the person i got the tank from had under gravel filters, a fluval 403 and 404 and 2 power heads, is it worth using the undergravel filters, i have a magnum i can add on as well, would i used the powerheads to make the filters work? ive never used undergravel filters before, im thinking of going with the pumps and more power filters, good idea?
is it worth having undergravel filters in a 125
- Thread starter voss345
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I used UG filters when I was a kid. Quit using them years ago. I think they suck, personally. They get all this crud and slime built up under them and the only way to get it clean is to actually take them out, meaning you have to upset the whole tank. In my opinion power filters or cannister filters are the way to go. Never used wet dry/trickle, so can't comment on those. That's my two cents.
Actually reverse flow UGFs do really well, as they pre-filter the water and push it up threw the gravel. But for the cost of the reverse flow powerheads to run a 6ft tank youd be better off slapping a couple of powerfilters on there.
A UGF works! There not the most maint. friendly as has been pointed out but they have even been used in planted tanks with success. I think it all depends on how you set up your tank and what fish you plan on keeping. UGF have lost there popularity with the huge canister boom on the market but should not be ruled out for using. The space alone of the bacteria bed is going to benefit your filtration. I ran them for years but dont anymore. I have heard alot of good things about the reverse flow combined with canisters as well.
Bottom line: Do your homework, Choose what fits your application, and if nothing else more filtration is better then no filtration.
Dont use it with sand!!
Bottom line: Do your homework, Choose what fits your application, and if nothing else more filtration is better then no filtration.
Dont use it with sand!!
UGFs were great for the time when they were invented, but lets face it theres just better technology availible today.