Reverse undergravel filtration setup

[Soni]

Dear Team,

I have a 300L goldfish tank and would lime to setup reverse undergravel filtration system. No way i can find a setup guide and i am quite confused. Please can someone help with the step by step setup with a powerhead.

Thanks
Soni

 

[deeda]

Welcome to MFK!!

Are you going to be using under gravel filter plates or will this be DIY using PVC pipes with drilled holes?

 

[Vampire fish]

Online search pumps that have a reverse setting. You set it up the same as a normal under gravel filter and then switch the pump to reverse flow.

for example on amazon mthe aquaclear powerheads ahve the setting

 

[Soni]

I will be using undergravel plates by boyu...n powerhead by boyu as well

 

[Blakewater]

just plug the outflow into the pump opening youd normally use as the inlet, also, don’t use too fine a substrate

 

[twentyleagues]

What is the purpose of reversing the flow? I've heard of this I have never used it. I have had under gravel filters back in the day.

 

[duanes]

just plug the outflow into the pump opening youd normally use as the inlet, also, don’t use too fine a substrate

Agree with this above, but as twenty leagues asked, what's the point?
Are you aiming to make the substrate more of an aerobic live bed? or push particles of detritus into the water column, or ??????

 

[Soni]

I would like to keep the substrate as clean as possible and also create additional ground for good bacteria. Do I connect the powerhead to my existing canister pump?

 

[twentyleagues]

No. But maybe just use the canister to do it?

 

[duanes]

maybe just use the canister to do it?

Agree, either attach the canister outflow to the normal out flow of the UG, or the outflow of the power head pushing water down the UG tube.
As long as surface agitation to promote gas exchange is still there, you should be good.
This reverse flow type was the thing back in the seventies, but seemed to fall out of favor, don't remember why.