Rscomia
Aquarium Advice Addict
So I am totally reaquascaping my freshwater tank for cichlids It has a undergravel filter and a hob whisper ex 45 Should I leave the under gravel or take it out??
So I am totally reaquascaping my freshwater tank for cichlids It has a undergravel filter and a hob whisper ex 45 Should I leave the under gravel or take it out??
If you aren't using sand (which is better for cichlids) I'd leave the ugf in, even if you don't run it. It acts as a built-in backup filter if your hob or cannister fails.
Do you mean leave the plates in place, but don't have any powerheads running the UGF? I would not suggest that. Crud will build up under the plates, and provide a prime breeding place for some very undesirable bacteria. A UGF system with a high volume of water being pulled through the gravel IS a good backup filter if the HOB or cannister fails...but it can do nothing if water is not actively being pulled thru the gravel
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Do you mean leave the plates in place, but don't have any powerheads running the UGF? I would not suggest that. Crud will build up under the plates, and provide a prime breeding place for some very undesirable bacteria.
A UGF system with a high volume of water being pulled through the gravel IS a good backup filter if the HOB or cannister fails...but it can do nothing if water is not actively being pulled thru the gravel.