Just teasing out the waters, since I get different answers -- would you guys get an underwater filter for a new goldfish tank? I am going to get a canister, and also have an HOB I can use, but i want to make sur ehtey get lots of O2 -- they will have a large air exchange since the tank is long. thanks!
2007-06-01 17:23:02 · 6 answers · asked by boncarles 5 in Pets ➔ Fish
I wouldn't bother with that much other filtration. Undergravel filters can be a good source of additional filtration for a tank and do boost the bioload capacity of the tank a bit, but with a canister and a HOB filter you really don't need the undergravel as well. Assuming the other filters are rated high enough for the tank of course.
MM
2007-06-01 17:31:27 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Magicman is dead right.
But here is also a downside to U/G filters that most people aren't aware of....
They function very well whilst they are working but in the rare case of an extended power-outage or pump failure they provide a potentially lethal situation. All of that collected detritus that hasn't been broken down properly becomes a toxic time bomb when water flow stops.
Modern filtration methods (canisters etc.) pretty much negate the benefits of having a U/G filter. Keep your gravel clean with regular vacuuming, do frequent water changes and you don't need a U/G anyway.
I forgot the oxygen part...
Contrary to popular opinion, bubbles (from airstones etc) do not provide oxygen in the water. However when they hit the surface and burst they agitate the surface very slightly. Hundreds of bubbles means more agitation and this aids in CO2/Oxygen gas exchange at the surface(co2 out - Oxygen in).
If you want high oxygen levels, add a powerhead and aim it so that it agitates the water surface (the more the better). That's where the oxygen in a tank is generated.
2007-06-03 21:12:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use an undergravel filter and I think it does a fine job. I might look at it the opposite way and get a another filter if the undergravel filter isn't doing good enough but if your getting a canister filter or going to us an HOB, you don't need the undergravel filter. You could also use a powerhead to help circulate the water.
2007-06-01 17:57:57 · answer #3 · answered by Dustinius 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would get an undergravel filter because goldfish produces more wastes than tropical fish and then the filter will collect the other wastes.
2007-06-05 12:28:28 · answer #4 · answered by Chris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2nd the vote for a powerhead for O2 problems. I just got a powerhead just for circulating the water and I can tell you it helps.
It will also help the anaerobic nitrifying bacteria:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denitrifying_bacteria
Or if you really want a UG filter add 2 powerheads to the uptake tubes for the UG filter and turn them on reverse. This will be less cleaning for you:
http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?R=7878&Nav=1&N=0&Ntt=aquaclear&sku=172839&familyID=13585&
.
2007-06-01 21:50:47 · answer #5 · answered by Cammy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't bother with the UGF...if you're worried about oxygen content add an airstone or two.
2007-06-01 17:34:22 · answer #6 · answered by Carson 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