josephdurnal

After reading through search results, it seems that most don't like undergravel filters, but I've had several folks recommend undergravel filters for planted tanks. I'm looking for a very low maintenance system for a small (10-15 gallon) planted tank with a few neons and a small bottom feeder that will be in my cubical at the office. Oh, and I'm hoping to do this very inexpensively! The undergravel filter seems like a good fit for my application. What else can the folks at fishlore tell me on this subject?

Thanks

Llama

I never used one myself, but I don't think a planted tank is a good idea. The plants' roots need to grow somewhere, and you can't use too thick gravel/sand/substrate or it'll mess up the filter.

Never used it myself, so might be wrong... perhaps someone else could correct me?

Jonah

I have never been a fan of UGF's myself, the uptake tubes take up too much space in the tank.

You have to take them up from time to time to clean all the gunk that collects under them. So what to do with the substate plants and ornaments while you do that never mind the fish?

Best bet in a small office tank would be a subersible filter like Fluval U series or Stingrays etc

Dozey

I too have read that UGF’s provide good fertilizer for plants but my memory of UGF’s in not a good one. Growing up my family had 8 tanks, all with UGF’s. Once a year we would strip the tanks down one-by-one, carry them out to the driveway and clean the gunk that builds up. I can’t describe the smell of this gunk as I’ve never smelled anything else that compares to it.

Personally I’d fertilize my plants before I’d ever consider using another UGF. But that’s just my memory of the experience.

CHoffman

There was a UGF with the 125 I bought. They even had a canister filter running too and when I took the UGF out it was really bad..so I can't imagine how nasty it would be without any other kind of filtration.

navyscuba

I had one and I personaly hate them the tank gets too dirty and like they said too much junk under the filter tray.