Removing undergravel filters

[Cassandra]

My 20 gallon tank has an undergravel filter. I keep hearing good and bad about these things...and when its bad its really bad. I thinking of taking mine out. Its ugly and kinda difficult to hide, plus Im afraid Im gonna end up with some horrific biohazardous situation. Does anyone know how to do this because it looks like its going to be a huge pain in my a**. Or instead of removing the whole thing can I just remove the parts sticking up through the gravel and pretend like its not there? I have a feeling this would be very dangerous to my fish (not that I would leave them in during the process of course) Probably a stupid question please dont yell at me.

[Wild Turkey]

I would

Remove a good portion of the gravel.
Remove the filter (completely)
Do a water change and vacuum/rinse the gravel you removed.
Replace the removed gravel.
Monitor Water parameters.

I wouldnt just leave it for fear of the what you listed.

[Cassandra]

ok sounds good.
i use flora base which apparently needs to be replaced every six months anyways so i guess its not as bad as i thought.

[Fishguy2727]

If you are replacing the substrate anyways that is a great time to do it.

Other than that I would vacuum really well, maybe twice, before you do it. Move some gravel out of the way and pull it out. No matter what it is probably going to be pretty nasty if it is anything like the ones I have done, but in the end it is much better. You will probably have to clean the filters afterward, but give it a couple days before you do that, and try to just do the mechanical media.

What other filtration is on there now?

[Cassandra]

i have an aqua clear hanging on the back that is for a 50 or 55 gallon tank so its not the only filtration I have. Im just afraid cuz I dont really have any problems with the UGF (that I know of) right now and dont want to cause one with a disturbance.

[Lady Hobbs]

If you are using flora base then you have plants. You do not want to use an UGF with plants.

[Cassandra]

yeah alot of them rooted down to it...i found this out when i went to move some of them and RIIIPP!! oops...yet another reason to get rid of the damn thing.

[AABatteries]

Haha, I have the exact case, same tank size too, along with the plants. And I don't even wanna think about how it looks under the UGF. >.< Its not going to be pretty. But I got till after Christmas to deal with it. :D I guess I'll see how it goes for you.

[Cassandra]

oh sure...
make me be the guinea pig...
thanks.

[AABatteries]

Hehe... Just a new member thing. lol I'm jk. Plus I have no need to take it out now.

[Northernguy]

Great iead ,get rid of it!
All the info provided is a great way to go about it.Lotsa vacuuming as you remove it.Unfortunately you may have to trim your roots unless you can untangle them.:18:
Good luck and lotsa pics please!

[Cassandra]

sadly most of my plants are gone as a result of ripping the roots so i guess thats one less thing to worry about but i will be sure to document the whole experience so you can all laugh at me lol

[Northernguy]

We need a good laugh around here.:19:
Just joking ,I hound everyone for pics !

[AABatteries]

lol NG, your the person who can't stand a thread with out pics.

[Wild Turkey]

If you are using flora base then you have plants. You do not want to use an UGF with plants.

Yes, if you have plants, just another reason to switch it. As fishguy said, if you wanna go sand or some other new substrate, now is the best time.

[Cassandra]

while were on that subject, i had VERY good luck with the flora base but it only lasts for six months...what do you guys recommend?

[Cassandra]

maybe i should start a new thread :ezpi_wink1:

[sleeby]

I just finished part 2 of my ugf removal project (was two UGFs side by side and I removed the first four days ago).

I did not have plants to deal with but here's what I did:

* installed new filters weeks ahead to get them ready
* turned off heaters and filters
* vacuumed gravel well
* pushed most gravel toward front of tank
* slowly pulled out UGF via the piping in back
* vacuumed real well and releveled gravel
* ~80% water change when all was done and said
* turned everything back on and was crystal clear

Good luck - you won't need it though. Most of my time was spent simply in setting up all of the fake plants again.

[Northernguy]

Great advice Sleeby!

[Cassandra]

I honestly think i'm more afraid of moving my fish while this is all being done. I dont wanna stress em too much when i move them, thats my biggest concern.

[Northernguy]

I honestly think i'm more afraid of moving my fish while this is all being done. I dont wanna stress em too much when i move them, thats my biggest concern.
If you do not have another tank,get yourself a clean plastic tub or bucket and add your tank water to it and your filter if you wish,and keep your fish in there until all is done.
Drain your water down and remove your decorations before trying to catch your fish.

[Cassandra]

I have a five gallon tank--too tiny for all the guys...but i also have a pretty good size cooler i could put them into if need be i guess

[Northernguy]

I have a five gallon tank--too tiny for all the guys...but i also have a pretty good size cooler i could put them into if need be i guess
YUP! I would get it as clean as possible and line it with a garbage bag or good plastic.

[Cassandra]

okie dokie sounds like some good advice.

Thanks.

[Northernguy]

:19: LOL Have fun and take your time,it a lot less messy!

[Cassandra]

i'm planning on indulging in the fun of this lil project in the next few weeks so i'll be sure to let you guys know how it goes thumbs2:

[Northernguy]

i'm planning on indulging in the fun of this lil project in the next few weeks so i'll be sure to let you guys know how it goes thumbs2:

Pics,would be appropriate! lol:c3:

[Cassandra]

i knew you were gonna say that. lol

of course it will be completely documented :ezpi_wink1:

[Northernguy]

thumbs2: WooHoo!:thumb:
Sounds great! I will be looking forward them.
There has been a lot of people asking how to lately.It will be beneficial to the forum.

[Cassandra]

anything i can do to help...
you guys have all been so helpful to me already :c3: