> ok... what is the consenus... should an Under Gravel Filter be used with a
> planted tank??? I see a lot of conflicting data on this subject and would
> like a definitive answer on the subject.
>
> If you say NO please also include the reasons why and if you say YES do the
> same.
>
Larry:
I have used UGs and not used them, and I definitely have better luck w/ a
"traditional" fully planted tank when I do not use UGs. UGs pull stuff
down into the gravel, clogging the substrate up much faster than w/out
them. They therefore need to be vacuumed thoroughly and reguarly which is
extremely difficult to do well w/out disloging your plants. Alternately,
you could use a reverse flow UG, where clean, prefiltered water is made to
flow *up* through your gravel layer. This would eliminate the problem w/
the gravel clogging up, but either way a UG cannot easily be used w/ most
of the gravel additives. They just won't stay in place under your gravel
if there is flow through it and/or you have to gravel vacuum.
My "untraditional" planted tanks that I have used successfully w/ UGs are
ones in which a few hardy tall plants are planted into the corners of the
tank -- I like Crinum thianum "Onion" plants the best -- and then the rest
of the plantings are either done in containers set into the gravel or the
plants are rooted onto pieces of wood and set into the tank that way. It
is then very easy to maintain the UG, as you can just lift out the
containers/wood w/out disturbing the plants' roots, and vacuum around the
plants in the corners. If you do decide to vacuum the corners well, Crinum
will tolerate lifting out and replanting once or twice a year pretty well.
Also, the plants that may need substrate additives can have them w/out
risk of making a mess, as the additives are in the substrate that is in
the containers, and thus not ever disturbed.
This has worked for me, and UGs have not, at least over the long term. I
have not tried the reverse flow method, as taking the things out or using
containers/wood has been very easy for me to do.
Hope this helps. :)
Julie <><