Spec- With reverse UGF ?

13407 Views 27 Replies 11 Participants Last post by rodahl, Dec 9, 2014

The Big Buddha

Discussion Starter · Sep 10, 2012

Just bought a second 2G spec for another Betta. Has anyone every tried hooking the output to a DIY PVC UGF to create a Reverse UGF? I think it would calm down the current and provide more Bio filter, while keeping the gravel cleaner.

Any thoughts or comments on this plan?

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MABJ

· #2 · Sep 10, 2012

The Big Buddha said:
Just bought a second 2G spec for another Betta. Has anyone every tried hooking the output to a DIY PVC UGF to create a Reverse UGF? I think it would calm down the current and provide more Bio filter, while keeping the gravel cleaner.

Any thoughts or comments on this plan?

I was confused upon first read... And on second read I realized that is GENIUS.

It works on a few levels.. Pushes water through the stones.. Keeping a good circulation, keeping aeration, filtering more water probably..

How would you go about it? I'm half considering a second spec, and I'm currently redoing my first one.

Very cool idea.

From MABJ's iPhone
2G Fluval Spec ~ fauna and flora in the works!

The Big Buddha

Discussion Starter · #3 · Sep 10, 2012

Is there any 1/2 PVC to 1/4 inch reducers? Or is 1/4 PVC, elbows, and T's available?
I could just build the whole thing in 1/4 inch if so.

MABJ

· #4 · Sep 11, 2012

I'm not great with my hands. The last thing I built with PVC pipe was a marshmallow gun.

I'd be willing to contribute to the thought process in any way possible lol.

From MABJ's iPhone
2G Fluval Spec ~ fauna and flora in the works!

The Big Buddha

Discussion Starter · #5 · Sep 11, 2012

Started today, just have to go get a couple more pvc fittings. I found some leftover tubing from an old canister that seems to fit the outflow. Will post some pics as soon as I am finished.

Marshmallow gun? I have a killer ABS potato cannon. Lol

MABJ

· #6 · Sep 11, 2012

Sounds great

And yeah shows you how long ago I worked with it!

From MABJ's iPhone
2G Fluval Spec ~ fauna and flora in the works!

ren

· #7 · Sep 12, 2012

I use it in one of my shrimp tanks it seems to do fine. The tanks parameters are on point and have nothing to complain about. Although, I wish my filter was a little more stronger since I have like more than an inch of fluval stratum.

The Big Buddha

Discussion Starter · #8 · Sep 17, 2012

2

Well, it is finished (for now). I built a simple UGF out of PVC.

Found a piece of spare tubing that fit the outflow nice and tight, and secured it with a zip tie. So far the current is very minimal and the betta is happier. I did not want to make cuts on the tube from the pump as this would decrease filtration. We'll see how this holds up, but so far so good. Total cost was under 10$.

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MABJ

· #9 · Sep 17, 2012

Is it possible to get a black piece of PVC. And run it straight down?

Anyways very interesting contraption

From MABJ's iPhone
2G Fluval Spec ~ fauna and flora in the works!

The Big Buddha

Discussion Starter · #10 · Sep 17, 2012

You can paint the pvc black with krylon. There is not much of the outflow elbow that sticks throught the filter wall into the aquarium. I used the flexible tube because I was kinda in a rush to set it up. I am sure you could run an elbow straight down, the hard part would be securing it to the outflow so it doesn't pop off under pressure. Some threaded fittings that size would be nice.

davidwes

· #11 · May 7, 2013

Can we see a picture of the tube inside the filter space? I want to see how the tube that goes to the PVC connects with the filter.

umdterps96

· #12 · May 7, 2013

would it be possible to drill a hole where the pump is and connect it directly? this would hide everything

umdterps96

· #13 · Jun 4, 2013 (Edited)

2

So I tried this on my spec. I used spare parts from old filters. I used some clear tubing I had lying around. I used and elbow to attach it to the filters output. I ran it down straight and coiled the tubing in a circle on the bottom. I drilled holes into the tubing about 1/2 inch apart. The I added the gravel and stones. It has been running for a couple of weeks now. My Betta is very happy with the low flow and the tank remains clean. I wish I would have taken pics before adding the gravel but you can see the tubing running straight down and a happy Betta

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MABJ

· #14 · Jun 4, 2013

Excellent! How'd you structure the underneath?

As in the shape?

umdterps96

· #15 · Jun 4, 2013

It's flexible clear tubing. I just let it coil into a circle naturally before adding the gravel. Works great.

Basil

· #16 · Jun 4, 2013

Wow now that's a nice scape. Love the betta too.

PamAndJim

· #17 · Jun 13, 2013

Just curious, has anyone tried this with any rooted plants. I really like this idea, but I have a couple Crypts in my Spec.

talontsiawd

· #18 · Jun 13, 2013

umdterps96 said:
So I tried this on my spec. I used spare parts from old filters. I used some clear tubing I had lying around. I used and elbow to attach it to the filters output. I ran it down straight and coiled the tubing in a circle on the bottom. I drilled holes into the tubing about 1/2 inch apart. The I added the gravel and stones. It has been running for a couple of weeks now. My Betta is very happy with the low flow and the tank remains clean. I wish I would have taken pics before adding the gravel but you can see the tubing running straight down and a happy Betta

That looks great. I was going to suggest what you did, use some old filter parts for a tight elbow. They are hard to find at a hardware store that are as small, especially with a tight radius.

Not being familiar with the sump part of the spec (seen a lot of them, never owned one), would it be possible to turn the pump sideways so you could run the tubing behind the back plastic? That would be really clean looking.

umdterps96

· #19 · Jun 13, 2013

Ideally you could cut a hole at the bottom of the back wall and run the tuning straight through. The problem is how tight everything is. I don't have any tools that would have made that possible

umdterps96

· #20 · Jun 13, 2013

PamAndJim said:
Just curious, has anyone tried this with any rooted plants. I really like this idea, but I have a couple Crypts in my Spec.

You can do it but the roots may eventually get in the tubing and clog it

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