PROS:
-Cost, entry level investment
-Ease of setup
-Ease to build as a DIY
project.
-Low tech or beginner technology
-Little to no additional equipment needed, (this excludes a protein skimmer, which is a 100% recommended part of the setup)
CONS:
-Low available oxygen levels
-Salt creep from the lift tubes
-Detritus trap, (wastes collect in the gravel requiring frequent cleaning).
-Carbon dioxide poisoning, (builds up near the bottom requiring additional airstones to export out of the aquarium causing even more salt creep).
-Low bioload handling
-Prone to NTS, (new tank syndrome)
-No upgrade available to advance to more delicate fish and inverts.
-Non-reef compatible, (fish only)
-Unstable pH requiring constant buffering, (acids and Co-2 build up causing a depression of pH)
-Live rock not recommended with this filter, (not enough O-2 again)
-Frequent water changes to export accumulated nitrates and phenol oils, etc.
IN SUMMATION:
This is the #1 choice of the beginning aquarist that is unsure of how deeply entrenched he or she plans on getting into the hobby. The big issue here is that once the decision to upgrade or tackle more delicate and decorative species is made, nothing but the actual aquarium is reusable. So, if you plan on keeping a few damsels or other hardy fishes without succumbing to marine aquarium deficiency syndrome, the UGF may be for you!
A word of caution:
Placing any saltwater aquarium up close to drywall will cause a slow but sure erosion of the plaster. UGF's, due to their high evaporation and bubble production, accelerate this process and can ruin your living room wall within a few short months. Always place a plastic "shield" between the tank and your walls. I usually hang clear acrylic panels on the wall itself, to protect it.
Upcoming CHAPTERS will take the next step into fluidized filter beds, bio-wheels and canister filters. Then following CHAPTERS will delve into wet/dry technology, mud filters, mangrove filtration, Jaubert live sand systems, algae-turf scrubbers and carbon tube techniques.
Stay tuned, we're here for you!
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