked).

Could I be selective and remove my delicate fish like discus and leave a few in there?

 

[Vip]

i just ripped mine out and then did a 50% water change, by the next morning the tank was clear.

 

[DannyBoy17]

Vip is right. Just pull her out. A water change will help, and that debris has got to come up sometime.

DB

 

[Dwarfs]

I would remove any large rocks before pulling it out, to avoid a huge mess of brken glass and water