I use Dr Spotte's technique of employing UGFs. Place a bonded filter pad between the plate and gravel. The pad offers 800% more surface area for bacteria to adhere to, keeps sludge from getting under the plate, offers plants a stable medium to root to, and prevents gravel from clogging the plate slots. I also used powerheads at the 4 lift tubes instead of air stones.
I ran this setup on a large predator tank for over 2 years. I still did routine maintenance including water changes and gravel washes. When the tank was torn down to move, the pad was slightly discolored but clean. And, there wasn't a speck of dirt/sludge under the tank.
I ran this setup on a large predator tank for over 2 years. I still did routine maintenance including water changes and gravel washes. When the tank was torn down to move, the pad was slightly discolored but clean. And, there wasn't a speck of dirt/sludge under the tank.
