UGF and New Tank - Feedback?

[akkitten]

I just started a fishless cycle with 20g tank. Not much in it so far UGF, and a HOB 150 Bio Wheel. My ammonia is a 2.0 and temp is at 80. But now I am doing some research (better late than never??) and I am seeing that an UGF is unnecessary and could even even be harmful in the long run. It is a single unit UGF with approximately 1/4 inch ridges so there is less room to trap debris. When up and running I will vaccum when I do PWC. So, leave it or take it out now? Feedback?

 

[Crepe]

Up to you. You can just leave it there and take out the airlift tubes.

 

[akkitten]

If I leave it there won't it accumulate more gunk under it someday when I add fish? Is there something I can add to the top of the airlift tube to increase the flow? Sorry for all the questions...I am really new to all of this but I got hooked hard and fast, so to speak.

 

[Crepe]

there won't be any water movement down there so it should be okay. If you're really worried about it just pull it up. you can also try a reverse UGF.

 

[akkitten]

I was just reading about a RUGF and pondering that topic. I was going to make this a partially planted tank so wondered how that would affect the plants.

 

[BigJim]

UGFs and plants don't get along. If you're not going to use the UGF, I would remove it. Leaving it there will be one more potential source of problems.