gravel fliters

[dwarf-puffers]

i bought a new 30 gallon with all acesories but i dont no how the gravel filter thing works do you have any pictures so i ca atleast set it up

 

[a1wonder]

undergravel filters use the gravel as a filter it. The filters are usually a grid tray that lay below the gravel and usually circulate the water by means of an air pump. They simply draw the water threw the gravel and then the filter water travels back usually by a pipe to a higher level in the tank. Personally this are not my favorite type of filters as you can't use sand with them and they are a pain in the rear to clean. Doing a google search you should find instructions and diagrams on how to set these up.

 

[colegamby]

dont get an undergravel filter. barely filters at all and just makes it hard to clean.

 

[G_Sharky]

What it does is that it force all the dirt down the gravel on a grid plate underneath...I wouldn't get this kinda filter because i don't think its a good system at all plus it's a lot of maintenance...your going to have to overhaul your tank every six months just to clean the plate underneath your gravel.....

 

[smithrc]

as a fish keeper of nearly 15 years now... Under gravel filters have had their day... BUT they are not as bad as everyone is making out...

As has been said - they use the gravel as the filter media and I cant think of a single internal or external filter that can come close to that sort of surface area for bacteria development!

the poop and stuff gets sucked into the gravel and gets broken down by the bacteria in the gravel.
as long as you use a gravel vac when you do your water changes you wont have to strip your tank atall!

our first tank is still running with an undergravel filter at my parents house... not once has it been stripped down. just regular gravel cleaning. (sometimes not that regular either )

The water in their tank is always crystal clear (as anything floating in the water will get sucked to bottom and then trapped in the gravel.)

They have other advantages too... they dont have any problems with gas buildup or dead gravel (where it has become compacted and bad bacteria form) all due to the constant water movement through it.

they dont even have to be air powered - ours isn't - what do you think the original use for power heads was - yep - shifting water through UGFs.

Can you tell I think they are under rated - even in todays market.

 

[steelhealr]

Hi..agree with above...I think undergravel filters are heading the way of the dinosaur. There are so many other better ways to filter one's tank. SH

 

[dwarf-puffers]

i ahve a normal fliter a 150 penguin filter and also a gravel filter so hofully my tank will stay extra clean