Any real difference in UG Plates?

beviking · 05-22-2008, 06:48 PM

Is there any performance difference between plates that are flat vs. the ones that have "hills and valleys"? Specifically for RUGF applications but what the heck, lets get crazy and cover ALL applications

I've used flat plates w/o problems but picked up a few "hill and val" plates at the auction. Now I'm wondering if the hill have less gravel over them, that's less resistance, may result in uneven flow. Hmm, maybe they're older style, sure look old...that would explain why I got 'em so cheap!

RTR · 05-23-2008, 06:56 AM

I have used both styles and loosely consider it a coin toss.

For my over-engineered RFUG, especially when non-trivial rockwork is involved (mbuna or the rocky-habitat Tangs) my hill-and-valley plates are physically stronger, so are my plates of choice.

beviking · 05-24-2008, 05:30 AM

Good enough for me then! Thanks RTR!
Won't have to worry about strength unless my selective breeding results in super strong shrimp

-Bill

Riverfishgirl · 05-24-2008, 06:35 AM

If you think about it the ridged plates actually have more surface area so I'd assume they'd aerate the substrate better.
Really I've used both and don't prefer either one, but the flat ones are easier to clean. If you're going RUGF that's not an issue though.

RTR · 05-24-2008, 06:37 AM

LOL! I just might be interested in those super-strong shrimp if you can produce them.

I'd love another shrimp that could lift the plate if they wanted, but the BW breeding is off-putting. I do miss the giant macros - even if mine did not get as hefty as the one pictured in the ref below, it was almost as long. Of course then i would not have a tank big enough for a pair....

Freshwater Prawns

beviking · 05-25-2008, 06:01 AM

Whoa! Shouldn't be a problem locating sperm for extraction in that big monster...unless it's a female. Hmm, probably be easier extracting sperm from the larger species and depositing it on the female of smaller specie instead of visa versa.
No, I'm not THAT into selective breeding...just putting largest/most colorful together is about as complicated as I get

05-22-2008, 06:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
beviking resU deretsigeR Join Date: May 2006 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 450	Any real difference in UG Plates? Is there any performance difference between plates that are flat vs. the ones that have "hills and valleys"? Specifically for RUGF applications but what the heck, lets get crazy and cover ALL applications I've used flat plates w/o problems but picked up a few "hill and val" plates at the auction. Now I'm wondering if the hill have less gravel over them, that's less resistance, may result in uneven flow. Hmm, maybe they're older style, sure look old...that would explain why I got 'em so cheap!

05-23-2008, 06:56 AM	#2 (permalink)
RTR RTR Join Date: May 2006 Location: Exurban MD, USA Posts: 846	I have used both styles and loosely consider it a coin toss. For my over-engineered RFUG, especially when non-trivial rockwork is involved (mbuna or the rocky-habitat Tangs) my hill-and-valley plates are physically stronger, so are my plates of choice. __________________ Where's the fish? - Neptune

05-24-2008, 06:37 AM	#5 (permalink)
RTR RTR Join Date: May 2006 Location: Exurban MD, USA Posts: 846	LOL! I just might be interested in those super-strong shrimp if you can produce them. I'd love another shrimp that could lift the plate if they wanted, but the BW breeding is off-putting. I do miss the giant macros - even if mine did not get as hefty as the one pictured in the ref below, it was almost as long. Of course then i would not have a tank big enough for a pair.... Freshwater Prawns __________________ Where's the fish? - Neptune

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05-24-2008, 05:30 AM	#3 (permalink)
beviking resU deretsigeR Join Date: May 2006 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 450	Good enough for me then! Thanks RTR! Won't have to worry about strength unless my selective breeding results in super strong shrimp -Bill

05-24-2008, 06:35 AM	#4 (permalink)
Riverfishgirl Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 241	If you think about it the ridged plates actually have more surface area so I'd assume they'd aerate the substrate better. Really I've used both and don't prefer either one, but the flat ones are easier to clean. If you're going RUGF that's not an issue though.

05-25-2008, 06:01 AM	#6 (permalink)
beviking resU deretsigeR Join Date: May 2006 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 450	Whoa! Shouldn't be a problem locating sperm for extraction in that big monster...unless it's a female. Hmm, probably be easier extracting sperm from the larger species and depositing it on the female of smaller specie instead of visa versa. No, I'm not THAT into selective breeding...just putting largest/most colorful together is about as complicated as I get

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