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View Full Version : Ugf with sand?


bigfish333
05-05-2005, 09:24 PM
Hi I was just wondering if it is possible or recommended to have a sand substrate with an underground filter. Thanks in advance for your help.
cichgirl
05-06-2005, 07:16 AM
Hi! In an american tank? I wouldn't recommend a ugf at all. You'd have to have a pretty fine screen to keep the sand out, and your fish would dig it up anyway and render your ugf useless. Sand in an American tank? Yes, as long as your intakes for your filters are 4" below the water line.
NEO_72
05-06-2005, 08:27 AM
Cichgirl's right- an UFG with cichlids is no good. They dig, the water bypasses the substrate (media), and nothing happens ;)

You could run two screens, so there would be a space the fish couldn't dig down to, if you've committed some cash already to the UGF. (they could only expose the first screen). Sounds like a lot of hassle to me though. And with sand? Probably not a great idea!
Glaive
05-06-2005, 08:31 AM
Not to metion that a ugf and sand do not mix either.
cichgirl
05-06-2005, 11:26 AM
... they mix sand with water... :wink:
bigfish333
05-06-2005, 05:26 PM
Well I got this 75 gallon tank used and I was going to trade in the africans that came with it and keep the americans that came with it. With the store credit i get for the africans i am hoping to buy a HOB filter. What do you recommend for a filter to go along with my UGF(i'll just use gravel I have about 4-5 inches of it in the tank now and digging has been no problem) Thanks in advance
es
05-07-2005, 10:17 AM
I recommend the Emperor 400 for a HOB filter.
djfungus
05-09-2005, 08:10 AM
The UGF's are kinda "oldschool" now. Down the line, after you're sick of cleaning out all of the old food and waste from underneath it, you might want to think about getting a canister filter to go along with your HOB. They are a little bit more expensive, but in my opinion, they are definately worth the time you'll save.
bigfish333
05-09-2005, 09:13 PM
Could I get by with an aquaclear 500 alone on that tank?
punkypuffer
05-09-2005, 09:18 PM
a 500 would be enough for a 55 gallon, but for a 75 it wouldn't be enough IMO if you are going to have messy fish. i would do a 500 and a 300...:D
Glaive
05-10-2005, 07:01 AM
hob and cannister is a good bet honestly, if you have a credit card or check card go look at big als for deals. Due to my situation my tankj doesn't get cleaned often enough and everytime I show up to do a thurough cleaning my cannister is usually fairly clean and smells of peet <a sign the bacteria is thriving>