I just bought a used fish tank and in it right now is an underwater filtration. I was wondering since I have this current underwater filter do I still need another filter, the kind like the bio-wheel or aqua clear filters. Thanks for your advice and help.
2006-07-24 05:30:44 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
Since you already have a filtration system, then there is no need for an additional one, though it can't hurt.
I have found that undergravel filters aren't too effective, and are very difficult to clean properly.
Good luck with your new tank :-)
2006-07-24 05:43:19 · answer #1 · answered by Audrey A 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do you mean an undergravel filter?
Undergravel filters are, in my opinion, useless. Although they do filter the water a little bit, solid waste from poop and excess fish food gets stuck under the grate, which can lead to higher ammonia/nitrite/nitrate levels. Even with weekly gravel siphonings, you still will not be able to get all the waste that gets trapped underneath the grate.
Your best bet is to remove the UG filter. I, personally, have two bio-wheel filters on my 55-gallon tank, and I love them. They made the cycling process go by so much faster, they actually do keep the water clean, and I've never had any problems with high ammonia and nitrites. If you're thinking about changing filters, a bio-wheel is your best bet.
Good luck!
2006-07-24 06:10:10 · answer #2 · answered by birdistasty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had a underwater filtration system before. I didn't have any problems with it. I did clean the gravel about every 3 weeks or so. Now I have a Bio Wheel 400. Its awesome! I still clean the gravel about every 3 weeks though. The water is crystal clear with the Bio Wheel. The Bio Wheel is cheaper to maintain and clean too.
2006-07-26 00:48:21 · answer #3 · answered by spee11 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An udergravel filter does help to increase the amount of bacterial breakdown of waste products but it isn't nearly as efficient as other types. Also, the increased water flow of other filters is an important factor. If you use the under gravel filter with another one, a bio-wheel isn't necessary. I have an aqua clear filter that works well in two of my tanks I rinse out the sponge rather then change it so I don't loose the beneficial bacteria living on it.
2006-07-24 06:35:43 · answer #4 · answered by iceni 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An undergravel filtration gadget works by using the plate being placed less than the gravel interior the tank. The water is pulled down by ability of the gravel which acts because the filter out, then is going decrease back up the plastic tube and reduce back into the tank. you want to purchase an air pump which will ability the gadget. The air pump is hooked as a lot as a length of sparkling plastic hose which runs down into the bottom of the tube, and right into a small air stone which regulates the air move right into a thick mist of bubbles causing more effective raise for the water. The bubbles starting to be from the tubechronic the water up by ability of the tube, and so causes the water to be sucked down by ability of the gravel. even as cleansing the tank, continually run a gravel cleanser over the gravel as it truly is the position each and every of the dirt will carry jointly. it truly is to me an fantastically sensible type of filter out as cleansing it truly is way less confusing than having a field or exterior filter out interior the tank or taking on area. it truly is likewise a lot less confusing to cover the airlift tube with a rock or flora. With tropical fish, this a sturdy determination because the water move is below an inner, or a powerhead, meaning any confusing or comfortable fish heavily isn't blasted out of ways by using the rigidity of the present. I honestly have were given a tank operating with an undergravel filter out, which has been operating for 15 years and the filtration hasn't ever had any subject matters in any respect. apart from replacing the air pump, the plate will very last for years.
2016-11-25 21:31:37 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
UGF( undergravel filters) do the same thing as other filters. Others are not needed if the UGF is working well and the right size. UGFs filter through the gravels in the tank allowing bacteria to clean water there, other filters house the bacteria elsewhere - only major differences.
2006-07-25 09:57:19 · answer #6 · answered by weebles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it would be a good idea to buy a power filter such as a penguin bio-wheel. You will get much better filtration, aeration, and won't have to perform as many water changes! It'll make your fish happy too!
2006-07-26 08:23:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anita B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