I just had an idea similar to yours. Cut down the air lift tube to 5 inches or so and use a piece of bamboo chop stick for the co2 placed inside the uplift. Bamboo makes very small bubbles great for co2, no need for an air pump and you'll have a very slow moving plenum.
A few weeks ago I did a very similar thing connecting a plenum to the intake of my canister filter. My idea was to include a sponge pre-filter set up instead of the lily pipes (which i still may add after tank is balanced). I had the same consideration in mind about too much flow from the plenum so in the future i may add a plug in the uptake with a smaller 5/16- 1/4" rigid tube through the middle between the plenum and pre-filter. The thought would be to get the height of the smaller tube opening in the correct position inside the pre-filter to take advantage of the Venturi principle for a small amount of plenum suction. Just sharing another option to a possible issue. The tank has just been planted a few days ago and not stocking it for at least a month to let a lot of Buce adjust so not ready to show it off yet. I thank you and the rest of the rabbit hole of you tubers that share your ideas and knowledge that inspired me to research and create a similar twist. Keep up the great work!
Setting up a new Fluval Flex 15 gal. next week. Will use an undergravel filter as a plenum with airstones. Substrate will be 2 layers made of crushed lava rock and Eco Complete. Already ordered large shipment of stem plants, anubias, hydrocotyle tripartita, s. repens, and floating frogbit. Will use plant tabs for rooted plants and liquid fertilizer for the water column plants. Added two LED strip lights superglued to the underside of the canopy to experiment with the stock lighting. This will be my first aquarium in 30 years. Excited to get back into the hobby again.
I just connected my under gravel filter uptake tube directly into my hang on Aqua Clear filter uptake tube. It was quick and easy. Now I can control the water flow by adjusting the flow control knob on the Aqua Clear filter. Done. I hope this help ...ya all
I'm trying to figure out how to do the same by connecting the plenum uplift tube to my pump without it pulling too much water through it. My pump is pretty small though so maybe it will work if I leave a small gap between the two. I'll have to do some testing and see what works for me. I don't want to have to buy a bubbler. That's just another thing that uses energy to run. 🤗
great idea on the intake skimmer. I hope it works. I've used a mini water pump (dollar store waterfall décor junk) and lighting diffuser crate to create an under gravel filter/plenum. I too run my return through a matter filter wall in the back corner of the tank.
That seems like how filters should be designed. Fully integrated from under gravel and cannister... you might have stumbled across a gem here with this extended under gravel intake pipe mod. With slow flow this will be great.
Thanks for the update. Still very interested in this build and I really like the uptake solution you've thought out. The goal for planted tanks is always to hide the hardware and that seems like it will work nicely without a black wall. I know Matten filter users love them and for good reason, it's just not for me.
It should work. My air stone for my ugf is about 2 bubbles per second and the line is pretty far up the tube and it still has suction. Likewise in a smaller test tank that I have I just have a short uplift tube but run a stone on the other side at a higher speed and the flow of water exchanges with the water inside the tube, so my guess is it should still move water from the underground even with just the outflow from a hob or canister.
Tricky ideas....I wonder if you can check level of flow using canister vs. Air pump bubbles. Making sure it's.adjustable...could pull a lot of gunk into the filter, I really like the experiment. Wonder if you could set it up in the empty tank, get it flowing, no substrate,with drops of dye floating in water so we can see the flow...with canister. And then with air stone. Don't shorten the chimney though: I would think every bit shorter would really reduce flow. Was like waking up to a fun puzzle this morning take care, thanks for vid.
Sean the external filter you have is good for your experiment go for it your idea of splitting the flow between all 3 areas should give you a satisfactory result...🤔
Hey Jayme, you are freaking CRUEL, if you can see my head you'll know what I mean X-) . Great video and looking forward to future updates on the progress.
Same question. I have a breeding colony of mollies so I need something to prevent baby fry from getting sucked into my filter and have it connected to my plenum is the plan. Right now I just have an intake sponge on it.
The first time I saw someone do this with the UGF and Skimmer was on a guys channel called Thomas M. You should check out his setup and progress with it! Curious how you thought up this idea? It’s really cool and I want to try it next time I rescape!
I was looking for a way to make the water slowly flow though and really wanted a skimmer also. When I came across this device the pieces just kind of fell together for me.
I don't know all of these scientific words and whatnot, but I was doing all this stuff in the 90s. I had different flow rates. I always worked with deep substrate, reverse flow. Connecting the ugf uptake to an Aquaclear intake. Please correct me if I'm mistaken, but a plenum is basically a ugf that is geared to be slow flowing? Is this correct? What is a ugf that has a high flow called? The only thing I didn't use was cat fertilizer. My tanks were just fine.
