To Under-gravel or Not

[InfernoST]

Hi Everyone
I've been reading around the forums about people not using and or removing their under-gravel filters and was wondering why? I'm cycling a 44 gallon pentagon with africans in which i installed an under-gravel filter on top of which i put small natural gravel, was using the UG a mistake?

Thanx

[WhiteDevil]

Not with gravel it isnt.

I dont use them due to my sand bottoms.

[InfernoST]

Originally Posted by WhiteDevil

Not with gravel it isnt.

I dont use them due to my sand bottoms.

Which is better Gravel or sand?

[WhiteDevil]

depends on what fish you got.

There are a few not alot but a few ponds/rivers/creeks/lakes that tropicals come out of that DONT have sand bottoms, nearly all fish come from sand bottoms, with the exceptions, of course. RIFT.

[InfernoST]

Originally Posted by WhiteDevil

depends on what fish you got.

I have small Africans at the moment.

[WhiteDevil]

do you have a RIFT tank or just some africans? chunky rock or sand I think works great for africans. I THINK, not certain, ive only used gravel with cich's and they tear the place up if they can lift the stones.

[InfernoST]

Originally Posted by WhiteDevil

do you have a RIFT tank or just some africans? chunky rock or sand I think works great for africans. I THINK, not certain, ive only used gravel with cich's and they tear the place up if they can lift the stones.

What is a RIFT tank?

[WhiteDevil]

substrate is really a personal taste thing.. it helps if there are some crushed shells in it tho as they have calcium carbonate in them and that helps buffer the water.

rocks.. again are a personal preference. i use sandstone as it is everywhere on my property- so its free!! and inert.

wood is said to lower pH and if you dont have a reasonable buffer in your water it can. a lot of people say you shouldnt keep wood in a rift lake- and thats fair enough.. however i like it so i have always had wood in my tanks (just normal drift wood you get in shops). also my bristlenoses and plecs like the wood too.