I don't have an under gravel filter, it that bad?

Question

Poeple always talk about them. I don't have one, I believe if one has one good filter theyre are fit. My fish seem fine without one. What does a ugf actually do?

well I have a 28g freshwater tropical and 6g tropical fresh

Answer 1

It's perfectly fine if you don't use one. At one time they were the best thing going, but they've been largely replaced by the hang-on types. I've got tanks with just the hang-ons, but I've got other that use both types.

The main advantage of one is that you get better water flow through the gravel, so you get better biological filtration. One powered by airstones don't move that much water, so I'd recommend using a powerhead to increase the water flow through the substrate. In the normal direction of flow, some detritus will collect under the filter plate, so you'll need to periodically take them out and clean. If you get a powerhead with a reversible flow, it blows the water from the top of the tank down through the pate and up from the gravel so you don't have this problem.

I find them useful for taller tanks, tanks with messy fish (plecos, goldfish, some cichlids) because it lets more organic wastes be processed by the bacteria in the tank.

See this link for more info about UG filtration: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwugfiltr.htm

Answer 2

UGF is a great biological filter with minimal chemical filtration, the carbon cartridges. The downside is if you don't maintain them, they will become a toxic trap that will kill your fish.

I am a fan of Hovlid.
Back in the 50's and 60's he sold a great UGF. He also wrote a book, that seems to be public domain now...
http://aquariumdecoration.net/aquariumdecoration01.php
I purchased a hardcover copy for about 50¢ at a surplus library book sale.

Answer 3

In tanks you have many filter choices, Under gravel filters are not the only kind and if you have another filter of appropriate size then you should be fine.

You may not even need a filter for some types of fish though it is always better.

PS. Having a regular filter and an under gravel filter is a very good combination. I had this setup in one of my precious aquariums with much luck!

Best of luck, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Cabba

Answer 4

Under gravel filters can be useful for bio filtration (nitrification only). I have used many over the years (even installed over 100 in a restaurant many years back) and do not deserve the bad rap they get. This said, they are generally higher in maintenance and it is best to siphon under the plate ever 4-6 weeks as well. They are not as good for plants either.

If you do get one, keep in mind your flow will be strongest near the tubes, so keeping deeper gravel there is a good idea. As for power heads vs. air pumps, I prefer power heads however a study recreated at a trade show several years back demonstrated that a good air pump can move as much water as many power heads available at the time (you gotta compare apples to apples here). I prefer power heads for simplicity (especially the more reliable brands out there).

Another possible compliment to your current filter is a Sponge filter. These are an often under rated filter (many do not realize the many models now available), that again in tests proven their bio efficiency.

I would recommend this article about filtration for more information and resource links:
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Filtration.html

Answer 5

If you have appropriate filtration for the tank without the undergravel filter, don't worry about it! Undergravel filters can require quite a high level of maintenance depending on the type of substrate material you are using, and may even be entirely inappropriate. Some people prefer them for appearance's sake since they are less noticeable, but by no means are they the only way to go, or even necessarily the best!

Answer 6

i like my UGF's. I even have one in my 20 gallon guppy tank and one in my 30 gallon community blended tank. the two have been working for over 2 years now without problems. My water tests are super and that i see no subject with them in any respect. relatively some human beings can no longer get their suggestions around the certainty that waste is sucked under the filter out plate the place it is broken down by potential of micro organism. each and every person needs to bathe under the plate which destroys the micro organism. i does no longer upload a UGF considering you have already got a sturdy cling on filter out working. Your subject would be that those 2 fish desire a 30 gallon tank for quickly to verify that them to advance remarkable. **

Answer 7

They can be good or bad depending on the tank. I don;t use them as the sole filtration method for a tank unless it's a very special reason, but they can help the quality of the bacterial cycle in a tank even if you have other filtration.

Generally speaking for a typical community tank with other filtration they are a take it or leave it item. If your fish are doing well without, don't bother.

MM

Answer 8

An undergravel filter works by sucking debris from the bottom into slotted sections. Then it traps that sediment and returns clean water/air out from the other end. If you want to have clean gravel, then this would be perfect for you.

Answer 9

In my experience ive had both and i like the filter that hangs on the side of the tank. the gravel filter doesnt get the muck out as well.

Answer 10

depends on the size of your tank the larger the less you neew it especially salt