I’m not trying to avoid water changes. And there will be food left for plants. I’m more attracted to reducing algae to some degree. And trying something new.
A plenum won't eliminate water changes. But it should help eliminate toxic pockets of anaerobic bacteria in the substrate, and allow a marked increase of beneficial aerobic/anoxic bacteria besides what is in the main filter area. May even increase the tank's bioload capacity.
@@lynnlutz9883 I seem to find a lot of opinions on the topic or folks who tried it, attempted to actually measure any improvements and said it failed for them.
@@HalfManHalfCichlid In my mind, from what I have read, and I have researched the plenum myself, it makes scientific sense. Anyway, setting up a plenum is not a big deal for me; if it works -- great. If not -- I'm only out $10 for the cost of an UGF. To me its a no-brainer. No risks but high potential to gain benefits.
@@lynnlutz9883 Have you, or anyone you actually know ever had an experience with the DREADED toxic pockets of anaerobic bacteria? Ask Father Fish, you'll thank me later.
If it is the lack of oxygen that causes anoxic bacteria to exist wouldn’t any bobbles from an air tube hinder the process? Jaubert invented it, and as far as I know still doesn’t use an Air tube.
Good question. The function of the bubbles is to push the water upwards. It doesn’t actually enter the bottom it creates flow so the water can be sucked in through the under gravel filter back up the tube. So it doesn’t interact with the bacteria underneath. In this version I’m using the canister to suck it out. I’m reducing the flow some by opening it up to the tank also. Its been working well a few years on.
I like ur videos but uv forgot something if u suck in air the canister won't work right and if uv bcb basket n canister it won't create the headetropic bacteria as to much air n u don't won't high flow so I'd not do that use use canister we bcb turned real low n use an air pump turned right down n an air stone
Excellent! You did what I do, and followed my comment on your, "20 Gal Reset: Anoxic Experiment" In part - "... I use a canister filter, I make a physical connection from the uplift tube of the under gravel filter to the intake tube of the canister filter. I use a TOM surface skimmer to make this connection. A Fluval surface skimmer would work also. I attach the bottom of the surface skimmer to the uplift tube after cutting off most of the rest of it and attach a strainer to the top. Physics dictates that most of the water drawn into the canister filter will come through the upper strainer portion, and a minimal and slow flow will come from the bottom part attached to the under gravel uplift tube." Thank you so much for continuing this method and videoing it. Only one other TH-cam channel does so. And, you made the correct choice on not using the CO2 diffuser method. The most significant limiting factor here is that not enough water will be moved with the CO2 diffuser unless you were really cranking the CO2, which would have other deleterious and costly effects. You will find that most water going to the canister filter (roughly 95-98 per cent) will be from the surface skimmer end. Again, hydrodynamics and fluid mechanics. Water travels the path of least resistance. It will work! You will be amazed!!
@@AussieAquatic G'day Colin. Glad to see you here. I haven't tried your reverse flow method yet, but I recently sourced an original Eheim UGF system and that will be my next project. Cheers.
@@annalee7403 Would you mind telling me about the tank you've had set up for three years? I suppose most specifically about the effect it's had on your nitrates, and perhaps your fish load so I can get an idea of just how much nitrates it's able to remove
Great idea... that is exactly how I did mine.
Hello, Dr Glad to see you here as the inspiration behind this.
I used the same UGFs in an 8x4 grid and I just drilled a bunch of 1/8th inch between them on the sides that don't have the tabs
I just had an idea similar to yours. Cut down the air lift tube to 5 inches or so and use a piece of bamboo chop stick for the co2 placed inside the uplift. Bamboo makes very small bubbles great for co2, no need for an air pump and you'll have a very slow moving plenum.
A few weeks ago I did a very similar thing connecting a plenum to the intake of my canister filter. My idea was to include a sponge pre-filter set up instead of the lily pipes (which i still may add after tank is balanced). I had the same consideration in mind about too much flow from the plenum so in the future i may add a plug in the uptake with a smaller 5/16- 1/4" rigid tube through the middle between the plenum and pre-filter. The thought would be to get the height of the smaller tube opening in the correct position inside the pre-filter to take advantage of the Venturi principle for a small amount of plenum suction. Just sharing another option to a possible issue. The tank has just been planted a few days ago and not stocking it for at least a month to let a lot of Buce adjust so not ready to show it off yet. I thank you and the rest of the rabbit hole of you tubers that share your ideas and knowledge that inspired me to research and create a similar twist. Keep up the great work!
Setting up a new Fluval Flex 15 gal. next week. Will use an undergravel filter as a plenum with airstones. Substrate will be 2 layers made of crushed lava rock and Eco Complete. Already ordered large shipment of stem plants, anubias, hydrocotyle tripartita, s. repens, and floating frogbit. Will use plant tabs for rooted plants and liquid fertilizer for the water column plants.
