Do I need an undergravel filter for a 29 gal. freshwater tank?

Question

What would be the best filter for my first 29 gallon tank?

Answer 1

There is no one "best" filter.
A combination is always best (we would not accept service contracts from customers that would only have one filter).
The reasons for more than one are redundancy which will allow your tank to function if one fails and to have two different filters to compliment each other.

An example would be a HOB Filter for mechanical, chemical, and some bio filtration (depending on model) combined with a Sponge Filter for mechanical and biological filtration (this is just one example of many). Some HOB such as the Via Aqua have built in surface skimmers too.

Other filters include Canister, wet/dry, internal power filters, Under gravel and more; Each has their advantages and disadvantages.
Also there are difference between brands (and also some anecdotal false claims about some such as bio wheels true bio capacity),

For much more in depth filter information including troubleshooting, comparisons, advantages/disadvantages; please read this article:
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Filtration.html

Answer 2

I would not suggest getting an under gravel filter. It will work okay for a little while but once the old food and waste gets in the bottom in certain areas and clogs it up, it will not work nearly as well. I think they are a waste of money, even if you do change the carbon filters on the top. I have tried them before and was not impressed by the results. I would just use that money instead for what is called a gravel vacuum. It is a tube about 3 feet long with a bigger end. You suck on one end to get it started kind of like when you siphon gas or a water-bed (I recommend putting the bottom of your shirt between your mouth and the end of the tube when you suck, to prevent any nastiness from getting in your mouth, has not happened to me yet), then once the water is flowing in to a bucket you dig the sucking end into the gravel all over the aquarium bottom. You will be surprised with the amount of brown water and junk it pulls out of the gravel after a month or so.
Do it every three weeks or so. You would need to do this anyway whether you have an under gravel filter or not, because under gravel filters are not that efficient. The gravel filter costs a little less than an under gravel filter if I remember right. I have had aquariums for 6 years now, started when I was 20 years old.

In addition, you should get a Hang on the Back Filter when you can, I always get one that is rated a little larger tank than the tank I am using.

The biggest piece of advice I can give you is do not over feed. Feed once "every other day" that is it. Your fish will always come up to you when they see you and act like they are hungry, wouldn't you? Over feeding will cloud your water more than anything. Fish can go for more than a week without eating in the wild, every other day is not going to hurt them.

Answer 3

I think someone hit on this answer already. Redundancy is key. I would reccomend both an undergravel filter and power filter. It just makes good sense. Both of my 29 gallon tanks have had both kinds of filters. If you invest in a larger tank, you can go with powerheads on the uplift tubes for the UG filter instead of air pumps. I like that the air bubbles from the air pump powering the UG filter helps with oxygenation of the water. More bubbles means more surface area for the exchange of gasses in the water.

Answer 4

Undergravel filters can work very well and provide excellent biological filtration as well as fair mechanical filtration. Like any other filter, they require regular maintenace and that can be a problem since it can disturb the tank.

I would suggest you use a hang on the back style power filter. They are generally inexpensive, reliable and efficent. They are also quite easy to maintain and provide excellent mechanical filtration, good biological filtration and good chemical filtration.

For that sized tank it would be the best single filtration method.

MM

Answer 5

I sugggest a filter for any size tank. I have a 30 gallon tank and it has an undergravel filter and it keeps my tank looking nice. I prefer undergravel....except in saltwater!

Best of luck!

Answer 6

Under gravel filters are messy and hard to clean, they get clogged easily and create 'dead spots' in the aquarium. Dead spots create deadly hydrogen sulfide, one gill full of that and you have sudden fish death. I'd say avoid undergravel filters like the plaugue. I like bio-wheel type filters, one just slightly higher rated for your tank is the best way to go. Canister filters are good too, but all the tubing gets hard to clean. Penguin and Fluval respectively.

Answer 7

Forget undergravel filters - they are excellent for biological filtration and do nothing for mechanical - quite the opposite, they build up more and more waste and degrades water quality through rising nitrates over time.

Instead, get yourself a power hanging filter, they are very effective for all types of filtration, fairly inexpensive, and best of all, very easy to keep clean.

Answer 8

i suggest a filter for a 40-55 anything smaller would just notr work as well. under water filters are good but not important you can use a hand vaccum

Answer 9

The tropicals. Gold fish are grimy. some tropicals will stay in a undeniable tank temp as long because it would not substitute without heater. Do your learn. yet once you are able to attempt to bypass bigger than mollies and tetras.

Answer 10

i'd say u dont have to have one it might keep your tank cleaner but u could always get a vacuum