Under Gravel Filters

[garyspence84]

Hello all! Was just wondering if having an under gravel filter was a good idea in a planted tank? weather or not it would affect the growth of the plants or not?

I have a powerhead running, but just using it to put more air and current into the tank. But a friend has given me the under gravel filter sheets that will fit my tank perfect and before I take everything out my tank to lay it and connect to powerhead, just thought I'd ask.

G

 

[nurglespuss]

Google undergravel filters and plants (heres the first thing that popped up)

" Rooted aquarium plants and undergravel filter plates are often cited as mutually incompatible, with various notions offered to explain why plants don't do well with water circulating too much about their root structures. You are encouraged to either "blind pot" your rooted plants or place a barrier such as a flat piece of plastic over sections of your plate/s between the gravel and the plate itself, in areas where you'll be planting, and to avoid gravel vacuuming there. "

But in general, undergravel filters are so maintainance heavy, they aren't worth it. Keep the poerhead where it is and invest in an external filter, if you can.

 

[garyspence84]

I have an EHEIM ecco pro external filter already. It was just an idea, cheers for responding

I looked it up on the world wide web, but every site i looked told me its ok, its not ok, its advised... its absolutely NOT advised. Thats why i thought i'd ask to see what everyone thinks.

It does look like a fair bit of maintanance, did cross my mind, i prosume like everything else.... it WILL need cleaned from time to time.

G

 

[Mr Tomato]

Google undergravel filters and plants (heres the first thing that popped up)

" Rooted aquarium plants and undergravel filter plates are often cited as mutually incompatible, with various notions offered to explain why plants don't do well with water circulating too much about their root structures. You are encouraged to either "blind pot" your rooted plants or place a barrier such as a flat piece of plastic over sections of your plate/s between the gravel and the plate itself, in areas where you'll be planting, and to avoid gravel vacuuming there. "

But in general, undergravel filters are so maintainance heavy, they aren't worth it. Keep the poerhead where it is and invest in an external filter, if you can.

I must disagree. Under gravel plate filters are so much more efficient. and to maintain them even simpler..an easy fortnightly syphon hoover around the gravel is all that's needed, and the water change that accompanies is as you might say..two jobs with one swooping stroke. as for plants. choose a slightly smaller filter plate, leaving a gap on either side allows worried plant growers the extra space for a little aquarium landscaping without making dead spots in the filter area. I've been using this method since 1977...and so far all is well with the fishy world in my nine tanks . hope it helps.

 

[nurglespuss]

I was a big proponent of using undergravel plates until external filters became so much more affordable and reliable. Taking away and quickly cleaning a box from under a tank seems easier to me than trawling through gravel, kicking up gunk and poop every 2 weeks...

Also, though, mechanically they are efficient if setup right, biologically, they are far less efficient - as bacterial colonies are continually disturbed and can't really get as established. Essentially I would agree, they do work, but not as well as more modern filters, and have had their time...

 

[Mr Tomato]

I was a big proponent of using undergravel plates until external filters became so much more affordable and reliable. Taking away and quickly cleaning a box from under a tank seems easier to me than trawling through gravel, kicking up gunk and poop every 2 weeks...

Also, though, mechanically they are efficient if setup right, biologically, they are far less efficient - as bacterial colonies are continually disturbed and can't really get as established. Essentially I would agree, they do work, but not as well as more modern filters, and have had their time...

ah now you're talking..outside filters. yes I like them too. I have a couple running as well as/ The famous U/F most of my tests reveal there's little if any difference to the bacteria count/after hoovering, and as I say..all fish are well thriving and breeding.. and one even winks at me..lol I think that some people like the stress-free fiteration way. But I do enjoy getting to grips with the aquariums myself, it's what hobbies are all about huh?..An underwater world is a wonderful thing. Setting up-landscaping-experiments with various lighting ideas-backgrounds-inventing aeration effects.. the massive list goes on,it's all great learning and fun. Power to you. And thanks for your opinion.

 

[garyspence84]

Thanks very much for the replys. Was thinkin about putting the plates in just over 1 half of my tank (where all my bog wood is) and leaving the other half (where the thick of my plants will be) and see how that goes. Tanks due a massive scaping anyway, getting kinda bored with it and this gives me the perfect excuse

Cheers guys! Helpful as always

G

 

[nurglespuss]

Top man, *tips hat*