fish hook

does it hurt to have an under gravll filter and a power filter i have a tank like and i was just wondering: would appreciate your info.

thumper

Under Gravel Filters, like sponge filters, use either an airline or a powerhead to pull water down through the gravel, up into pipes at the back of the tank, and out into the tank again. This type of filter pulls some detritus into the gravel, providing a bit of mechanical filtration. However, its greatest function is biological filtration. There is a lot of surface area on the gravel in an aquarium, so it provides excellent nitrification. The downside of UGFs is that areas under the gravel can become clogged with detritus, creating pockets of still, non-aerated water. The anaerobic bacteria that can grow in these spots create very toxic waste, which can kill fish quickly if it's released into the rest of the water.


i copy this off of this site just some info for ya!

fish hook

Please I need help . I have an under gravel filter, with a power filter to , and I can;t seem to get the amonia under control. Are they ok to have together i;ve heard different things. I would Appreciate any advice.

Lucy

I've merged your threads. It's only necessary to start one thread for a question....less confusing for everyone.

fish hook

I made plans to pull the undergravel filter and start from scratch what would you recommend thump-er ?

thumper

Marineland Penguin 150B Power Filter

this would be my choice or one just a little smaller

but something form marineland i like there filters

BigAlsOnline.com
you can find them on this site

fish hook

Thank you all for your help . And lucy please be patient I'm new at this don't understand it yet.

thumper

you will learn it fast you are doing good by asking ? and doing the research that you need to

aquarist48

I'm glad to read that you are getting rid of the under gravel filter (UGF). I've never used one myself but I've never read anything good about them. I would have pulled it out as well. Good luck with your fish and tank.
If you're looking for a hang on back (HOB) filter, I really like the Aqua Clears. They also come in different sizes. Very silent. Not too expensive.

cerianthus

Actually I would say UGF has more Pros than Cons but depends on type of fish. Would not recommend UGF with any cichlids/fish that digs.
All the detritus trapped w/i gravel can be thoroughly cleaned/loosened/removed via regular vacuuming of gravel (portion at a time). There are higher chance of developing dead area/anaerobic area in a tank with NO UGF than one with UGF. In either case, very unlikely condition when kept up with proper routine maintenance.

If you want to start from scratch again, would recommend TWO External Filters (HOB, Canisters or whatever) so that one would work as back up filter to each other. Alternate the maintenance on filters.

Used to run nothing but UGF on plenty of tanks few decades ago with no mishap provided proper maintenance is provided.
Only drawback to UGF is accumulation on detritus/mulm under the UGF plate. I really did not worry about it with planted tank.
If concerned, there are ways to remove those detritus/mulms from under the plate w/o teariing down the tank from time to time.

If you are going to use ONE external filter, would leave UGF in unless plan to keep Cichlids/Fish that digs. then would def recomm 2 independent external filters.

hope this helped.