[D3ling424]

Here's my idea, let me know what you think.

I'm looking to improve my 55g Mbuna tank. I currently have 2 Aquatech 30-60 HOB's and a Penguin 660 powerhead running from my undergravel filter. IMHO pleanty of filtration for a 55g tank.

I love the look of sand or crushed coral but can't use my undergravel filter with either so I have been looking into a UGJ system or canister systems for my upgrade. Then I got a crazy idea, or I think so at least.
Using a Marineland 360 canister I want to hook that into my current undergravel filter in reverse. The result would be the output of my canister is forcing water through the UGF and the crushed coral. The intake would be in the top opposite corner of the tank. If I need to increase the surface movement I can use the P-660 and a sponge filter.

This probably isn't a new concept now that I think about it, has anyone else done this? What problems did you encounter or do you think I'll encounter with this kind of set up?
Thanks,
D3

 

[Laurel]

Reverse flow UGF have been around for some time. It seems like added complexity when you could just hook up the C-360 and put the crushed coral in a nylon in one of the baskets.

 

[D3ling424]

The coral would be the substrate instead of typical aquarium gravel.
D3

 

[prov356]

Since the UGF is already in place, I'd go for it. I like the idea. :thumb:

 

[D3ling424]

Well, it's been about 2 weeks and I'm sending out the update.

I kept my reverse UGF going this entire time and have been through 2 water cycles. I'm not too impressed with the outcome. I have alot more debree floating around than usual. The 2 HOB's have a higher load than usual and the filters clog more often reducing output.

I think what I'll try next(in a few months) will be a combo - canister filter with the UGF. Then my powerhead will be the surface aggitation.

D3

 

[justshoe]

Unless you pulled the old UGF out and thoroughly cleaned it. You could just be blowing up all the **** that was trapped under since it was installed.

 

[D3ling424]

There was a fair amount of that got blown out when I first did the change. Every couple days I would stir the rocks just to keep everything moving. After the first water change and syphoning it was better but still not great.

 

[justshoe]

Yea getting the actual gravel itself clean is they easy part. Ever take a UGF out thats been in use for a year or so and look under it...its quite nasty. If you water clarity doesnt get better i would pull the UGF out and clean it very well or just leave it out all together and make a cheap PVC UGJ w/ a powerhead