Why Are Under Gravel Filters Bad?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
im getting three with the 125 im getting today on my 300 mile trip and the tank is crystal clear but everyone on here says they are bad.it also has a 125-150 gallon aquarium rated hob filter.
 
they are brill.... except when they get blocckages.
they are perfect for filter feedin shrimp
 
The main drawback to an undergravel filter is that you can get deadspots in the substrate which is basically dead bacteria(I think).The bacteria will pollute the water and kill the fish if not fixed quickly.This usually occurs when you have large rocks that prevent flow through the gravel/sand.They also are not good for plant growth.Plus, with so many choices on the market, why not try something a little more modern if you can afford it.That said, I used an UGF for a few years to breed feeder guppies in a 10g and the water was always great.But it was just pea gravel w/a few plastic plants so there was good flow.
 
If it's on your 30g you have listed under your avatar, I would think you're doing pretty good.Just make sure you have good flow in your substrate and you suck up the turds when you use your vac.
 
I had one on my 30 gallon goldfish tank and I was cleaning the tank the other day and decided it was time to clean the filter again and pulled it up and it had trapped so much crap under the filter the water turned black. I had to suck all the sludge and crap out of the tank, it was disgusting. I did not put it back in. The tank is staying so much cleaner now with out the under gravel filter in. I dont have them in any other tanks thank god.
But I guess it does depend on what type of fish you have. I know goldfish are dirty but I believe my Oscars are messier.
 
undergravel filters are excellent if you do it right, unless its for fry you can ditch the airstones and grab some powerheads so there is enough power everywhere, i believe Oddball's way is using a blue bonded filter pad between the gravel and ugf plate then connecting Marineland Biowheels to the output of the powerheads for extra bio filtration
 
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