Which is better...?

Question

Is an undergravel filter better than other hanging filters?

Answer 1

It's something of a personal preference, with consideration to the type of fish you keep, tank size and tank dimensions. I use both, sometimes individually, sometimes in combination.

undergravel:
* not very powerful filtration, unless you use a powerhead
* lower rate of water movement (good for slow moving species)
* have to conceal uplift tubes for a good "look"
* makes large feces (goldfish, pleco) less noticable by drawing
material downward
* may suck small foods below where fish can get to them and
add to nutrient loading
* less likely to get completely clogged
* water can't bypass the bacteria in the substrate
* maintenence (have to clean/replace airstones periodically)
* major work to change/for maintenence
* provides better aereation to the very bottom of your tank (if
you're raising blackworms in the substrate, for instance)
* no intake to suck up fry
* If you're cleaning and a fish goes down the uplift tube, he's
going to die, unnoticed, or getting him out is going to be a
major headache
* not a problem starting if electric was out
* better for convalescing fish?

hang-on type
* more powerful
* can control the rate of flow (slow or fast) on most models
* uplift tube only goes partway into tank, most of filter is outside
the tank and can be concealed by the aquarium backing
* the uplift tube (for most) is adjustable to two lengths by using
an extender (this may reach stuff at the bottom, but not at the
top or vice-versa); for a good filter, this isn't a problem
* will suck foods into the filter if small or onto the filter guard
where fish can still pick at them
* you will have to clean it regularly; if the foam ones get clogged,
it can lift the entire basket up and leak water onto your floor
* have to replace the filter pad/foam/impeller periodically
* filter materials can be easily accessed for cleaning and
replacement
* only provides reliable aeration to the top layers of the substrate
(not a real concern, unless you have deep gravel to create
anaerobic areas)
* will suck up fry that can fit through the filter guard
* as long as you have the filter guard in place, your fish aren't
going to be sucked into the impeller (that only happens in
Finding Nemo)
* If electric goes out, and water level is low, some suction pulls
water out of the filter, leaving it to run dry when the electric
comes back on causing motor wear (better models prevent
backflow)
* Will pull slow moving fish (injured) against the filter guard,
making them expend energy to keep pulling free.

Pick which one fits your situation, don't go for cheap!

Answer 2

It all depends on how much maintenance you want to do. They both work just as good, but undergravel filters need more maintenance in order to work properly.

Undergravel filters: With undergravel filters, you will want to make sure you really shove the gravel vacuum down in the gravel deep, and hold it there for a few seconds. Holding it in place will suck up gunk from under the filter plates. This is important because undergravel filters will collect gunk underneath that will rot and create excess ammonia, nitrite, nitrates. Once every 1-2 months, you will want to totally remove the plates and clean really well, because gravel vacuuming, no matter how much you do it, will never get everything out.

http://freshwater.fanatics.googlepages.com/cleaningandmaintaintingandaquarium

Answer 3

Hanging filters are the best because they filter the water quickly and remove the waste from the tank. Undergravels just suck it all into the gravel. This makes more work because then you have to suck it out of the gravel in a water change.

Answer 4

ABSOLUTELY NOT. undergravel filters are evil. usually a bubbler will suck the water from the bottom of the tank thru the tube and back out aerating it. but, all the leftover food and fish poo will get stuck under the undergravel filter, and get really nasty, and you have no way of getting it out without taking EVERYTHING out of the tank..... and that's bad for your fish. also, if your fish get sick, then you will have a hell of a time getting the tank healty again, cuz the disease bacteria or viruses will stay under the undergravel filter.

all you need is substrate (the gravel), a bubbler with air stone, a hanging filter, and a python or manual gravel vaccum. the gravel will give your good bacteria a place to live, and in turn, the good bacteria will eat your nitrites (the bad stuff) and turn it into nitrates, which don't harm your fish. use a gravel vaccum once or twice a month to suck up the fish poo and extra food and also take about 20% of the water out of your tank, which will keep your ammonia down, then replace the water with treated, room temp fresh water. keep that up, and you'll have a clean, healthy tank, and happy fish.

good luck, hope that helps!!!

Answer 5

The best set-up is both.An under gravel is reliable and stable if the gravel is kept clean(Vacuuming at water change time,i.e. weekly).But it's really nice to have a simple hang-on filter for the occasional charcoal bag or some other sort of chemical use. And the redundancy is reassuring in the event of a failure. In tanks with a high bio-load I also like to include a sponge filter too. Sort of a belt and suspenders kind of situation.--------PeeTee

Answer 6

I had an undergravel filter once, it got so disgustingly dirty under it (even with fortnightly gravel vacuuming) that it was the source that killed my 6 inch Clown Loach!!!
Other people swear by them, I will never use one again!
I only use Aqua Vital Canister filters.
Everybody has a preference for filters.

Answer 7

This depends on what kind of tank you have, if you set up your undergravel filter correctly, (use natural pea sized stones, or other natural substrate, along with water jets instead of an air pump) it is the most natural way to filter your water. Personally I have an undergravel filter, along with a small over tank filter to keep the water crystal clear.

Answer 8

I would say the hanging filter because the good bacteria that you need to keep your tank healthy and stable comes from the junk that accumulates in the gravel. If you filter that out it may make it harder for you to keep ph, nitrites, nitrates, etc. in balance.

I have been told that the hanging filters with the bio-wheel are best.

Answer 9

Hanging is better. The pet store i go to no longer carries under gravel because of customers complaints.

Answer 10

I prefer under gravel. I have had nothing but trouble with the hanging type. I am trying my second and larger one now and still poor results. When I used the under gravel type my tank stayed much cleaner.