Anyone using Under gravel filter?

[Petchratn]

Can I see picture?
I have heard water will not clear like other type filter, I got one for Christmas.
I want to try.
Any advantage and disadvantages you guys found?
Thinking about run it by itself or tuning with HOB.
Thank you.

 

[FFNut]

I run them in all my tanks. I don’t use them as a main filter by any means, I run a sponge filter usually too but I find the under gravel filters are great for plant growth. It sucks the nutrients down to the roots.

 

[Jeffsglo]

Hello, I do not have an under gravel filter. I do have an sponge filter and HOB. I think that the under gravel would be fine. But highly recommend that you keep your HOB along with it. The more filtration you have the better.

 

[Petchratn]

I run them in all my tanks. I don’t use them as a main filter by any means, I run a sponge filter usually too but I find the under gravel filters are great for plant growth. It sucks the nutrients down to the roots.

Is water clear? Are there any debris problem? Any suggestion how many sponge filters should the 4’ tank and 32” tank have? Looking on amazon for a while.
Thank you.

 

[FFNut]

Like I say I run other filters with it also tend to keep leaves and other things in them too for tannin release so hard to say if it does much. I just know it helps with plant growth.

 

[Jenjoyce]

I have always used under gravel with HOB and my larger tank is always clear as bell and the plants love it.

 

[Petchratn]

Hello, I do not have an under gravel filter. I do have an sponge filter and HOB. I think that the under gravel would be fine. But highly recommend that you keep your HOB along with it. The more filtration you have the better.

How many sponge filter should I have for 4’ and 32” long tank? I will add shrimps not sure which tank, have been looking on amazon for a while ? I mostly see 1??? But I read you have to have a few?

 

[Jeffsglo]

Hello, I would get a sponge filter rated for more gallons than fewer. When looking at sponge filters, they say on the box what size tank they can be used for. I have a 55 gallon and I have a sponge filter for 55g. Along with an HOB for the same size that came with the tank. So I have enough filtration for 110g.

 

[Petchratn]

Hello, I would get a sponge filter rated for more gallons than fewer. When looking at sponge filters, they say on the box what size tank they can be used for. I have a 55 gallon and I have a sponge filter for 55 gallon. Along with an HOB for the same size that came with the tank. So I have enough filtration for 110g.

Thank you, I want to have 2-3 filters in each tank anyway. I kinda worry that when I clean filter I will lost major of my bacteria. My tank is overcrowded from babies(fish).

 

[DuaneV]

I absolutely hate under gravel filters. I think theyre garbage, don't filter debris well at all and are a waste of time and money. A nice HOB like an Aquaclear can be had for $25 and will last forever, keep the tank nice and clean AND offer multiple media options for you at the same time. Beyond that, a sponge filter controlled by an air pump would be a better option than an under gravel filter, in my opinion.

 

[Petchratn]

I absolutely hate under gravel filters. I think theyre garbage, don't filter debris well at all and are a waste of time and money. A nice HOB like an Aquaclear can be had for $25 and will last forever, keep the tank nice and clean AND offer multiple media options for you at the same time. Beyond that, a sponge filter controlled by an air pump would be a better option than an under gravel filter, in my opinion.

I don’t really see people review much on YouTube, the YouTube that show they not really show in action like when they maintain it, I really wonder if there enough suctions to the farest points from lifting tube. Definitely farer than a foot (since plate width and length 12” the across line will be longer than 12”. The stone that came with penn play set, are the tiniest stone you can find, I am thinking if possible or in use I would definitely try to use stone bar instead. May be giving more lift??? Or more clogged ) )

 

[A201]

In order for an undergravel filter to work at its maximum potential, affix a power head atop each filter tube. Don't bother with the airstone in the tube method.

The power heads will generate much more flow, forcing the bio gunk floating in the water column down to the substrate. Next step, rarely gravel vac.

 

[david1978]

The days of under gravel filter is over. We used them up till the 90's. They do work granted but every 6 to 8 months you need to really and I mean really just about pull all the gravel out to clean them. After switching to aquaclear hob I would never go back.

 

[johnbirg]

The undergravel filter is NOT dead. I have used undergravel filters in every tank I have had for the last 50 years. I use powerheads rather than airstones because they work better. Since the mid 1990's I combine the undergravel with a large canister filter. Works a treat!
This is my current tank.

 

[Redshark1]

I have tried all the main filter types and they all work.

There is no need to criticise any filter type if you use them correctly and understand them.

