Is an undergravel filter necessary

[RussC]

I know back in the old days when I did a freshwater tank I had an undergravel filter with the clear bubble tubes and a stone attached to a pump. Is that still the case today? I can tell you how to do a marine tank but now that my daughter wants a freshwater tank what would be the smartest, simplest way to set this thing up. I have a lot of gear already and may have what it takes. Comments?

 

[Andyvette]

I know back in the old days when I did a freshwater tank I had an undergravel filter with the clear bubble tubes and a stone attached to a pump. Is that still the case today? I can tell you how to do a marine tank but now that my daughter wants a freshwater tank what would be the smartest, simplest way to set this thing up. I have a lot of gear already and may have what it takes. Comments?

Depends on substrate. Also, if you have live plants its a no-no. But the main reason the people around here dont like them is that there is no biological advantage to them like a H.O.B. I would go with an aquaclear or a penguin. JMHO

 

[rich311k]

An underground filter is not necessary as a matter of fact it is really not a good idea. They are nitrate factories. You are better off with a HOB or cannister depending on tank size.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

Agreed. I'd go with a canister or hob. UGF's are not worth the time IMO.

 

[Dragonchild85]

In my experience, undergravel filters are just a big pain...I don't even use it when my 5 gallon is hooked up for fry. Aquaclear seems to be a pretty good brand, and if it's for a smaller gallon tank, Whisper has been my hob of choice. Whisper also has an in-tank filter now, so there's nothing preventing the tank from being flush against the wall.

Just my two cents though.

 

[cd5]

NO

 

[Zagz]

HOB's or cannister filters are much easier to take care of and keep clean IMO. Now you can find many brands at reasonable pricing.

 

[TomK2]

nope. and are not as versatile or convenient as HOB or canisters. But they do work.

 

[tropicfishman]

yeah its true they get pretty nasty, I went to my LFS today and all the tanks had undergravel filters for the first time and i couldn't understand why they would do this