they don't make them like they used to...

[Magnum Man]

sometimes when something actually works, we take it for granted... I have 2 double filter cartridge hang on back filters, that are like 35 years old... I figured out decades ago, I didn't have to buy the slip in cartridges to use them... they both started up fine, when I tried to restart them, when I filled the tank, after my 30 year break in the hobby, about 3 years ago... at that time, I put a monstera in each, in one of my hang on pots, filled with ceramic media, and the big filters have been chugging away for the last 3 years, without any kind of service, or even another thought... last night, one started making noise... so the electric field coil is still good on the impeller, either the silicone dobbie on one of the ends finally wore through, or a root from the monstera finally found it's way to the impeller... but either way, it's going to require a major plant intervention of a pair of 3 year old Monstera vines growing together to their hearts content... I'm probably going to have to chop it up and make cuttings, just to find my way to the filter... this is the bichir tank, that is in a nook, under 2 of my other 55 gallons, and only visible from my work area, and the plants have completely filled the nook, totally entwined... sounds like a Sunday after church job...

 

[Magnum Man]

it was my attempt at a "natural filter" that didn't require service, and it had run 3 years with no service, which is kind of amazing on it's own, but I'll be making up for that service time, on Sunday...

 

[MaloK]

It's pretty good, knowing that "nature" always completely fills everything and end up taking 100% of any given space with time.

Even if you spend an hour or two on it... It's really outstanding for a typical HOB.

 

[emeraldking]

they don't make them like they used to...​

Well, my personal experience with old tank equipment, is that they have lasted longer than the current ones that are offered through retail.

 

[CassCats]

You know, people often dump on undergravel filters, and while they do come with some caveats (sand isn't doable with them for example, rescaping and lots of plants may be a hassle, etc), you have to admit they are a *reliable* filter in terms of being long lasting and functional too. If there's power outages, you can easily run it on a battery operated air pump. It being in the water means it won't dry out and lose your cycle.

Sometimes the older technology is better in terms of longevity.

I despise HOB filters myself. Have gone through way too many AquaClears at the start of the hobby and frankly I've had so many problems. Often it would run itself dry for whatever reason and it would then burn the motor out and I'd lose a whole cycle because it spit out all the water and the media dried out. Happened more than once! Another leaked from the impeller seal. Enough was enough, I spent too much replacing the danged things. I went and bought canisters and never looked back

Now your post makes me think, perhaps older filters would have run more reliably for me instead, and that the newer AC models here just aren't meant to last.

 

[Ceez]

Missing what once was is a bad way to start off my day...reminds me of my parents telling me "you don't know what good music is" and at the time they were right. Things used to be a lot more simple.

Hopefully you get that filter fixed magnum, be a shame if it's broken for good.

 

[anewbie]

You know, people often dump on undergravel filters, and while they do come with some caveats (sand isn't doable with them for example, rescaping and lots of plants may be a hassle, etc), you have to admit they are a *reliable* filter in terms of being long lasting and functional too. If there's power outages, you can easily run it on a battery operated air pump. It being in the water means it won't dry out and lose your cycle.

Sometimes the older technology is better in terms of longevity.

I despise HOB filters myself. Have gone through way too many AquaClears at the start of the hobby and frankly I've had so many problems. Often it would run itself dry for whatever reason and it would then burn the motor out and I'd lose a whole cycle because it spit out all the water and the media dried out. Happened more than once! Another leaked from the impeller seal. Enough was enough, I spent too much replacing the danged things. I went and bought canisters and never looked back

Now your post makes me think, perhaps older filters would have run more reliably for me instead, and that the newer AC models here just aren't meant to last.

i had a horrible experience iwth ugf in the past and will never recommend them or use them again. Now matten filters; that is the way to go.... up to 120 gallons.

 

[MaloK]

I used UGF's but never tried to use the whole tank... just a "pad" area at the bottom of the air lift...

Then would cover it with coarse chipped lava rock before adding the substrate. And I never maintained them.

After a year or two, I replace the air pump for something that has more serious power, They unclog and I let them go untouched for eternity.

Well done they are as much powerfull has matten's and doesn't take an inch of swimming space.

And They promote plants like nothing else.