Undergravel Filters

[JEAE21]

I wanted to get a undergravel filter for my turtle tank, but would they work in tanks with no substrate? Will it suck up baby fish?

Also do I need to buy extra stuff like an air pump for them to work? Or is it like a normal filter and comes with everything you need

 

[ShadowBass]

UGF is about the worst filtration for a turtle tank.

No...they don't work in tanks with no substrate because the substrate is your biological filtration media.

No, they don't generally come with everything you need, you need either an air pump or a powerhead.

 

[JEAE21]

Ok, I'm getting a canister & bio-wheel filter instead then.
thanks shadow!

 

[Wolf3101]

HOB units like all bio-wheel filters are...do not work very well in partially filled tanks. Your application dosn't need the extra bio-filtration. just run a good canister...Fluval 305...rena...XP2....Eheim 2215....or one of the new marineland units.

 

[JEAE21]

oh..too bad..i just wanted the bio-wheel filter because I like how it spins..lol

a little expensive but i'll just get the 3digit canister filters

 

[Wolf3101]

You can always come over and watch any of the dozens of bio wheels on our tanks spin....I'll give you a Tea towl and a spray bottle and you can wipe glass LOL

 

[JEAE21]

haha thanks.lol i just did that on mine. without the spray though! (i have no idea what to use)

and also, my tanks is still going through the cycling process and I read that it lasts anywhere from 6~8weeks.
and on the filter instructions it said to change the media every 4weeks.
I am gonna change the current cartridge in 8weeks(after I think the cycling is done)
but when I change the cartridge, do i have to go through the cloudy tank.. AGAIN?? for another 6weeks??

 

[Wolf3101]

A light mixture of white vinigar and water works best and is safe.

Not if you just rince the cartrage off lightly no...but if your forced to replace it or really clean it welll...then yes...this is why so many of us HATE internal filters...besides the hydro5's of course.

 

[JEAE21]

i kinda don't get what you mean... are you saying that it does go through another 6weeks after you change the media?

what are the good filters?
hey and how often do you need to change the cartridges on canister filters?

 

[Wolf3101]

A good filter has seperate types of media in it...A foam mechanical filter...A basket of bio-media....chemical basket... That sort of thing. When you have a filter that just uses ONE cartrage or material than you risk having to re-cycle the tank...(By the way what your actully doing is cycling the FILTER not the tank. This is why changing ALL of the media in a filter is a very bad idea.

Normally in a canister all you do is wash off the mechanical filtration foam and don't touch the bio-media. then reassemble the filter...prime it and let it go.