Undergravel Filters

[poisedon]

are these filters still used today and would there be any advantage in putting one in as well as the external one or is this just a daft notion???

 

[VictorMeldrew]

Wrong section mate, try tropical fish discussion

 

[Ladywindrunner]

are these filters still used today and would there be any advantage in putting one in as well as the external one or is this just a daft notion???

I have used them... honestly, don't use one. Some people will swear by them, but I have had far more problems than benefits from them. They harbor so much bacteria and gunk in there that my water params were always horrid, my fish were constantly getting sick, etc. I took out the undergrav and boom.... everything was fine.

 

[shelaghfishface]

nar your better off without one, like has been said, the crap that gets under themis unreal, and will efect water quality eventually ( when i had one i ripped it out after 3 months and was shocked.. it was stinking under there)
get an external, they do a much better job and then when you do gravel vacs youll actually be having an effect not like with UG

 

[BigC]

Most folks if they are still using the plates today have done away with the air pump opting instead to foreshortening the uplift tube and inserting a power head onto it.
This is much more efficient than the older method.
Regards
C

 

[star4]

3 of my tanks have undergravel filters, they are hard work and you need to vacuum the gravel really well but you cant get everything out. I take out my uplifters and put a syphon under the plate, it helps but they are not great. My other tanks have externals.

 

[Gilli]

I had one in my first tank - they are a pain! Water quality is much better with an external and you can keep things much more hygenic and the water crystal clear if you use water polisher pads.