Since the OP wanted more filteration, I would run the FX5 as the primary filter and use the UGF as the secondary filter. I would use it the way as it was meant to be designed. Unconventional methods don't work well with me for some reason. The UGF would require more work as in vacuuming the gravel regularly thou.
I am just saying that I do not think it is right where everyone slams UGFs. My bioload is very high in my tanks and ammonia and nitrite are always at 0. I am using the UGF as my primary filters.
I agree. I used a rugf on a salt setup for years and it was a very stable system. Of course, if I went on reef central right now and said that, I'd probably have 20 people jump in and tell me I was crazy and had no idea what I was talking about. lol They work. They just require a differnet type of maintenance.
no i was going to have the output hooked up to the UGF so that the water goes thou the gravel then out the the FX5. Then out to the tank thou the stock outtake..
The reverse flow undergravel system is an interesting concept. It solves some of the issues like the solid waste build up in gravel and under the plates. But it seems like a waste of an FX5 to plumb it that way.
Thank you for the great ideas and i'm going to run the fx5 as the main and cut out the ugf. I have been living this great life style for 12 yrs. So i'm not new, but I was setting up a new tank and had the parts and a idea, and started here 1st to see if it would work or if someone has did this before.
Any filter has limitations but most aquarists here have an accumalated knowledge base and use whatever filter to their effective levels by utilizing that knowledge base. Sponge filters and undergravels are effective forms of Biofiltration when coupled with separate mechanical and chemical filters. Since most seasoned aquarists use or experiment with multiple filters, sumps, trickle, power and canisters , reactors you should be fine but I would agree to run the canister and undergravel as separate and distinct units synergizing the effectiveness of both Good Luck.
I use UGFs in my tanks along with canisters and sponge filters. UGFs run with powerheads provide good, inexpensive filtration. I have always questioned why they are flamed by many on this site.
I would definitely run your UGF and canister separate.
I use UGFs in my tanks along with canisters and sponge filters. UGFs run with powerheads provide good, inexpensive filtration. I have always questioned why they are flamed by many on this site.
I would definitely run your UGF and canister separate.
I think alot of people flame them because either they have never used them or because like the sponge filter, they are viewed as archaic ( something we used back in the day)
I ran a 55 salt setup with nothing but under gravel plates, 2 aquaclear 801's( run in reverse) and crushed coral for years as a grow out for my 220. I grew out a zebra moray, snowflake, queen trigger, humu, Niger and undulated triggers all with plenty of good healthy growth.
They work fine. But running an fx5 through one is something I wouldn't do either, but I bet no ones even tried it. If set up in reverse, I bet the substrate would stay really clean with that much flow going up through the gravel bed. I know my 801's were pushing about 175 gph each in the 55 and my substrate stayed pretty clear, but I did have to run prefilters on them so they didn't keep throwing detritus under the plates. Worse case for an fx5 is it would need more frequent cleaning but with that much flow the substrate would stay clean...either way, it is an interesting concept.
