How does one get rid of a UGF?

[nickbuol]

OK. I want to know what steps I would need to take to get rid of the Under Gravel Filter in our 75 gallon fish only with live rock setup. Do I need to remove the plates? I've heard that a reverse UGF works rather well, but I am assuming that it is too late for that since no matter how well i vaccuum the crushed coral substrate, it will still kick up a bunch of crap for a while. Our tank has been doing very well, but I have heard horror stories about UGF after a year or so. We've been humming along with this tank now for about 7 months.
Thanks.

 

[playtime]

well, I am not quite sure what everyone else is talking about when the say UGF but, When I used my tank for fresh water I had the two pieces of plastic that went at the bottom and it had places to put pipes which I did and added 2 power heads too. I am still using the same system I just put the crushed coral over the top of the plastic grates. Is that similar to what you have? I really don't understand what horror everyone could be talking about since my levels are awesome so far. Maybe someone else will have a better answer but I thought I would give my experience. HOpe this helps a little.
playtime

 

[nickbuol]

Yes, UGF (Under Gravel Filter) is the two plastic plates, the lift tubes and powerhead setup that you talked about. Mine has worked great so far, but I have heard horror stories with Saltwater fishies after about 1-2 years. Freshwater they seem to work fine for...

 

[glenn]

The horror they are talking about is the build up underneath. I too had one in a fresh set up. But instead of using the airstones for lift i used power heads and it stayed pretty clean underneath. Yes there will be some left underneath but not much at all. And when if you do go with power heads instead of a full change, make sure you put a nylon or similar over outlet for a min or so. Otherwise you will fill your tank with all kinds of fish deposits. And remember to clean the pumps regular too.
Glenn

 

[nickbuol]

Actually we ARE using powerheads in the lift tubes. I will check the buildup under the plates tonight.

 

[caymanlovers]

If you go to the search function (top right corner of screen) and type in UGF you should find a few threads about removing your UGF.