Undergravel Filter In My Tank

[fapjat]

This filter is not in use because the powerheads that control them do not work. I bought this 100 gallon with the fish and all and had to transport everything late at night. Instead of removing the undergravel filter and cleaning the aquarium I just put the substrate back in and filled the tank up, use dechlorinator and inserted the fish. I didn't want to lose any of the fish and I haven't after a month and a half.

I was thinking about removing the non functional powerheads from the tank. These powerheads where connected to tubes which drew up the water sucked up from the gravel filter. I want to remove these tubes as well because they taking up space in the tank without purpose.

Can I just leave the undergravel filter on the bottom of the tank without repercussions? Or should I just up root the whole gravel filter, which will stir up my tank unbelievably.

 

[smegforbrains]

I would remove it completely as the tray will be a hiding place for all sorts of bacteria that will die off very quickly without water circulation.

 

[Rooster]

What filter are you using now ? you could redirect the flow to or from an external say, down an uplift.... so as to create water flow under the plate.... its a bodge, but would work.

I would prefer to remove it altogether though, you DEFINITELY do NOT want "dead water" under there...