Undergravel Filter?

[xray]

It really depends on what kind of tank you want to have (i.e: planted tank, mbuna tank, community tank). Tell us what you plan to put in the tank and we can be more decisive (or divided ).

 

[FancyGuppyGuy]

FIrst you have to consider the amount of bacteria a UGF can hold?? The bottom of the tank times 3 inches thick. A heck of alot more bio filtration than any thing out there except a FBF or perhaps a trickle filter. The bacteria needs slow moving water not fast So hang on the back type filters are not the greatest for bio loads. You can use one with a bio wheel but how big is a bio wheel??

You take a UGF and slap on a power head and vaccum once a week and youll have one of the best lowest cost filter for bio load you can find out there.

I have hanging filter and UGF filter in all my tanks but 1 my 1.6 gallon it has a UGF only. I have had my 29 gallon tank for over 3 years ( UGF with 2 power heads ) and havent had a problem yet.

If you do get a UGF get a power head dont use the old air flow method and Put 3" of gravel over the top of it. Vaccum weekly and youll have very few problems.