09-04-2003, 07:56 PM
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UGF question (was Algea in the undergravel filter (on purpose))
wrote:
Ben wrote in message ...
Besides plants roots getting tangled in the UGF, why are UGFs negative
for plant growth?
Gives a better environment for roots to extract iron and other
nutrients from the gravel. Too much flow removed a fair amount of
this.
While at slower growth rates, folks that fertilize the water column
etc, this is not as big of an issue, you can see noticable
differences.
Point is, why have a UFG if you don't need one in the first place, it
takes up a good deal of tank space inside you tank and has ugly lift
tubes that need to be hidden.
the tangled root issue can be gotten around easily. Reverse flow UG's
work much better. But still, it's something you simply do not need.
You are growing plants here, not bacteria or algae(unless you like
those).
So grow the plants well. Add 3-4inches of flourite, some dirty mulm
from an established tank, a bit of ground peat and your done.
That will help a tank better than any other set up as far as the
substrate goes.
Wright would likely agree with it too
Regards,
Tom Barr
Thanks for the info. I was never into real plants but was thinking of
doing my next tank with them. I've always had lots of plastic ones and
i love UGFs. (My pl*co LOVES the "ugly lift tubes", as did my angel).
SO who knows what I'll do when I finally set up my next tank but at
least now I'll have more info whichever way I go!
Thanks,
Ben
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