Filtration Methods.

[Finless]

Hi, this is my first post on this forum. My user-name is to do with scuba diving rather than any fish problems.

I apologise if this is a common question but SWMBO wants a decision this afternoon and I've only just started researching the subject.

We have had a tropical fish tank for about 10 years and used a "hang over the edge into the tank" type filter which worked virtually faultlessly all that time (it amazes me that the motor kept working non stop). Recently, our fish have all died out and SWMBO took the opportunity to empty everything out of the tank and start with a fully cleaned set up. She is keen to get some water in there "settling" but I can't decide whether to change to an under gravel filter?

I like the principal but am worried about leaks (I assume the filter unit is stored in the cupboard under the tank) and problems which require lifting the 'under gravel assembly'.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks in advance for any/all replies.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

undergravel filters aren't used very much anymore, there are other much more effective filtration methods

if you read the link in my sig 'step by step guide to setting up an aquarium' it has a section on types of filters, you may stumble across something else that you didn't know from there as well!

what's the SWMBO anacronym stand for?

What size is the tank? we can better advise on makes/models and types of filter if we know how big the tank is, and also which fish you intend to keep in it

 

[Finless]

undergravel filters aren't used very much anymore, there are other much more effective filtration methods

if you read the link in my sig 'step by step guide to setting up an aquarium' it has a section on types of filters, you may stumble across something else that you didn't know from there as well!

Tks v/much. Will have a read through this evening after work.

what's the SWMBO anacronym stand for?

SWMBO=she who must be obeyed.

What size is the tank? we can better advise on makes/models and types of filter if we know how big the tank is, and also which fish you intend to keep in it

32(ish) gallons / approx 36*15*19 inch. Fish will be the usual culprits - neon tetras (and others of that type), "swordfish" (as I call them), loaches, tiger barbs etc.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

lol, i figured you meant your wife/girlfriend

for a 30 gal tank i'd be looking at a small cannister filter, what you should look for is something that gives 5x turnover, so on a 32 gallon tank you ant something which will turnover 160 gallons per hour. All cannister filters will have a rating on them of how many gph or lph it gives so just look for one that gives that sort of rating.

My preferred make is Eheim, but they are at the pricey end of the market, if you're on a budget then a rena or tetratec would do you well.

 

[andywg]

At a risk of

My user-name is to do with scuba diving rather than any fish problems.

Aha, another diver. Where do you dive? (edit - as in geographical location before someone answers with "in the water") Wrecks/Reefs? Warm/Cold water?

 

[Miss Wiggle]

 

[Finless]

At a risk of

My user-name is to do with scuba diving rather than any fish problems.

Aha, another diver. Where do you dive? (edit - as in geographical location before someone answers with "in the water") Wrecks/Reefs? Warm/Cold water?

Well, to be completely honest; I am a temporarily retired diver (2 years now) after 20 years of off and on diving.

My main diving was out of Eastbourne. Wreck diving off charter boats was the thing. There aren't many shore dives worth doing because of the v/poor inshore vis in this area + twin 12s are a bit heavy to lump up and down a beach.

Are you a member of any diving fora? Yorkshire Divers (http/www.yorkshire-divers.com/forums/) is my main place to talk bol ........ erm, rubbish. Also, BSAC, UK Dvers, South West Mafia and Divernet.

I hope to get back into diving as soon as I can afford it again + personal commitments allow.