Undergravel Filters Yey Or Nay?

[Tropicaltone1980]

Hi all,

I am a fairly experienced tropical fresh water fish keeper. However I am new to keeping marine/reef aquariums and I am trying to figure out the best filtration equipment for a new 95gal/430ltr tank. My problem is I have read a lot of very conflicting information about undergravel filters (depending largely on when the books were published).

My dad used to run a tropical/marine aquatic store (Successfully) back in the mid 80's and he swears by undergravel filters (especially in marine setups) using powerheads combined with an external power filter. He believes the new filtration equipment is only designed for the stores and manufacturers to make money, buying new filter media, on an on going basis (He's hasn't kept fish for over 15 years mind you) but he was very good when he ran his store.

Please can anyone with Marine/Reef experience who has used undergravel filters in the past let me know what they think on this matter

Thanks

 

[chibi]

I've heard they aren't all that great if you use them alone. You can't use them with sand, either. I suggest posting this in the Marine Chit Chat, since this is for freshwater.

 

[Bignose]

Please see this very recent thread...
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=160850

 

[flamingonhot]

I'm going ot have to agree, filters have become much more advanced then a few years ago..UGF's aren't really needed. Not only are they not the greatest thing unless maintained well, they are a nuisance in the saltwater world. UGF+crushed coral equals massive nitrates and cleanings. I had one on a 10 gallon when I first started..and it just wasn't working out. Switch to a good deep sand bed..a HOB (without a bio-wheel) or canister filter with plenty of bio-filtration..and you should be good in most cases.