undergravel filter

55 gal newbie

New Member
i have had my tank up since 8-1-02 i have a undergravel filter that my 2 powerheads are sitting on , i have heard i should remove why is this?and will i need to remove the fish to do this?or can i just leave it alone it seems to be ok so far
 

buzz

Active Member
If you get Live Sand (recommended), it will do the filtering for you...the organisms, along with Live Rock are pretty efficient. 4" DSB.
I don't even run a mechanical filter...skimmer only.
 

buzz

Active Member
It's possible, but I think you'd be OK, if your tank has all ready cycled. May want a few other opinions though. However, I just noticed you only have 7 lbs of live rock. I'd get a lot more of that too.
I personally have about 25 lbs in my 29g tank.
 

55 gal newbie

New Member
im planning on getting more rock a littel at a time, i just dont want to move it all if i need to remove the undergravel filter or the crushed coral to switch to ls,lol
 
I

irenicus

Guest
Live rock offers good filtration. You shouldn't have to get rid of your UGF. I guess it depends on the type of fish you wish to have.
 

cap'n pete

Member
Do it now before you get the tank even more established! You will not regret it in the long run. Your tank will recycle, so count on it.
 

55 gal newbie

New Member
when you say the tank will recycle how much are we talking about ?i have a yellow tang and two damsles what should i do with them?
 

cap'n pete

Member
I'm saying that so you are prepared for it to happen, which I'm almost certain it will. From what I'm reading, you don't have any live rock right? And there is no other filtration on the tank, just an U/G and powerheads? If that is the case then it will re-cycle because there is no other means of biological support. If you can add LS and LR (cured) and the nitrifying bacteria in a can (comes in a red film case looking pack, don't know the name brand though). This will minimize cycle and could eliminate it completely. Buy a large rubbermaid or Sterilite container and put the fish in there with the powerhaeds and heater. Put enough sand and LS to make a 4-5" sand bed. This will have to settle for a day or two for the water to clear. Then add LR (if your going to add any) and carefully put back the rest of the water and fish. Keep a good eye on the water parameters and have water available to make water changes in case of a cycle. Test kits will be a must. Good luck.
 

55 gal newbie

New Member
i took out the undergravel filter today.i left the fish in the tank and just slowy moved the live rock to one side its only 7pounds total 3 peices.then slid the crushed coral off the undergravel filter and the spread it on the bottom.very littel cloudyness.also i do have a tetra tec filter on my tank its for a 100 gal tank it has whats called a living filter built in .i was told at the fish store i could keep the crushed coral and not need to add any live sand .they said after a while it will do the same thing as live sand. but i did need to add more live rock ,i am going to get some more live rock tommorw
 
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