Added two LED strip lights superglued to the underside of the canopy to experiment with the stock lighting.
This will be my first aquarium in 30 years. Excited to get back into the hobby again.
congrats
Welcome back!
@ Lynn lutz Hiiii.... pls update, how is your tank going on, tnx in advance
That t-shirt is everything!
I just connected my under gravel filter uptake tube directly into my hang on Aqua Clear filter uptake tube. It was quick and easy. Now I can control the water flow by adjusting the flow control knob on the Aqua Clear filter. Done. I hope this help ...ya all
I'm trying to figure out how to do the same by connecting the plenum uplift tube to my pump without it pulling too much water through it. My pump is pretty small though so maybe it will work if I leave a small gap between the two. I'll have to do some testing and see what works for me. I don't want to have to buy a bubbler. That's just another thing that uses energy to run. 🤗
great idea on the intake skimmer. I hope it works. I've used a mini water pump (dollar store waterfall décor junk) and lighting diffuser crate to create an under gravel filter/plenum. I too run my return through a matter filter wall in the back corner of the tank.
Can't wait to see how this works out. It looks like the uplift tube and the intake were made for each other. Great video as always!
What can be better than auto cleaning under the gravel and a surface skimmer option, both very effective, together ..killer!
Very interesting. Really looking forward to the progress and update.
Awesome video- thank you for everything you do for our fish community! You're the best!
That seems like how filters should be designed. Fully integrated from under gravel and cannister... you might have stumbled across a gem here with this extended under gravel intake pipe mod. With slow flow this will be great.
Cool ideas. Very interested in seeing the glass pipe idea in action. Super interesting as always!👍
Thanks for the update. Still very interested in this build and I really like the uptake solution you've thought out. The goal for planted tanks is always to hide the hardware and that seems like it will work nicely without a black wall. I know Matten filter users love them and for good reason, it's just not for me.
Catching up, great videos! Looking forward to see how the plenum works!
Love the update and can't wait for more!
It should work. My air stone for my ugf is about 2 bubbles per second and the line is pretty far up the tube and it still has suction. Likewise in a smaller test tank that I have I just have a short uplift tube but run a stone on the other side at a higher speed and the flow of water exchanges with the water inside the tube, so my guess is it should still move water from the underground even with just the outflow from a hob or canister.
Re: airstones
Get some Ziss Never Clog airstones from Cory. Completely adjustable bubbles, none of the annoying bubbles sounds.
Tricky ideas....I wonder if you can check level of flow using canister vs. Air pump bubbles. Making sure it's.adjustable...could pull a lot of gunk into the filter, I really like the experiment. Wonder if you could set it up in the empty tank, get it flowing, no substrate,with drops of dye floating in water so we can see the flow...with canister. And then with air stone. Don't shorten the chimney though: I would think every bit shorter would really reduce flow. Was like waking up to a fun puzzle this morning take care, thanks for vid.
Lol sounds cool I may try that soon. I’m a little past that opportunity with this one. But i can try that latter on.
It’s gonna work!, great idea... 👍🏻
Love your hairstyle!
Sean the external filter you have is good for your experiment go for it your idea of splitting the flow between all 3 areas should give you a satisfactory result...🤔
Cool video. My cat heard cat litter and now she thinks she is scaping her litter box.
Lol
Very interesting.
Hey Jayme, you are freaking CRUEL, if you can see my head you'll know what I mean X-) . Great video and looking forward to future updates on the progress.
Jayme wrote my theme song but my name is Sean thanks for watching though!
@@pecktec lol
Is this what you call a super hightec tank? 👊🤣
Whoa! The thumbnail looks like an add for an adult toy 🤣
Lol
Oil Dri even work.
great vid..How would this system work with a Hang on Back filter? Thanks
Same question. I have a breeding colony of mollies so I need something to prevent baby fry from getting sucked into my filter and have it connected to my plenum is the plan. Right now I just have an intake sponge on it.
Thanks for the great video!
Super cool video!!!!
You now have my favorite TH-cam hairstyle 😉👌
Lol my kid has been cutting my hair for a year now. It’s getting wacky.
@@pecktecAt least she doesn't charge🤣
Nice!
Working my way backwards
The first time I saw someone do this with the UGF and Skimmer was on a guys channel called Thomas M. You should check out his setup and progress with it! Curious how you thought up this idea? It’s really cool and I want to try it next time I rescape!
I was looking for a way to make the water slowly flow though and really wanted a skimmer also. When I came across this device the pieces just kind of fell together for me.
