OK, we got a tiny little fish tank that fits one goldfish nicely. It came with a UGF system with the following parts:

Air pump
Thin air tube
0.5" water column tube
Baseplate
Air rock

The very limited instructions show the plate under the gravel, with the water column tube connected to it. Inside the column at the base is the air rock, and the air tube. Pump is elevated above the water's surface. When working, bubbles follow the column and escope over the top of the column, just below the surface (I have the column 0.25 inches below the water line).

My question:
Do those bubbles moving up through the column actually create a current that draws water through the gravel? My gut tells me that the water will be pretty stagnent and not circulate through the bottom. Just skeptical....

Thanks,
Rumbly

The fire finally caught the all-nighter, so I'm going to bed. Will check back in the morning.

Although that type of system isn't recommended for large (or even medium) tanks, it works well enough for small ones, and the water doesn't need to circulate that quickly: quick answer is that I think your fish should be happy enough! The most important thing is regular water changes, although don't overdo it either; I'm quite a bit out of date with fish-keeping but I seem to recall that about 20-25% every week or two should do it, but no more than that (check up on that though, my memory is terrible.) A small amount of dechlorination solution added to the fresh water will also ensure you have a happy fishy.

Thanks for the reply.

I googled the UGF's but most seemed to have a cucilation pump as well; although, they were larger tanks.

If it doesn't work so well...well, the fish were cheap

Your fish will be ok. I had a 120 then 240 l aquarium from the age of 16 to 37 although not goldfish but tropical.
I recommend you to put some plants inside the tank even if it is only 2-3.
The gravel filtration system is ok for small tank. However, you will need :
1/ To leave the water for 2 weeks before putting a goldfish, it needs to be clean. Else you will have an accumulation of a dangerous chemical (nitrate first then the dreaded nitrite) in the water coming from the degradation of the excretions of your fish (poo in english ?) :celebration:
2/ This system is using the gravel as a filtration mass. Consequently, you will have, if not enough plants, an accumulation of dirt inside the sand. It can look nasty, although not too dangerous for the fish, on the window of your tank.
3/ Try to move to a larger tank of at least 60-100 l and put more fishes, smaller than goldfish, I mean tropical fresh water fishes. Aquarium is a fantastic hobby, not too costly apart from the initial investment. You can even generate revenue through reproduction. I made some good cash when I reproduced ramirezei

Yup, UGF are excellent, and for the bioload you have in your tank, it's all you will ever need. Be careful though... It starts as a goldfish bowl, and the next thing you know, you're at the local pet shop picking out $100+ reef fish for your new 300 gallon tank.

... and if upgrading to a huge tank (i.e. more than you can easily lift), think very carefully about where you want to put it because they're a serious pain in the bum to move!

LIving I assume?
yummmm amonia! :lick: Can I temper the water with minor water chages like Vomtetia stated?
Crappie minnows for fishing bait :thumbs up:

Good to hear from you; gas is $3.20/gal now here.

Add gas expense and their $125. At least Frank Drebin doesn't know where I live!

Heh, we have an oak entertainment center that we've had for 17 years. It will stay with the house, or be destroyed for firewood. Ain't no way we're moving that again! :rofl:

Yeah, you can get special aquarium plants from your local fish emporium. The fish will often nibble them, but it does make a nicer environment for both you and the fish.


Best not to overdo it; invest in a test kit to keep an eye on the levels of any nasties that might build up (make sure it's in date, though: we unknowingly bought an expired one that didn't work and consequently had a rather unhealthy tank) but too many water changes can be as bad as not enough. A major reason why it's important to use the dechlorination solution is so that you don't kill the bacteria that break down the ammonia and stuff.


Sounds like you're quite used to the presence of immovable objects, then!

The dechlorination. Is that for city water? We're on a well system. Or is that a build up of amonium chloride?

yes, like me behind on this couch

I meant the stuff the water board puts in it. I guess if it's well water that isn't being subjected to any specific treatment it should be okay...


Not so much a couch as an extension to your jeans? :laugh: