Which Filter Type(s) Should Be Used?

[aaronus]

Are external power filters better than undergravel? Is it good to only use an undergravel filter?
For years I've had undergravel but I've been wondering.

 

[raptorrex]

Are external power filters better than undergravel? Is it good to only use an undergravel filter?
For years I've had undergravel but I've been wondering.

the answer would have to be a big YES. externals are better than UGF. that's not to say UGF's don't have their uses, but technology has moved on now. so for most of us, the external is far better.

 

[Rooster]

Its ALL about surface area... the more media the better, so an external is "better" because it holds more media...

 

[OldMan47]

You got that backward Rooster. The biggest advantage of a UGF is that it uses the entire gravel bed in the tank as filter media. I don't care for a UGF because they require that I not have live plants and they limit my decorating options by requiring a level gravel bed, but the idea of not enough media is just missing the point. Another problem could arise if you lose flow because they can go anaerobic in that case and it would be difficult to clean them out afterward.

 

[T1KARMANN]

under gravel filters are a thing of the past things have moved on

the last time i saw a under gravel filter it was in a shop with about 2inch of dust on it they dont sell anymore