Unplug the UG Filter?

[Cela Vie]

When I set up my FOWLR tank, I put in an undergravel filter (don't ask...let's just blame it on advice from you know who...). Anyway, I'd like to get rid of it. Can I just unplug it? Meaning, remove the uplift tube so there is no movement under the gravel, but leave the powerhead for water movement?

 

[SJGreene]

That's what I did to my tank a few years ago. Remove the uptake tubes and cap the openings. Now you have a plenum.

My takes been fine with this for a year and a half. As you said, just leave the PH in there for extra water movement.

 

[MusMusculus]

Did they sell you crushed coral as well? If so, a full breakdown and replacement with 1-2" of sand may be better for you. BTW, even if you just lose the lifter and plug the holes, watch out for a heavy ammonia spike.

 

[sunfishh]

You might want to look up Paul B. He has been using a reverse flow undergravel on his reef tank for 30+ years.

 

[BurntOutReefer]

I dont think you see ammon........you'll see nitrate and sulphide spike....
(rotten eggs anyone).....
unplug the powerheads from it and start doing water changes (10% daily) for a week.....
make sure you have water flow in the tank.....
good luck...(i'm assuming it was not a Reverse Flow UGF)

 

[MusMusculus]

You will see ammonia because you are crippling your main bacterial bed--if you have plenty of live rock this will begin to compensate but there will be some lag time.

 

[bues0022]

what does the reverse undergravel do for you? I don't really understand.

 

[sunfishh]

A reverse undergravel allows you to filter out particles before the water goes through the filter bed. Paul B is the expert on this. I would PM him or at least check out this thread.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=727454

 

[Paul B]

I can't believe it. I have been running my reef incorrectly since Lincoln was president.
I diden't know RUGF's and crushed coral was no good. I better not tell my fish :lol: especially the 12, 14 or 18 year old fish. :eek1:

Have a great day.
Paul

 

[althemean]

I run my QT with an UGF w/ports capped off. It is only a 20 gal with about 10lb's LR and 20Lb's sand. I keep a single blue chromis in there and a lone blue-leg hermit just to keep things active. Oh, and a Penguin HOB 150 biowheel filter. A maxijet 400 in tank to aid in flow.

It could use more sand...but for the most part the system is stable and has only showed nitrate spikes once. That was due to a lack of water change while I was out of town. I try to do WC once a week on the tank. But it has a low bioload and not much for filtration. There is just not enough LR to help out.

Point is, I dont have a problem with the UG being capped off.