UnderGravel Filter?

[bryanacute]

I don't want any accidents so I was thinking if an under gravel filter. Has anybody have one or currently do? How does it work?

[ChoclateBetta]

You have to put equal pressure in my book on guppies it says they ruin the fins.

[bryanacute]

Ok. I didn't know if they where hard to use and required A BILLION things.

[ChoclateBetta]

There not that hard just outdated.

[bryanacute]

So the technology isn't the best.

[ChoclateBetta]

Yes Sponge and Hang on filters are great. Undergravel Filters are not meant for long finned fish.

[bryanacute]

Thanks. The filter is 4 my sorority tank.

[Kuronue]

I use an undergravel filter with my normal filter, it has its pros along with its cons.

First of all, it is NOT a replacement for a regular media filter. Its for the gravel. It works with bubble stones to draw up the water from the very bottom of the tank and under the gravel and through its own filters (usually carbon). Its designed to keep ammonia and/or bacterial build up from occuring in the gravel.

It is usually installed under the gravel against the bare bottom of the tank, mine does 2-3 tubes that the air stones go into topped with the filter holders. I've never had a problem with fish taking any sort of damage in the past 5 years I've owned one, but that's just me.

cons: -It does not filter the entire tank by itself
- Will not pull all fish poo and uneaten food out of the gravel so you still should vaccuum your gravel.
- Not designed to work well with plants
- Dependant on design, it can be hard to clean.

Pros: - stops ammonia build up in the gravel
- stops bacteria build up in gravel
- does help against algae

It is older technology, but with a decent media filter to pick up the slack I find them helpful.

[callistra]

Use a regular HOB filter like Aquaclear and add a prefilter sponge.

[bryanacute]

I was at petsmart and the lady said its just a regular filter that replaces the hanging. Does the same thing.