No One Does Under-Gravel Anymore?

[Mael]

I've only been lurking for a few days and thrown out a couple searches, but it doesn't seem like many people are using under-gravel filters. Is there some outstanding reason that I'm simply not aware of?

I have always liked the look of the two bubblers in the tank.

I have three extra 10g to play around with (one of them so old it has chrome corners and a slate bottom) and I thought about setting up an u-g filter in one of them.

Experienced people with opinions out there? Or just regular people with opinions. Or just people...

 

[brennae]

A lot of us have live pants with big root systems. They would clog the UG filter up. Also I have just had bad experience with them clogging and not really helping the tank. Another reason is people are using sand an a substrate.

 

[imtcurveball]

I use a under gravel

 

[Mael]

Yeah, I plan to use a sand substrate in one of the tanks, but I have plenty of extra gravel around.

I see there are even u-g kits for five-gallon tanks out there. Too bad there are about two fish you can put in them and I have access to neither. ~_~

 

[jefferzbooboo]

Have you ever torn down a tank that used an UG filter? I bought a 29g from someone and when I tore it down at his house it was nasty underneath, had a slime/sludge crap, they guy had problems keeping his parameters in check and gave up on the hobby. After I seen that I won't use one.

 

[Mael]

No. My dad had an u-g setup on his 55 when I was a kid, and I know he eventually gave it up.

I don't honestly know how much maintenance is involved. So I figured I'd ask some questions. I think.

 

[brennae]

have to second the sludge thing. That was always my problem too.

 

[jefferzbooboo]

I've only been lurking for a few days and thrown out a couple searches, but it doesn't seem like many people are using under-gravel filters. Is there some outstanding reason that I'm simply not aware of?

I have always liked the look of the two bubblers in the tank.

I have three extra 10g to play around with (one of them so old it has chrome corners and a slate bottom) and I thought about setting up an u-g filter in one of them.

Experienced people with opinions out there? Or just regular people with opinions. Or just people...

Just noticed the parts about the Metaframe aquarium, I have 3 myself. If you have problems with it holding water send me a PM and I can give you some pointers, they are made different than a modern tank.
You can use a sponge filter with an air pump and you'll get bubbles and you won't get the sludge build up underneath.