filter and powerhead questions

[lilmolly]

I just got another 10 gal. The filter that came with it doesn't work, but that's fine because I got it for free. It came with gravel but I put in sand. In the past and present Ihave always used a power external filter by whisper. They're like $10.78 or something. I've been looking at the under gravel filter lately and was wondering if I should get that instead. I won't be puting live plants in this tank. Are they more costly or less? How do you change the filter if isn't underground? I've also been wondering about power heads. I haven't had one before and don't know anyone else who does. I know they do something to the water so you can keep more fish. Do they act as a filter also or do they just let you have more fish? And how many more if I have a 10gal with nothing in it now? I want to put black kuhli loaches in it after it cycles and maybe rosey barbs.

 

[Dragonslair]

You have several questions bundled up in here. I'll try and help you out with them one at a time.
Undergravel filtration systems are the most economic type of filtration you can buy. It consists basically of a plastic tray covered in small holes and at each corner with a circular hole for the uplift tubes. You can put one tube in or anything up to four tubes. Into these tube are fitted an airstone, so the action of the bubbles draw in the waste through the gravel and through the small holes in the tray and the action of the bacteria breaks down the solids. That's the theory behind the U/G. A lot of fishkeepers however only use one tube in the back corner of their tank and instead of using the airstone, normally supplied with the U/G system, insert a power filter. The power depends on the size of your pocket/wallet.
This draws the water through the the gravel/tray much faster allowing a more efficient action. The added advantage also is that the out going water from the power filter aerates/agitates the water surface, allowing a better surface to air ratio for diffusion.
The next question about putting in the loaches. Using an open tube system, ie air stone setup. You will lose the loaches. Power filters are better.

 

[impur]

Should also point out that you can't use a UGF with sand. It won't work properly because the sand will fall between the slots in the UGF plate. I recently took the UGF in my 10 gal out. I replaced the gravel with micro gravel which would be like a small step up from sand. If you use your HOB filter and maybe stick an airstone in there as well you will have plenty of filtration.

 

[lilmolly]

actually I have a power filter and airstone in my other 10gals. I didn't know the airstones help with filteration. I thought they help with aeration?

 

[impur]

In a tube connected to the UGF plate, they provide an updraft. The bubbles rising also move water as they make their way up, creating a small flow. It is very small and doesn't really optimize the use of an UGF IMO.