HOB filters vs. undergravel

[dieanna]

I'm searching for equiptment to set up my 20 [acronym:6154b3abde="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:6154b3abde]. I'm currently looking at filters. I've only used [acronym:6154b3abde="Hang On Back"]HOB[/acronym:6154b3abde] filters and know nothing about undergravel filters. What are the pros and cons of undergravel filters? In anyone's experience which is the better filter and the easiest to work with (keeping clean and such)? Thanks

[gheitman]

I don't recommend even considering an undergravel filter. Hang on back filters are easier to clean and more flexible (i.e. more choices when it comes to methods of filtration). [acronym:b5ea6ef8df="Hang On Back"]HOB[/acronym:b5ea6ef8df] filters can have biological, mechanical and chemical filtration while [acronym:b5ea6ef8df="Under Gravel Filter"]UGF[/acronym:b5ea6ef8df] typically only provide biological filtration (using the gravel bed). [acronym:b5ea6ef8df="Under Gravel Filter"]UGF[/acronym:b5ea6ef8df] filters require you to dig them up once a year to get all of the mulm that accumulates underneath the filter plates. A lot of the problems with the [acronym:b5ea6ef8df="Under Gravel Filter"]UGF[/acronym:b5ea6ef8df] can be eliminated by using a powerhead and running it in reverse through the lift tube (this is called a [acronym:b5ea6ef8df="Reverse flow undergravel filter"]RUGF[/acronym:b5ea6ef8df]) but it still doesn't beat the [acronym:b5ea6ef8df="Hang On Back"]HOB[/acronym:b5ea6ef8df] for flexibility, effectiveness and ease of use. Get yourself a good AquaClear or Penguin filter and you'll be much better served and so will your fish.

[dieanna]

Thank you. That's what I was thinking. My father swears by [acronym:7d104d7667="Under Gravel Filter"]UGF[/acronym:7d104d7667]'s while I always thought they would be more of a pain in the rear. I was just curious, though. Thanks.

[greenmaji]

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=45225
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=61113

there has been discussion of the [acronym:ffeb4f0963="Under Gravel Filter"]UGF[/acronym:ffeb4f0963] before.. take a look.. :P

[Left C]

"DITTO"

[acronym:5aad8444b3="Under Gravel Filter"]UGF[/acronym:5aad8444b3]'s are old school.

[acronym:5aad8444b3="Reverse flow undergravel filter"]RUGF[/acronym:5aad8444b3]'s are nitrate pumps.

Get [acronym:5aad8444b3="Hang On Back"]HOB[/acronym:5aad8444b3] or cannister.

[greenmaji]

my views of the current productive uses of [acronym:798dc296dd="Under Gravel Filter"]UGF[/acronym:798dc296dd] are in the second link..

[dieanna]

Thanks for the thread links greenmaji. Very informative. I will definitely stay away from any kind of [acronym:af230018a5="Under Gravel Filter"]ugf[/acronym:af230018a5].

[severum mama]

I like Emperors, Aquaclears, and Penguins the best as far as HOBs go. The smallest Emperor is 280 [acronym:50ff68b510="Gallons per hour"]gph[/acronym:50ff68b510], so I would just go with the [acronym:50ff68b510="Activated Carbon"]AC[/acronym:50ff68b510] 50 (200) or the Penguin 200B.