I don't know all of these scientific words and whatnot, but I was doing all this stuff in the 90s.
I had different flow rates.
I always worked with deep substrate, reverse flow.
Connecting the ugf uptake to an Aquaclear intake.
Please correct me if I'm mistaken, but a plenum is basically a ugf that is geared to be slow flowing?
Is this correct?
What is a ugf that has a high flow called?
The only thing I didn't use was cat fertilizer.
My tanks were just fine.
Seems like water changes and leaving some nitrates for the plants to consume is so much simpler than this plenum theory.
I’m not trying to avoid water changes. And there will be food left for plants. I’m more attracted to reducing algae to some degree. And trying something new.
A plenum won't eliminate water changes. But it should help eliminate toxic pockets of anaerobic bacteria in the substrate, and allow a marked increase of beneficial aerobic/anoxic bacteria besides what is in the main filter area. May even increase the tank's bioload capacity.
@@lynnlutz9883 I seem to find a lot of opinions on the topic or folks who tried it, attempted to actually measure any improvements and said it failed for them.
@@HalfManHalfCichlid In my mind, from what I have read, and I have researched the plenum myself, it makes scientific sense. Anyway, setting up a plenum is not a big deal for me; if it works -- great. If not -- I'm only out $10 for the cost of an UGF. To me its a no-brainer. No risks but high potential to gain benefits.
@@lynnlutz9883 Have you, or anyone you actually know ever had an experience with the DREADED toxic pockets of anaerobic bacteria? Ask Father Fish, you'll thank me later.
I always wondered what Russell Crowe does between movies.
ceramic diffuser need highly pressure gas to be activated
Yeap I’m going to run co2 I have a regulator/ canister and such.
you showing us a bong on the thumbnail?
Ohhhh That’s why it did so well. 🤪😀😂
I'm using two fine bubble airstones.. can't hear them.. my quietest tank ever
What air pump? I hate mine
@@VinylUnboxings seems like no one wants to answer your questions.
@@jeffalbillar7625 oh well haha
Build a bcb canister
I may one day. I like to mix it up a bit.
If it is the lack of oxygen that causes anoxic bacteria to exist wouldn’t any bobbles from an air tube hinder the process? Jaubert invented it, and as far as I know still doesn’t use an Air tube.
Good question. The function of the bubbles is to push the water upwards. It doesn’t actually enter the bottom it creates flow so the water can be sucked in through the under gravel filter back up the tube. So it doesn’t interact with the bacteria underneath. In this version I’m using the canister to suck it out. I’m reducing the flow some by opening it up to the tank also. Its been working well a few years on.
Interesting mod. It's similar to Dr Novak's mod he did years ago but not exactly what your mod is doing. Should work.
I like ur videos but uv forgot something if u suck in air the canister won't work right and if uv bcb basket n canister it won't create the headetropic bacteria as to much air n u don't won't high flow so I'd not do that use use canister we bcb turned real low n use an air pump turned right down n an air stone
This should be interesting - I can't wait to see how it turns out!
Excellent! You did what I do, and followed my comment on your, "20 Gal Reset: Anoxic Experiment" In part - "... I use a canister filter, I make a physical connection from the uplift tube of the under gravel filter to the intake tube of the canister filter. I use a TOM surface skimmer to make this connection. A Fluval surface skimmer would work also. I attach the bottom of the surface skimmer to the uplift tube after cutting off most of the rest of it and attach a strainer to the top. Physics dictates that most of the water drawn into the canister filter will come through the upper strainer portion, and a minimal and slow flow will come from the bottom part attached to the under gravel uplift tube." Thank you so much for continuing this method and videoing it. Only one other TH-cam channel does so. And, you made the correct choice on not using the CO2 diffuser method. The most significant limiting factor here is that not enough water will be moved with the CO2 diffuser unless you were really cranking the CO2, which would have other deleterious and costly effects. You will find that most water going to the canister filter (roughly 95-98 per cent) will be from the surface skimmer end. Again, hydrodynamics and fluid mechanics. Water travels the path of least resistance. It will work! You will be amazed!!
U/G and canister working together for a slow flow plenum............another member of the club :)
Yeap I’m excited to see how it goes. Thanks for all your inspiration on these!
@@pecktec You're so very welcome. I'm excited to see how yours turns out. It will change minds. Mine has been up and running now for three years.
@@AussieAquatic G'day Colin. Glad to see you here. I haven't tried your reverse flow method yet, but I recently sourced an original Eheim UGF system and that will be my next project. Cheers.
@@annalee7403 Would you mind telling me about the tank you've had set up for three years? I suppose most specifically about the effect it's had on your nitrates, and perhaps your fish load so I can get an idea of just how much nitrates it's able to remove