Filters: UGF vs HOB

AndyL

Large Fish
Oct 22, 2002
908
1
0
48
Calgary AB
#1
Hey folks,

Two of my little tanks (1g and 2g) are using UGF's my other tanks use HOB filters (except the 10g fry tank, its got a corner filter).

I was noticing the two tanks with the UGF, never seem to look dirty, in fact they always have SUPER clean water, and I have yet to see a problem with ammonia or nitrites, the nitrate levels also seem to climb slower. Whereas my 10 and 20 w/ HOB do occasionally have water clarity issues.

Is there any particular reason for this? Is there a way to use a UGF filter in a planted tank (I was thinking in an un-planted open area, or under some java moss)

Andy
 

SoulFish

Superstar Fish
Oct 22, 2002
1,668
0
0
38
Florida
www.rainbowaquatics.com
#2
its probably nto teh UGF, how many fish do you have in your big tanks compared too small, how strong are filters, you should not have water claritys issues, if you do then theres something wrong with your tank, why is the water not clear, what colors is it?
 

AndyL

Large Fish
Oct 22, 2002
908
1
0
48
Calgary AB
#3
Actually, the small ones are way more overstocked than the big ones :) The 1gal right now has about 25 newborn guppies, the 2g has 2 fullsize males (just over an inch) and 8 male fry (between 3/8 - 1/2" long). But like I said, I never see ammonia, nitrite levels, and the nitrate levels are rarely more than 0-5ppm. Tho I do more regular water changes on those tanks (both get about 1quart changed every other day)

Clarity, its usually a milky whiteish color, but never seems to be associated with ammonia or nitrite problems, so I'm not sure what its from. Happens mostly in my acrylic 10g which is currently holding >40 mid sized guppy fry.

Its something I've noticed in many tanks, not just my own, the UGF systems just seem to always look better.

Andy