UNDERGRAVEL FILTERS

[panther1505]

I would like to get your opinions on undergravel filters.

Yesterday I received an answer to one of my postings, and in the answer, I was told to get rid of my UGF, because all it does really is collect uneaten food and other debris. The person went on to tell me that he had a UGF and when he went to do maintenance on his tank, he took the UGF out to clean it, and his tank water turned black.

What do you think, anyone?

 

[tstenback]

I haven't used one for years as the HOB and canisters are way easier to maintain. Also i had trouble with plants growing well with UGF and as pretty much all my tanks are planted as the tanks got to the point where it was time to clean the UGF i just removed it and went with an external filter. HTH

 

[Tempestuousfury]

I'd suggest external filters. The UGF is for biological filtration, and it does dirty the tank and lose effectiveness over time and gets clogged.

Provided that your tanks cycled and you do water changes at least once a month (hopefully more), then a canister or any mechanical/ biological filtration should do.

 

[panther1505]

I currently have both an external (whisper 60) filter, and a UGF. I am cycling my tank right now. I think I'm going to keep using my UGF until I decide to do a big cleanup of my tank. I want to get a little use out of it. It did cost me $40.

How often would you suggest that I do a big cleanup of my tank?
A big cleanup to me is removing everything, rinsing the gravel, cleaning the tank itself, rinsing/replacing the biobags and media.

Will the fish be alright without filtration, when/if I do a big cleanup?

 

[tstenback]

That's your call. When i had the UGF i would do it once a year. With the external filters, i only do it when absolutely necessary.

 

[luxum]

I ~hate~ UGF filters with a deep burning passion. They get all gunked up and if you don't break them down and clean them in time they pollute the tank. Also live plants tend to disturb the filter with their roots. I'd replace it ASAP, but that's just me.

 

[tstenback]

I ~hate~ UGF filters with a deep burning passion. They get all gunked up and if you don't break them down and clean them in time they pollute the tank. Also live plants tend to disturb the filter with their roots. I'd replace it ASAP, but that's just me.

Luxum could you stop beating around the bush on this subject and just say what you really mean

 

[luxum]