What is it under a gravel filter or UGF?

under the gravel filter or UGF is a biological aquarium. It consists of boards that sit under the gravel that are fastened by feeders that rise just below the surface. Air stones or powerheads are inserted into the feeder tubes to draw water under the boards. This pulls water down through the gravel bed, the ergo of the whole substrate acts as a medium for hosting positive bacterial colonies that are responsible for the biological filter. As a result, the full volume of the tank is constantly circulated by gravel or substrate to be purified by a biological filter.

Another benefit of UGF is surface agitation. The proteins can be collected on the surface and form a thin membrane that effectively blocks the replacement of air molecules with water. When this happens, oxygen is exhausted and the fish can choke. The agitation surface of the water prevents the membrane and allows continuous replacement of air molucules. The water stretched through the feed filter tube under the gravel is excluded near the surface and provides this service.

UGF Base tubes can be equipped with simple air stones that provide a slow gentle current or powerheads that provide a strong current. Each has advantages depending on the need. Not all fish like a strong stream. In fact, it can be exhausting and harmful to certain types of fish. Other fish require the current to be healthy.

usually fish that are streamlined in the shape or to the shape of the , such as neon tetra, usually enjoy a small current, relatively speaking and well with electric heads; While those who are "flat" or in the form of disks , such as the Gouramis exhaust easily in the current. This is because the flat body in the shape of a disk will catch a stream much more than torpedo -shaped. For tanks that host fish -shaped fish, air stones are probably a better choice.

breeding tanks where they are keptSmall screeds are another example of when air stones would be more suitable. Air stones can also be a good choice for a planted tank that has a finer gravel or soil. Powerheads could pull the water too quickly through the substrate, making it difficult to absorb nutrients and fine soil can also clog under the gravel filter in ineffective.

However, if you have a tank only for fish or several plants and your fish as a current, powerheads are a good choice. Powerhead is a motor with a magnetically driven rotating orbital car. The engine is closed into a waterproof housing and the lower part of the power head is in the shape of a cone is inserted into the feed filter under the gravel. The powerhead sits on the upper part of the feeder tube just below the surface of the water and pumps the water over the tube at high speed and eliminates the water in the current. With the Powerhead at each end of the tank that feeds down to the gravel, the streams are formed, which provides stimulation necessary for many fish.

Another inThe use of Powerheads is that the draw is powerful enough to pull the remains to the gravel until it was possible to vacuum. This keeps the tank cleanly between vacuuming. Powerheads are also practically quiet, while some air pumps are quite noisy.

Proper UGF maintenance is necessary to maintain a healthy aquarium. If strong residues are allowed to collect under plates and the strength should come out, the debris could cause a deadly growth of ammonia. To avoid potential problems, simply push the vacuum tube through the gravel until it reaches the boards. Hold it flat against the boards until the water is raised over the tube. If the gravel is drawn by the tube, regulate the suction by pressing the hose or partially laying the finger over the end that excretes into the drain bucket. Move the tube to a new location and continue this process throughout the bottom of the tank or half the bottom at each cleaning. This ensures that the debris does not form.

besides UGF will beTo have a tank probably mechanical and chemical filtration. Filters from canisters are provided, hang on tanks and carbon or special resins.

under gravel filters play a valuable role in the overall filtration of almost any aquarium. With proper maintenance under the gravel filter, your tank will look great, oxygenated and gravel bed full of positive bacterial colonies.