How do i set up an under gravel filter for my aquarium?

Question

I already have built my new aquarium and was planning to put the UGF for it but have never done it before. Please reply only if you have done it yourself. I do not want to buy a ready made set up but want to build one if possible.

Answer 1

I commend your desire to build it yourself but they really are cheap to buy as far as the plastic shelf part. I know all the nay sayers don't recommend them but I have them in my 2 livebearer tanks and they work just fine. No more fry in the filter!

I vacuum about 1/2 my gravel biweekly and after 2 yrs my water quality is still good.

Answer 2

UGFs are outdated for people who don't understand their use. There are a couple of ways for you to accomplish your aim. Most difficult (but also most effective) would be to build your own "plate" type filter,in which a slotted plate supports the gravel.
Probably the easiest(but least efficient) would be an interconnected grid of pipes (constructed with straight pieces of PVC (or similar) pipe with "Tee's" and "Ell's, (plumbing type fittings) with holes drilled in the sides of the pipes every 1/2" or so.
In either case some sort of "lift tube" would be required. This could be either air powered, or powered by "power head" type pumps. Either method yields good results but the power heads move more water and provide more oxygen for the bacteria colonies. Either method requires regular gravel "vacuuming" to maintain a flow of water and oxygen through the gravel.
Try looking at some of the plate type filters available in pet stores,I think you will get the idea.
I would not rely on an UGF as the only filter system for an aquarium, but they do make a re-assuring back-up to whatever sort of filter you use as a primary system.
The negative aspects of UGF's include the need for regular gravel vacuuming,and the fact that plants will not do well if planted directly in the UGF gravel,(however plants in containers or plants that grow from rhizomes not rooted in the substrate will do just fine). Rhizome growing plants include the Anubias family and Java Fern.
I'm a great believer in UGF's as auxiliary systems, but there were generations of fish-keepers that used them a sole support for their aquaria.
If you have any more questions,I'll try to help.
And congratulations for building your own tank,it's not as easy as it appears.

Answer 3

You place the undergravel down first with the riser tubes toward the back. Add the air stones, riser tubes and on some models chemical filtration on the top of the tubes. Add medium sized gravel completely covering the undergravel and you are all set. With this said, I hate undergravel filtration, I stopped useing it years ago and when I purchase an aquarium that comes with undergravel filters I throw them out. They are great for about 6 months then horrible and make your system crash. The entire gravel bed becomes a biological filter which is good though all of the detris are slowly broken down and sucked through the gravel to sit under the undergravel filter. Slowly thes accumulates blocking areas under the undergravel filter so the water begins to channel to the areas of least resistence. This means the majority of the undergravel is no longer being used and all of the waste that sould be taken out of the aquarium through other forms of filtration and water changes are now trapped under the undergravel filter where you can not reach it. Just a recipe for disaster in the long run. I know others that love undergravel filters though I strongly disagree with them.

Answer 4

Its pssible to build anything you want if you have tools and the supplies.
But in this case I think your better off to buy the ugf retail. why ?
there just so cheap now days And there not the best filters out there.
If you want to do a diy filter look into a sump type filter. They can be made out of just about anything that will hold water and there just much better filters.
and parts to build them are easy to get and make between lows and your local pet store there have everything on hand.

sorry For some reason I thought you asked how to build your udg.

Answer 5

Undergravel filters are not very efficient filters. They usually end up creating more problems than providing good filtration. If your tank is 13 gallons, I would recommend a small hang on the back (waterfall) filter like an aquaclear or small redsea nano filter. They are much more accessible, easier to maintain, and won't provide a place for bad bacteria to grow and cause health problems.

Answer 6

are you sure you want a UGF? they are quite outdated as far as filters go and most fishkeepers no longer use them. they clog up, you can't have a sand substrate or any plants, and they're no good for fish that may burrow.

hang-on-the-back or internal power filters work much better and are more efficient.

Answer 7

you can use sand underneath the rocks , if the are epoxy coated . if you are wanting plants in them , you can have an open top and let the plants stick out of the top, with plenty of light. hook up a florescent light and have it shining bright !!!