feelings on undergravel filters

[UNKNOWN_MALONE]

They work great with powerheads! They keep your tank smelling good and the water crystal clear! The BB thrives in the oxygenated gravel and the surface area of the gravel blows most canisters away! The only negatives are if you have fish that dig or want to use them in a planted tank as the roots get hung up in the filter plates. I like to use them when possible. They help out alot when you're stocking levels are on the high side.

Well said

 

[srikamaraja]

Ah, my Eartheaters... how you vex me. At least I can pamper you with sponges.

 

[V1xIII]

Obsolete technology, i'll personally never set one up again.

 

[dogofwar]

I haven't used them for years.

The main problems:
- They accumulate crud under them, which is either a pain to clean...or can cause ammonia or nitrate problems
- Digging fish negate their effectiveness
- You need to use gravel with them (I use a thin layer of sand)
- Fry get sucked under them

A reverse undergravel (UGF), which pushes water up through the gravel is better for not trapping organics but has many of the same limitations.

 

[snaggle]

I like to use them in my fry tanks along with a sponge filter.

 

[pyromaniac]

great all round filter,i use them as additional filters in all my bigger tanks,at leat 40% area is enough if you are using it that way.keeps the water damn clear and ive never had any complaints on one after 8yrs of use.

 

[dogofwar]

mmmm. 8 years of crud under a filter plate.

great all round filter,i use them as additional filters in all my bigger tanks,at leat 40% area is enough if you are using it that way.keeps the water damn clear and ive never had any complaints on one after 8yrs of use.