If a local store doesn’t have a suitable filter, you can also find undergravel filters through online aquarium suppliers or major online retailers.
Then, submerge a 3–4 ft (0. 91–1. 22 m) long length of flexible plastic tubing in the bottom of the tank. Once the hose has filled with water, lift out 1 end of the hose and place your thumb over the opening. Point the end into an empty bucket of water and remove your thumb. This will siphon all of the water out of the fish tank. [3] X Research source If the water is relatively clean, you can pour it back into the tank once you’ve installed the filter.
Use fresh, clean water when you’re washing the parts of the aquarium. Dechlorinated water is best.
Once it’s been soaked, thoroughly rinse the bubbler and flexible airline tubing using clean, fresh, dechlorinated water to remove any remaining factory dust. Use caution to avoid damaging the air stone or breaking off the plastic connector valve.
As you install the tube, be careful not to use too much force when connecting the tube and baseplate to avoid breaking or warping the plastic.
Make sure the tubing is securely attached while taking care not to break the plastic valve on the bubbler.
When installed in place, the bubbler should sit at the bottom of the housing tube construct, very near the level of the baseplate.
Make sure not to force the tubing onto the valve too hard to avoid splitting the soft plastic tubing.
If the UGF was not designed to fit the bottom of a specific aquarium, but rather a limited range of aquarium dimensions, it may be a little more difficult to keep the baseplate centered during installation. For example, you may need to use 1 hand to hold the loose baseplate in position while you pour in the gravel around it.
If the gravel is new and unused, you won’t need to rinse it before depositing it on top of the baseplate. Use about 2 pounds (0. 91 kg) of gravel for every 1 gallon (3. 8 L) of aquarium. Deposit the gravel gingerly inside the aquarium tank so that the gravel doesn’t scratch the sides of the aquarium.
Only place an aquarium on sturdy furniture that can withstand the weight of a full aquarium; water is deceptively heavy. Some aquarium hobbyists place a towel or padding on top of their aquarium furniture before placing the aquarium on top to help keep the aquarium level and absorb any droplets that may splash out and roll down the outer surface of the aquarium.
Try not to disturb your decor or expose the UGF baseplate. It should remain covered by gravel once you’re done pouring in the water. If anything is moved out of place, after the tank is filled, reach 1 arm in and re-position the item. Depending on the type of fish you have, you’ll also need to adjust the temperature of the water as well as its ammonia and pH levels.
If installed correctly, a column of bubbles should form inside the plastic bubbler housing within a few seconds. This indicates that the UGF installation is complete. If you don’t see a column of bubbles, check the components of the bubbler tube and make sure everything is snugly assembled.
Alternatively, you can avoid this entire process if you set up the undergravel filter before you purchase and bring home fish from the pet store.
Make sure that you’re using dechlorinated, temperature-appropriate water so you don’t harm your fish. If you’d prefer to fill the tank with tap water, you can purchase a dechlorinating agent from your local supermarket. This will remove chlorine from the water and make it safe for fish.
When finished, you’ll have a bucket full of dirty water. Empty this into a toilet or use it to water indoor and outdoor plants.
