UGF Filter Idea...

[wvdeadhead]

This is a thought of mine that I've been rolling around for a while now... I would love any feedback that I can get on this:

I've used a [acronym:001d845064="Under Gravel Filter"]UGF[/acronym:001d845064] for a few years now and seem pretty satisfied with the results of a [acronym:001d845064="Under Gravel Filter"]UGF[/acronym:001d845064] and a Power Filter in combination. I'm now to the point where I'm either going to build or buy a 100 [acronym:001d845064="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:001d845064] or larger tank. What I plan on doing is instead of using the airstones on the up tubes, run a Mag Drive pump to suck the water down the the [acronym:001d845064="Under Gravel Filter"]UGF[/acronym:001d845064] outside to a Home water filter(Not an [acronym:001d845064="Reverse osmosis"]RO[/acronym:001d845064]/[acronym:001d845064="Deionization"]DI[/acronym:001d845064] filter, just one that traps sediment), then from the filter, back into tank with nozzles to make some water flow. The water filters are available in either floss or paper and are available at lowes for about $30. I thought using this would help remove sediment from the water along with a cannister filter, would work out pretty good. Plus it will help pull more debris down through the gravel so the bacteria will break it down.

Any thoughts or comments? Has this been done before?

[BrianNY]

It's an interesting concept wvdeadhead. Personally I think you'd be better off just doing partial gravel vacs with your water changes to keep the sediment from accumulating. [acronym:65b7e23710="Just My Opinion"]JMO[/acronym:65b7e23710]

If you decide to go ahead with your idea, let us know how it works out.

[wvdeadhead]

Like I said, it's just an idea. I know there is a lot of controversy about [acronym:2f78823104="Under Gravel Filter"]UGF[/acronym:2f78823104] filters. I myself haven't had any problems with mine used in conjunction with a [acronym:2f78823104="Hang On Back"]HOB[/acronym:2f78823104] filter. I actually noticed once I installed it (by the way, I have a powerhead on the rise tubes, not an air stone) that my water stayed cleaner and my fish looked healthier.

I thought I would give it a try anyway. If it doesn't help with filtration, it will at least give me an easier way to do water changes, just run a by pass on the filter with a garden hose adapter.

Thanks a lot BrianNY

[BrianNY]

Cool. There's always both a yearning and a need to build a better mousetrap.

[wvdeadhead]

True, true

[TankGirl]

I think the sediment you trap will clog that household filter in about one day's time, and be more trouble than it is worth. Those are designed to trap particles that you can't see - making already "treated" and supposedly clean drinking water better than when it comes out of the tap.

[wvdeadhead]

It may, I have thought about that. If it does, no worries, I can always clean it really well and use it on my home water supply, either way I'm not out anything. I've found aquarium cannister filters that look just like what is used on home water purification, they are just a little more beefed up and cost a lot more. That is one reason I was wanting to try the home water filter, try to save a few bucks.

Thanks TankGirl

[hashbaz]

[acronym:4d4de108c9="Reverse osmosis"]RO[/acronym:4d4de108c9] filters usually have a valve on the intake side of the [acronym:4d4de108c9="Reverse osmosis"]RO[/acronym:4d4de108c9] filter. This way it is possible to flush off the surface of the filter. This would work great for your paper filter. You could simply turn a valve on for 5 seconds and presto, your filter is clean! Ever since I have really gotten into this hobby, I have wanted to build a custom system, with plumbing right into the house. Then I wouldn't need pythons, buckets or anything, just a very large initial investment of time and money. Good luck and have fun with it.

[BASSNMAN]

I use power heads on my bigger tanks and use the HOB on small tanks. If the HOB pick up tube can line up with the UGF up tube. I use a tapered adapter to seal the filter pick up into the up tube.

[TankGirl]

Check out the Ocean Clear line of filters - they are plumbed in and apparently can be back flushed, and sound right up your alley!