Setting Up 55 Gallon

[sparrow6190]

I got a free 55 gallon tank and it has 2 Aquaclear 300's on the back and is set up for an undergravel system.

I was wondering if I should use the undergravel system, or set it up as just filtered?

Going to put an 8 or so oscar in there.

 

[jayjay]

IMO I wouldn't use an undergravel filter as they are not as effective as normal filters.
Also the tank isn't big enough for an oscar they need 75g minimum for one oscar and no tankmates.

 

[Mikaila31]

My old 55 gal. had a UGF. when we tore it down to get a new one it was my job to clean it out. It was horrible and that is why i will never use them. but the power heads can make great sponge filters .

 

[sparrow6190]

the underground filter is set up for the 2 Aquaclear filters on the back.

 

[sparrow6190]

Ok i have the rocks and gravel in it, no undergravel filter installed.

Now I just need to get some end covers for the filter tube.

 

[yvez9]

how exactly does the undergravel filter work with hang on back filters?

sounds like overkill tpo me. You could probably just buy the normal intake tubes for the aquaclear filters for a few bucks and trash the undergravel

 

[sparrow6190]

the tube goes all the way down and connects to the underground filter.

i installed it without it though