under gravel filter or not

[danielp]

Are under gravel filters still being used much?

Thinking about a under gravel filter/ canister combination.

Please vote.

[danielp]

Considering under gravel filtration on my next sytem. It will compliment a canister filter. Considering the UGF in place of a HOB.

Let me know what you think.

[cichlid1409]

i've had bad experiences with undergravel filters. fish getting caught under them and dieing and they also trap detritus.

[Darbex]

I dont think they are worth it.

[geoff_tropheus]

Depends on what tank size and stocking level whether or not I would think people would want to use them.

They can be successful if done properly

[smk]

imho you'd be better off with a spoge filter or two for bio fitration to me ug's are more harm than good
scott

[PhishPhreek]

In the 70s I used UG filters and they worked fine but about every 12 months I would have to tear down the entire tank and start over again. More than likely it was a nitrate build up that caused my problems - I didn't do water changes.
During the last 30 years, I have been using HOB filters on my comunity tanks and sponge filters on my breeding tanks but this past spring I picked up a 105g tank and soon there after I picked up a used UG filter at the GHAC auction for next to nothing so I decided to try again.
I am currently using the UG filter with 2 power heads and 2 Emperior 400 HOB filters. The power heads draw a fantastic amount of water through the 2" of gravel and prevent my tetras from entering the UG filter no mater how hard they try to swim up stream. The water has been sparkling clean since day one and the plants are doing really well with the corallife fixture and a little excell now and then. The only time I have ever had a tank look so good was after I finished using a Diatom filter. Of Course, the two 400s with their bio-wheels also contribute a lot to water quality and I do 50% water changes every month or so.

[wesleydnunder]

Maintained properly, an undergravel filter is, IMO, one of the best filters there is; the qualifier being that they're maintained properly. They filter down to an amazingly small particulate level and, as Phishphreek pointed out, polish the water almost as well as a diatom. I've used UGF since the early 70s and still use it today in three of my tanks. The fish don't get beneath and the detritus buildup is managed through regular cleaning beneath the filter plates with syphon tubing and pulse flushing. Ther gravel beds in these tanks get regular vaccuuming.

Reverse-flow ugf is even better in that the mechanical part of the filter is usually accomplished with sponge pre-filters on the powerheads.

Mark

[Mzungu]

I agree with the above two posters, they're a great filter, but comparing UGFs with all the stuff that's come out in the past decade or two, well, they sure are ugly! But very functional on smaller tanks.

I work with UGFs on larger tanks (200+ gallons) and I am not a fan. On what size tank are you thinking of putting a UGF?

[danielp]

I work with UGFs on larger tanks (200+ gallons) and I am not a fan. On what size tank are you thinking of putting a UGF?[/QUOTE]

It's going to be a 6' tank. More than likely125 gallons.

Andy at Fishland suggested UGF and 2217 canister. Said it would keep the water really clean and clear.

I used UGF's on smaller tanks over the years but none in the last 5 or 6 years.

I think the simplest way would be a big aquaclear or such HOB and a canister with maybe a air stone/sponge filter set up.

[SteveCGG]

I also use an undergravel filter on the center 1/3 of my 215g tank along with two Eheim 2260 canister filters. I think there is a little more siphoning involved when cleaning the tank, but I think it helps out quite a bit....

[Darbex]

Man looks like an overwhelming vote.

[danielp]

Man looks like an overwhelming vote.

Yeah it is.

UGF's are kind of old school. I do think as Geoff said if set up and properly maintained/used they have their good qualities. Lift tubes as I remember pose quite a maintenance challenge collecting algae and yellowing plastic as they break down.

One of the big problems I think is after it becomes well established is keeping the nitrate balance in check. Ammonia is also a big concern.

I'm starting to plan a new tank and I want to maintain the most particulate free water possible. A new e-heim is the main filter. After that is it a UGF, HOB, sponge filter etc etc.

How I aquascape it will play into the filtration as well. If it's driftwood heavy the secondary filter is going to have to be up to the challenge.

I like these polls.

Will probably do more as I advance through this project.

[jughead]

i'll go with nunder and phreek on this one.had a 125 with a ug and a 2217 for many years,worked good

[danielp]

i'll go with nunder and phreek on this one.had a 125 with a ug and a 2217 for many years,worked good

Tell me a little about your maintenance routine and how your ammonia and nitrate levels were.

Thanks.