Undergravel filter modified to be compatible for fine plant

34 posts • Page 1 of 4

Discuss all topics related to freshwater and planted tanks.


Peterkarig3210
 
Posts: 1980
Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2007 3:04 am

Undergravel filter modified to be compatible for fine plant

by Peterkarig3210

I'm setting up my 35 gallon long tank and I already have 3 bags of expensive plant medium which is quite fine in particulate size. The thing I'm trying to figure is how I can use the UG filter by covering the filter plates with a fine meshed material of some sort, and possibly even using silicone to glue the edges of the material to the sides of the tank. I want something I can gravel vac over which is both durable and is thin, so gunk doesn't get stuck in it like a filter pad. I know there are those who'll say it shouldn't be done, but I think it can. I love undergravel filters with an attached power head, and I want some water flow to go through the gravel. I only want to know of a kind of material, like cheese cloth, or fibreglass woven cloth, or some other good material for this purpose, and where I can find it. This will be a planted tank with small fish and other creatures such as shrimp, and I'll be able to grow the plants that require more light as I have a VHO set up already bought and a huge canister filter Don't bother trying to tell me it can't be done. It can and I'll do it.


spongebob4460
 
Posts: 603
Joined: Fri Jan 25, 2008 8:37 am

by spongebob4460

maybe use window screen material... at lowes or home depot? also, maybe try a pool supply store, they might have screens that go over filter equipment that are submergible


gumbii
 
Posts: 1695
Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2007 3:31 am

by gumbii

i thought you can't use UGF in a planted tank...? that just steals all of the nutrients that the plants need... like fish poop and stuff... lol...

i was told never to vacuum my substrate... and i haven't... the plants love it appearantly...


Peterkarig3210
 
Posts: 1980
Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2007 3:04 am

by Peterkarig3210

That's still too big. this needs to be way fine. I don't need to have very high flow in the gravel, just a little. I'm thinking of a material that is thin as paper,(is white and shiny in my imagination) has microscopic holes, is synthetic and super strong.


Peterkarig3210
 
Posts: 1980
Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2007 3:04 am

by Peterkarig3210

I didn't think of that Gumbii. I have UG filters now with my planted tanks. I just don't have really fine (plant medium) gravel in those. I guess there is either nutrients in the water VS nutrients in the gravel. Do you know of a source that says that it's best to not have water flow through the gravel?


gumbii
 
Posts: 1695
Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2007 3:31 am

by gumbii

there is some material that my LFS sells some thin stuff that's like 200 micron or so... i think they sell it at drs fosters as well... maybe a layer of filter floss...


spongebob4460
 
Posts: 603
Joined: Fri Jan 25, 2008 8:37 am

by spongebob4460

bed sheet with low thread count


Peterkarig3210
 
Posts: 1980
Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2007 3:04 am

by Peterkarig3210

I like the 200 micron filter floss stuff. I think that's what I want. I wouldn't use a bed sheet because I would think it would wear out after a while. I think the filter floss is super thin and strong and shiny. Right? What do people use it for?


gumbii
 
Posts: 1695
Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2007 3:31 am

by gumbii

salt water applications... i've seen them use them as socks and stuff... i'ma gonna look for some right now...


spongebob4460
 
Posts: 603
Joined: Fri Jan 25, 2008 8:37 am

by spongebob4460

i dont think filter floss comes in sheets, just clumps, and u break off how much u need... people use it in their filters to trap particles and stuff, kinda like what the filter cartridges are made of. I picture it getting dirty fast and stinking to high heaven... and i imagine it being very tricky to work with underneath substrate IMO.

i would imagine a media bag cut into sheets would be best... maybe find two large ones, cut them at seams so its spread out into a rectangle and use a few, they dont cost too much.

Undergravel filter modified to be compatible for fine plant

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