Loaches Online Forum

No you are mixing the concept of an undergravel filter with that of manifold here.

With UG filter, sponge filter is not a part of it at all. One would typically also have a sponge filter (or HOB, or..) in addition to a UG filter, but it is a separate device.

With the ug filter is water moving one way?

Yes, but not as strong as with a manifold.

Mcgold76:
You have it right as far as using a UG filter as a manifold. Water is pulled through the sponge filter on the uplift tube and THROUGH THE GRAVEL BED and shoots out the powerhead. I really think the same thing could be accomplished with the UG filter by eliminating the sponge filter altogether and just having the water pass through the gravel bed. I only added the sponge filter to make it more like a manifold and allow better flow in case the gravel bed slowed down the flow too much. Mikev is right that it would probably be less flow than a true manifold.

Aha. It seems we are doing things differently. A sponge on the back end is not a bad idea. What are you using? ATI #1?

The sponge I'm using is one of those that fits on the intake of a powerhead. Not sure of the brand, but it might be Marineland. Its black and about 3" in diameter.

Ok so think I am going to go with an ug filter. Want to start getting my supplies list. Really want to keep this project under 200$. Want to get at least partially started soon. Figure I can put in the filter and cover it with the gravel. Then decide later which powerhead to attach. Can run the setup for 3 or 4 months with some white clouds with a spare aq 30 I have. Keep lights on for like 16 hours a day to get algae growth. As for lights maybe the finnex planted plus? Of course that will take up half my budget. Any other suggestion that might be cheaper.