Undergravel Filters

[noodles]

as per the title really. When I started to get into fish keeping about 15 years ago, they were all the rage, and pretty much the only option readily available apart from really expensive or really rubbish air driven internal filters. Does anyone still run an undergravel filter on its own or with other types?

 

[dizzied]

I personally don't use it. I don't think a lot of people do, unless it was part of those all-in-one setups.

 

[mlawson]

Yes, I still have 1 tank with an undergravel. It still does a pretty decent job,
but I have very low stocking.

 

[crazie.eddie]

I used UGF's along with HOB filters for about 4-5 years. I got tired of looking at the uplift tubes, which didn't look natural. Plus I was thinking of going to a planted tank for awhile. I still have them.

 

[JamieH]

there are out of fashion... but i really rate them...

provided you hoover the gravel with a syphon often, and you aren't too bothered about plants, then why not?

they work, but they aren't sexy, it's that simple.

 

[SkiFletch]

Aggreed in all freshwater respects. In saltwater, they're a bigtime no-no now.

 

[bumfrog]

i've found them usefull as a backup when my main filter has gone titsup during the night or when I've been away.

 

[Rhiannon]

Yep I use a UGF. My LFS suggested this would be best for me and its working fantastic.

I dont have cloudy water or anything.

They may be "out of fashion" as people say, but they obviously did the job for a long time back a few years ago when they were the only option, so they must be ok.

I am happy with mine definitly.

 

[andywg]

UGF can work, the thing is that they require some pretty serious maintenance to prevent a build up of waste decaying underneath the plates. I for one would not want to have to dig up all the substrate and plates to vac out the gunk every 6-12 months. Also, you can't have sand in with UGF and I prefer the more natural look of sand in my tanks.

They can even still be used in a marine set up, but there are other, much better, ways out there which is why thery are never strongly recommended.

 

[Nick Bramley]

i have one in my 30l that i just use for my baby Mollies aswell as keeping a few ottos in to keep it clean, think if your going to have them there alot better in smaller tanks.

Nicks

 

[adamgreen240]

i have one in my 30l that i just use for my baby Mollies aswell as keeping a few ottos in to keep it clean, think if your going to have them there alot better in smaller tanks.

Nicks

i use one undergravel filter in my community tank - rubbish!!!!!!!!! does not remove half the waste . I think u shouldnt use 1 - just use a gravel vac like i do everytime you do a water change . Keeps itcleaner in my opinion. You should spend your money on a internal or external filter. Work Much better

 

[Nick Bramley]

was actually thinking of doing exactly that, can anyone reccomend a filter for a 30l, not quite sure what size id need.

Thanks, Nick

 

[samyboy]

ive got sand

 

[crazie.eddie]

i have one in my 30l that i just use for my baby Mollies aswell as keeping a few ottos in to keep it clean, think if your going to have them there alot better in smaller tanks.

Nicks

i use one undergravel filter in my community tank - rubbish!!!!!!!!! does not remove half the waste . I think u shouldnt use 1 - just use a gravel vac like i do everytime you do a water change . Keeps itcleaner in my opinion. You should spend your money on a internal or external filter. Work Much better

LOL

It's not supposed to remove the waste. A UGF is never been known to be a good mechanical filtration. It's an excellent biological filtration. That is why you need to keep up with the with the gravel vacs underneath the UGF plates. Normally a person runs a UGF along with another filter for mechanical filtration, such as a HOB.