[scotty703]

What would be the best filter system for a 55Gal. Freshwater planted setup? If you don't have an UGF, how often do you have to clean the gravel?

 

[zeb_nz]

What would be the best filter system for a 55Gal. Freshwater planted setup? If you don't have an UGF, how often do you have to clean the gravel?

UGF is a filter that pulls debris down to the gravel so when you do you weekly vacuum you will be able to remove it. When you do a water change you use a gravel cleaner to remove the water and muck from the bottom of the tank, UGF have to be pulled apart yearly and cleaned, so not the best for a planted aquarium, and not only that it would be hard to get between the plants, I suggest the sera 1100 for your size aquarium or fluval 305. Plants need a deep gravel bed of fine gravel 1-2 mm I have a 3-5 cm deep bed and my plants are doing well. Also for a planted tank use SERA FLORA POT good for the first 6 weeks of your plants life in your tank. Speeds up the rooting process and will sped the growth of your plants

 

[Lupin]

Scotty, for a planted tank, UGF is not advisable. Best to stick with internal filter. The reason why UGF is not advisable is that plants do not like the movements on their roots. This will only upset them.

 

[scotty703]

wet/dry filter

How about a wet/dry filter? If I decide to go with a different filter system, can I just leave UGF in the tank?

 

[Lupin]

Wet/dry filter should be ok.
As for UGF, you must remove it to prevent anaerobic spots which will release toxic gases poisonous to the fish.

 

[zeb_nz]

if you have ANY splashing then you will destroy your C02 and thus slowing down the growth of your plants.

 

[crazie.eddie]

(Message deleted by poster)