I'm Afraid To Use An Undergravel Filter

[barb-e]

I know that sounds weird. I got a used tank and it came with an undergravel filter. I've only used the little filters that hang off the back of the tank so I really don't even know how undergravel filters work. I know it hooks up to an air pump. That's pretty much it.

I've heard undergravel filters can cause problems.
Can anyone tell me how they work and if they work well or should I just buy a different kind of filter?

 

[three-fingers]

Read this .

I use an under gravel filter, they are not bad, my only quip with them is they restrict the root growth of some plants. In my next tank, I will be using and external power filter and an internal power filter together, and use the airpump from my under gravel filter either with an airstone, or with an air powered sponge filter.

 

[rdd1952]

There are much better options available in filters now than when UGFs were the only thing used. HOBs and canisters are a breeze to clean compared to UGFs, provide better filtration and aren't that expensive. Once the gravel starts to get clogged with trash, your filtration decreases and you can't really clean it out very well because you would be removing you bacteria colony.

 

[wendywc]

I love my biowheel/hang on the back filter... I would never go back to an undergravel filter. I'd definately upgrade the tank and get a different filter.