sand and under gravel filtration

[sakaspuds]

can you use an undergravel filter with sand? i'm only asking cos i dont think i have seen it, i was thinking about changing a tank to sand, but would like to keep the under gravel filter too, the tank wold also have internal fluval filters

 

[Morrgan]

No, you can't. The UGF works by having water drawn through the gravel and thus uses gravel as the filtration substrate. Sand is too fine and will just clog it up.

In general, the UGF is not a very good filter unless you have a completely flat gravel layer with no plants, rocks or other decorations. Even digging fish will upset the filtration by creating uneven piles of gravel here and there.

 

[sakaspuds]

ok thanks for the help

 

[LadyMinion]

Just out of interest, why do you want to keep the undergravel filtration? Especially if you have those internal fluvals as well. Undergravels are very ineffecient and a lot more hassle to maintain.

 

[sakaspuds]

i have one tank with a fluval 4+ and an under gravel filter, and one tank with a fluval 4+ and no under gravel filter, i have noticed the one with the UGF stays clearer than the other, especially when i clean the sponges, and they dont work so well for a couple of days

 

[ddm18]

Just to double check sakaspuds, you are cleaning the sponges with tank water (or dechlorinated tap water) aren't you? If not, that's why they don't work so well after you've cleaned them - the chlorine in tap water will kill all of your bacteria.

Just thought it was worth checking - I had an internal fluval filter (not in such a bit tank, but still) and there was no noticable difference after I cleaned the sponge.

 

[sakaspuds]

yep i clean them in tank water, maybe i clean them too well, i know i dont have to get all the gunk out, also i feed my fish too much, a habbit i am getting out of...