Should I install an undergravel filter for a 30g tall tank?

[Jchillin]

My LFS has suggested that I install an undergravel filter. LFS says that it will improve the filtration of the substrate and add beneficial nutrients. Keep in mind that I just completely re-started cycling my tank (fish still doing ok). What do you think? Oh, here's a pic of the tank.

 

[mattrox]

Have a look at this link. It goes through a lot of points.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=35830&highlight=ugf

 

[mayreee]

Most people hate undergravel filters along with myself.

 

[TankGirl]

Nope - no reason at all to do that.

 

[gheitman]

I wouldn't recommend using a UGF. Your power filter is more than adequate to handle the job of filtration as long as you vacume the gravel periodically. You should especially avoid a UGF if you are going to have live plants.

 

[Jchillin]

Thanks guys...once again, bad advice from LFS goes up in flames!

 

[spankerbob]

What lfs are you going to? I would not want their advice. I have never had any luck with the ugf. The stagnant water around the outside of the grating turns poisons as duritis build up over time.

 

[bluefire]

i have ugfs on 2 of my tanks and i hate them, mostly because about every six months it breaks down for some reason and you have to fullt take apart the tank and clean everything.

 

[loganj]

bluefire,
Have you considered changing your UGF to reverse flow? That will eliminate most of the problems associated with this type of filtration. I would not recommend using this type of filtration on a new setup, but if you already have it, reverse flow is the way to go.

 

[oscarbreeder]

UGF are old school and way out dated.
Get yourself a good Hang On Back filter like the AquqClear 500 or a good canister filter like a Fluval 404.

 

[Jchillin]

I don't want to give the LFS free advertising but it's a large chain with two syllables. First syllable is what we call domestic in the home animals and the second is what is scientifically referred to a terra ferma.

 

[mattrox]

It's called value adding. If they don't think you are going to buy a more expensive filter thay will try and sell you something that doesn't look so expensive. If they get a high turnover, the profit is high.

UGF's will work but are not the best. I used box filters with filter wool with less hassle than ugf's