Right now I have the undergravel filter set up with a couple inches of gravel on top. Then, I put a bit of sand on top of the gravel. I want this setup because I only really want to have water plants.
So, is this an okay setup? My other possibility is just getting rid of the gravel and undergravel filter and only going with sand.
Will the sand clog up the undergravel filter?
2007-02-21 11:49:48 · 6 answers · asked by Heather H 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
I have gravel on top of the UGF, followed by the sand. Is the sand still going to get through the gravel?
2007-02-21 12:05:30 · update #1
UGF and sand do not mix. The sand will go under the filter plates and render the filter useless. Get rid of the UGF if you want sand, and get a different type of filter, and make sure you cycle the new filter before removing the UGF.
Yes, the sand will still work its way through. The suction of the UGF will pull the sand through.
2007-02-21 11:53:55 · answer #1 · answered by fish guy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can use both at the same time. It's more of a pain than anything but it is possible. This is how I had a saltwater tank set up at one point, and I'm sure it will work the same way with a freshwater tank.
Put the UGF in the tank, then add an inch or two of the gravel that you want to use. On top of the gravel, you need to put a fine mesh screen. (I used the fiberglass window screen). Tuck the corners down along the sides of the tank, then add the sand that you want on top of the screen.
You probably will have some sand that will seep down through the screen and into the gravel, but as long as you have a fine enough screen, it won't be a problem.
The only problem you will encounter, will be with the roots of the plants. They will attach to and grow through the screen, making it a pain if you ever want to move one or take one out.
And yes, it really does work for all of you that are going to comment about it.....
The other way I would suggest, which would be better and a whole lot easier, would be to put a half to an inch of gravel (if you want to spend the money, laterite or flourite are a good choice for the plants), then add an inch or two of sand on top of that.
If you are going to keep fish that burrow or dig in the sand, then yes, some of your gravel is going to eventually make it to the top of the sand. Depending on what you use for the gravel, it may make for good decoration though.
2007-02-22 02:08:16 · answer #2 · answered by jcrnr79 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you already have these things, you should be given advice on how to use what you have. But, you can't use the sand with the UGF. So, you're gonna have to ditch the sand or the UGF. I have an undergravel set up, but it's bit of a combination thing. I have an undergravel with two Penguin 1140 powerheads on each output tube and a canister filter. For the gravel, I used something called "Art Rock." It's made for aquariums, but can be a bit difficult to find. It is a fine gravel that still works for undergravel filters and is good for plants and great for capturing all that beneficial bacteria.
2007-02-21 20:35:05 · answer #3 · answered by Venice Girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best to ditch the undergravel filter if you want plants. You can go sand only in a planted tank but I would recommend a mix of sand and fine gravel that seems to work well for me. Sand can pack down too tight for good root growth sometimes and the gravel helps prevent that.
MM
2007-02-21 20:13:06 · answer #4 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i always grow live plants in gravel with no sand and they do great
but sand and an undergravel is the makings of a mess
2007-02-21 20:56:26 · answer #5 · answered by seven_ms_man 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
UGF's just don't work well,man. I'm sorry to say. They're a good idea,in theory,but in practice? ...It's just not workable.
2007-02-21 20:12:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