undergravel filter....

[javelin3o4]

do you need to use a undergravel filter with a tube going to a power head? I have one right now but it seems to suck sand and spit it out into the water which makes the tank look like a giant snow globe.

 

[hagfish]

I would definitely get rid of the undergravel (UG) filter. They will trap waste underneath and cause nitrates to increase.
Also, do you have crushed coral on the bottom or sand? If CC, I also suggest you remove that and go with live sand if you decide to remove the UG filter.
I ran a 20 gallon tank for about 6-7 months with CC and a UG filter and things went fairly well. But the last month or two I started getting hair algae really bad. Then I upgraded to a 72 gallon and used live sand instead. It's been running for about 4-5 months now and I don't really have a problem with algae. I still get a little here and there, but it's not the threat it was before. It actually caused many corals to die by choking them out.

 

[bigarn]

I agree ... no cc and no undergravel filter.

 

[javelin3o4]

the sand is aragonite sand "premium marine substrate". I use a power head right now thats connected to the tube that goes to the ug filter if i just remove that am i going to have a problem of a fish getting pulled to it? I just dont wanna see a poor fish get the hicky of death.

 

[puffer32]

Sorry to say you have to remove the whole thing, if not detris will get trapped underneath and cause big problems.

 

[sykomagnet]

Get rid of the whole thing. Its a nitrate holder and long periods of nitrate can kill fish and you cant keep inverts or corals and things.

 

[javelin3o4]

i can get rid of the gravel filter thats not the problem but what about the power head? just leave it sitting as it is? its not going to try and pull a fish swimming by?

 

[puffer32]

The PH will give you water movement, so keep it. It should have a strainer at the bottom so your fish don't get sucked up.

 

[javelin3o4]

thanx just what a need to know!