articwolf

I'm trying to sort out filters. I have 2 filters, one is a HOB Top Fin 40, it has an insert tube that extends down to the middle of the tank. I also have an undergravel filter, with a power head inserted into the top of the tube. It was brought to my attention that my UGF is going to collect icky stuff under it, and I should possibly tear it apart and clean it already....or do away with it.

If I just do away with it now, before I get fish is the HOB going to do the job by itself? Can I just get a larger HOB type? I looked at the Aqua Clear models on the web and the pics show a short insert tube, will it filter water from the bottom of my tank? I have a Hex style, so it is tall. (40 gallons)

If I rip everything apart will I have to begin from the beginning, or will my gravel maintain the bacteria I have grown?

Do I have to add another type of media, since without the UGF it would no longer be my biological filer?

I know it's alot of questions, I thought I was just about ready to start keeping fish, and I feel more confused then I was at the beginning?

Your patience with my questions is appreciated...ty for all suggestions. You guys truly are very helpful.

Lori

I just wanted to add, the filtration system is what I received when I was gifted the tank. The original owner ran it this way for years. I believe he replaced the HOB at some point. He hasn't been the wealth of info he promised me he would be,lol. He never even heard of a fishless cycle, and says the underground filter will be fine.

Lori

cerianthus

There was a time when I used to run many tank just on ugf. It is true that detritus will accumulate under the plate as time goes by. Some of the build up can be removed from time to time when using product like Python. This is contraption you hook up faucet to perform water changes (will drain and fill, just shutt off all the phones when using as you may walk off as conversation goes on; seen where drain all the water or overflow). You can stick the hose down the lift tubes or any opening for lift tubes that are capped off to remove detritus. Since yours is hex, less bottom surface area, using UGF will benefit you in long run.
Besides, UGF is full time bio-filtration requiring no replacement (thus cheap to operate and maintain). It is mechanical filter to some degree trapping particles as water passes thru gravel which can be easily removed with Python.
Since you acquired both types of filter, why not use them! Actually it is better to run two independent systems, back up to each other.

articwolf

TY cerianthus, I hadn't thought of being able to clean under it without removing everything. That makes me feel a bit better. I'm probably going to have a nervous breakdown worrying about fish when I actually get them,lol. Hmmm this is relaxing huh?