Whats the best filter system for Tropical fish?

Question

I have been running a tropical fish tank for the last 3 months with an undergravel filter system. I would like to know whats the best filter system for it. Undergravel or internal filter system which one is the best choice. I have been haning problems with the pump staying connected to the undergravel filter and am considering changing to a Hydor Ekip Thermofilter and would greatly appreciate any advice given.

Answer 1

Generally speaking the best type of filter for a home aquarium is a power filter. The type that hangs on the back of the tank and draws water up and through it. They are efficient, fairly inexpensive and easy to care for. The one you are considering is an excellent filter, but not quite as easy to service as an external model. They do however have the benefit of being inside the tank if space is of a preminum or astetics are important.

Excellent up grade, I wholeheartedly endorse it.

MM

Answer 2

This is a broad question that there is no one correct answer for.
As someone who has been designing aquarium and installing aquarium systems fro over two decades, I rarely will use the exact same system for each tank. Also redundancy is important for improved filtration, protection from break downs, and an complimentary filtration.

As for the Hydor Ekip Thermofilter, this a very basic Internal Filter (albeit a low powered one only for small aquariums). This type of filter is good for bio filtration and some mechanical filtration. This type of filter is good for cross circulation.
As to your current UGF, this can be good bio filters provided the mulm is vacuumed from under the plate with a siphon (you need to remove the lift tubes for this)
HOB filters (Power Filters) are a popular and excellent choice, although many have over rated biological capacities (such as the Bio Wheel).
Hydro Sponge Filters are probably one of the better bio filters availbable.
I would recommend a combination of the Hydor Ekip Thermofilter and a HOB or better, a Hydro Sponge Filter and an HOB filter (such the Via Aqua VitaLife or Whisper)

Here is a much more in depth article that should help you make a better decision:
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Filtration.html

Answer 3

An undergravel filter with just an airpump and airstone isn't a terribly efficient filter. At one time these were "the only way to go", and they still have some uses, but for the most part have been replaced by external filters (either ones you hang on the tank or canisters). I'm assuming you have a freshwater system - undergravels shouldn't be used for saltwater.

Undergravels alone can be used in smaller tanks, or those with small fish. A powerhead is more common to use to power them now - these draw the water with more power, so it increases the flow of the water through the gravel and tank. On some mid-sized tanks (I start at about 29 gallons) I use both an undergravel and an external power filter that hangs on the tank.

A hang-on type of power filter has the advantage of being able to thoroughly clean the filter media more easily, plus you can add carbon/charcoal to remove medications.

I'm giving you a link to a question about the pros & cons of both types that I answered a while back: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AtlCjBo8BHMe0R8.vxw4zV0jzKIX?qid=20070121142409AAqXmPT

The absolute "best" types of filter systems is a canister or a wet/dry trickle filter. These tend to be more expensive and are usually used on large tanks with heavier bioloads.

If you have a smaller tank (10-20 gallon), I'd say to try a hang-on type of filter, either by itself, or in conjunction with your existing undergravel filter. If you tank is 29-55, use both, but you may want to consider getting a powerhead to run the undergravel filter. Put the powerhead on the opposite end of the tank than the external filter would sit.

Answer 4

Undergravel filters are good but you should have an outside filter too. Whisper outside filters have been doing some of my tanks for years now. I try to always use two different filter systems on my tanks except breeding tanks where I usually don't use a filter.

Answer 5

I don't like under gravel filters. How on earth do you keep them clean? I use a Peguin Bio-wheel and have vitually a bare bottom tank for easier maintenence. I love the bio-wheel its been up and running for 4 years now with out a single problem. It's easy to clean too.

Answer 6

I like the out of tank power filter. Worked great in my 30 gal.

Answer 7

i would forget about the underground filters leave those be but you should get a canister filter of some sort they can hang in the back of the tank or sit under it this should help with water movement and filter the water through charcoal bags to help remove larger particles

Answer 8

undergravel is the worst. Get a penguin with a bio wheel!