is it worth buying a undergravel filter

[dawnmarie]

..opinion, not bellybutton.

You made me nervous there for a second.

"Walk in to any LFS and count the UGF's. I'm still waiting for a logical rebuttal to this thought."

its because they are CHEAP...its not hard to figure that one out

Ahh....Logic.
It is a tool us oldtimers drag out of our aging box of tricks from time to time.
Your answer ,while incomplete, is correct and on point.
I do want to thank you for helping to make my point.

 

[piggy67]

UGF filters have their place in the hobby, just like any other filter. I dont really like them myself but they do have their place and when maintained/set up properly they can work just as well as any other filter ie: powerheads or reverse, instead of the old style air bubbles.

 

[turtlesrock]

if your ammonia and all that stuff is nice and low already, and you have a good biological filter, then u have nooooo need for it. =]

 

[fox3]

I use a UGF on one tank still. I drive it in reverse flow with a powerhead. Prefilter the intake and the plates stay clean.

It's one of the clearest tanks I run and the most overstocked.

 

[vr6fan]

lol i must be stupid then for using expensive canister filters when a UGF would do the exact same job??? lmao

 

[dawnmarie]

lol i must be stupid then for using expensive canister filters when a UGF would do the exact same job??? lmao

There is considerable difference between stupid and ignorant. For example we are all born ignorant.
At my advanced age I am still ignorant of many subjects outside my areas of expertise or experience. For example you will rarely see posts by me relating to sump design except in the form of a question.
Your decision to use "expensive canister filters" in lieu of a cheaper alternative is not neccessarily a reflection of your level of intelligence.

Just to clarify, A UGF does do "the exact same job" as a canister filter or for that matter a sump. It achieves the same goal in a different manner.
The big knock on UGF's is service. While you can solve the problem of buildup under the plates by increasing flow and incorporating some form of mechanical filtration you never get away from the need to gravel vac.

Correct me if I am wrong,but, regardless what type of filtration you utilize don't you still gravel vac your tank ?

One undisputed fact is that a UGF does a superior job of Biological filtration. There doesn't seem to be any real disagreement on this.
I think the best of both worlds is a "reverse" UGF. You get the benefit of a superior biological filter and the gravel is self cleaning due to the flow of water up and out of the gravel bed.

My summer aquaria project is to convert my 240 from a UGF to an RUGF. This is a direct result of watching how well the RUGF in my 100 is functioning.(Thanks Ron)
My 100 will continue to use "cheap" cartridge Filters for Mechanical filtration and rely on the RUGF to perform as the Biological filter.
The 240 will be using a pair of used Ocean Clear 325's I picked up from another MFK'er for mechanical filtration. These will give me a little more flexibility in service interval than the "cheap" Whole House Filters that have been in continuous duty in conjunction with a UGF in this tank since 1978.

Note to vr6fan: I don't have an axe to grind with you. We can agree to disagree. It's OK. These UGF threads don't have to end in a flame war every time.If you think about it I am as much a "canister" fan as I am a RUGF fan. I use a separate pump and cartridge filter to drive an RUGF.I could just as easily use an FX-5 or whatever the latest greatest powered canister is this week. This forum should be about exchanging ideas not pointless conflict.

 

[piggy67]

There is considerable difference between stupid and ignorant. For example we are all born ignorant.
At my advanced age I am still ignorant of many subjects outside my areas of expertise or experience. For example you will rarely see posts by me relating to sump design except in the form of a question.
Your decision to use "expensive canister filters" in lieu of a cheaper alternative is not neccessarily a reflection of your level of intelligence.

Just to clarify, A UGF does do "the exact same job" as a canister filter or for that matter a sump. It achieves the same goal in a different manner.
The big knock on UGF's is service. While you can solve the problem of buildup under the plates by increasing flow and incorporating some form of mechanical filtration you never get away from the need to gravel vac.

Correct me if I am wrong,but, regardless what type of filtration you utilize don't you still gravel vac your tank ?

One undisputed fact is that a UGF does a superior job of Biological filtration. There doesn't seem to be any real disagreement on this.
I think the best of both worlds is a "reverse" UGF. You get the benefit of a superior biological filter and the gravel is self cleaning due to the flow of water up and out of the gravel bed.

My summer aquaria project is to convert my 240 from a UGF to an RUGF. This is a direct result of watching how well the RUGF in my 100 is functioning.(Thanks Ron)
My 100 will continue to use "cheap" cartridge Filters for Mechanical filtration and rely on the RUGF to perform as the Biological filter.
The 240 will be using a pair of used Ocean Clear 325's I picked up from another MFK'er for mechanical filtration. These will give me a little more flexibility in service interval than the "cheap" Whole House Filters that have been in continuous duty in conjunction with a UGF in this tank since 1978.

Note to vr6fan: I don't have an axe to grind with you. We can agree to disagree. It's OK. These UGF threads don't have to end in a flame war every time.If you think about it I am as much a "canister" fan as I am a RUGF fan. I use a separate pump and cartridge filter to drive an RUGF.I could just as easily use an FX-5 or whatever the latest greatest powered canister is this week. This forum should be about exchanging ideas not pointless conflict.

Very well said...

 

[sashimimaster]

IMO undergravel jets pointed downward with a HOB filter would be the best set up. With the jets keeping flow up through the gravel and suspended the HOB should be able to pick up the crap.

 

[dawnmarie]

I completely agree with you in concept.
I do have one nagging question that keeps reccurring to me.
What is the real difference between a series of undergravel jets and a RUGF ?
For example, is this a UGJ or a RUGF ?

I currently flow 500 GPH through this and it keeps the gravel nice and clean in my 100.

On my 240 I will likely have two separate systems. One using a RUGF very similar to the one in the photo's, and a second with dedicated suction and returns providing additional mechanical filtration. The placement of the suctions and returns will be determined by any weaknesses discovered in the 100 as it is basically a 1/2 scale of the 240. This second system will serve the same function as the HOB you referenced.

 

[Knowdafish]

I don't think UGF/RUGF's are for everyone.
Certainly not if you are trying to keep up with the Jones's.
They aren't sexy. They don't have flashing lights or spinning flames.
They definitely are a poor option if you have fish that like to dig.

But to say they are all Junk is plain old ignorant.
It makes no more sense than saying all sumps are prone to flooding or canisters look cool but they are to hard to service. Like I said , Ignorant.

Walk in to any LFS and count the UGF's. I'm still waiting for a logical rebuttal to this thought.

A UGF is as suceptible to failure as any other filtration syustem IF it is not maintained correctly. I know that with sufficeint flow you can avoid the buildup under the plates that some have referenced. I know this first hand. Having said that I believe a Reverse UGF is a better option.

I think a well designed RUGF paired with effective mechanical filtration is hard to beat for low cost, simplicity and ease of maintenance. $.02

But Hey , If at the end of the day you choose a sump or canister or whatever, Great.
Opinions are like bellybuttons, everybody has one.

I agree. An UGF with properly matched power heads works great!