I have had undergravel filters working in my six foot aquarium for the last 25 years and they continue to work efficiently and inexpensively.

Powered by quiet and reliable Aquaclear powerheads, they are the best filters available for this application.



They allow me to have all the filtration in the tank as I don't want to pump water outside the tank in case things go wrong.

They do not require me to replace media as they use the gravel as the media.

They are easy to maintain and never need stripping down as I gravel clean during water changes.

The whole substrate and water column is well oxygenated and there are no anaerobic areas in the tank.

The filter is mostly out of sight i.e. under the gravel!

The filter works reliably and does not lose efficiency over time the way I use it.

Water parameters are stable over 25 years.

The fish have lived for 25 years with it so far.

The fish never had a disease in 25 years.

It's a long-lived filter system.

It cost relatively little.

 

[KDS]

I thought under gravel filters were dead until I started watching Dr. Kevin Novak's YouTube channel. He calls them a plenum and for the first time in years I am thinking about adding one to my 210 build! I just have to figure out how to make one since I'm pretty sure they don't sell them for a 210 Aqueon with dual overflows.

 

[jaysurf7]

I have an under gravel filter running on my 60 gal tank(along with a fluval 303 canister) I think there a lot of pros using a undergravel filter even though a lot of people think they may be outdated,the UGF serves as a great source for beneficial bacteria for the tank ,the power heads bring oxygen to the tank and create a good current in the tank so water won't be stagnant,the bottom plate also helps cushion the glass on the bottom,also a lot of people say its great to grow plants due to the flow of oxygen.some of the cons some might think that over time a lot of gunk will collect under the plate, and you have to tear it down every now and then to clean it,I had a UGF running for over 20 years on my old 60 gallon never had to clean under the plates but when I had to tear it down to upgrade to a new tank I was really surprised as to how little gunk was under the plates,as long as you keep up on your gravel vacuuming doing water changes its fine.

I would use a UGF along with a HOB or a canister or you can just use a UFG on its own it will still will do a great job,as far as the water its always clear, every now and then you would have to clean the power heads though and the outtake tubes as it collects some debris not really a big thing though.

 

[Petchratn]

The days of under gravel filter is over. We used them up till the 90's. They do work granted but every 6 to 8 months you need to really and I mean really just about pull all the gravel out to clean them. After switching to aquaclear hob I would never go back.

Thank you!!!!
I said Bye to them from now lol.
They looked gorgeous but Nah, I spending 2-3!hours water change My tanks once a week, that not including feeding trimming etc.
And I have 2 lil boys who need mommy to play and teach them after school.

 

[KDS]

I have tried all the main filter types and they all work.

There is no need to criticise any filter type if you use them correctly and understand them.

I have had undergravel filters working in my six foot aquarium for the last 25 years and they continue to work efficiently and inexpensively.

Powered by quiet and reliable Aquaclear powerheads, they are the best filters available for this application.

View attachment 648428

They allow me to have all the filtration in the tank as I don't want to pump water outside the tank in case things go wrong.

They do not require me to replace media as they use the gravel as the media.

They are easy to maintain and never need stripping down as I gravel clean during water changes.

The whole substrate and water column is well oxygenated and there are no anaerobic areas in the tank.

The filter is mostly out of sight i.e. under the gravel!

The filter works reliably and does not lose efficiency over time the way I use it.

Water parameters are stable over 25 years.

The fish have lived for 25 years with it so far.

The fish never had a disease in 25 years.

It's a long-lived filter system.

It cost relatively little.

Those clown loaches are amazing!!!

 

[TheeLadyG]

So, I did a ton of research before I settled on having an undergravel filter for my first fish tank. If you run an undergravel filter correctly, it doesn't get filthy and have to have all the gravel pulled up to clean it. A powerhead is a really great resource for running an undergravel filter, also the concept of the reverse undergravel filter is worth looking into. The only reason I gave up my undergravel filter is because I wanted to switch to sand substrate for my goldfish, and I rescued an enormous 75-gallon tank that my undergravel filter plate didn't fit.

The filter was quiet, the setup was simple, the outflow was minimal which I wanted for my big fin goldfish. My cycle was perfect, and it was easy to clean with a siphon on water change day. To be fair, I had a simple set up that is mostly a giant playroom for goldfish, nothing complicated like plants or copious decorations. I loved how quiet it was. Because I wanted sand, I'm now running a canister filter and Sponge Filter combination. But I love my undergravel filter, I really did!

 

[CHJ]

As a kid In the 80s I ran one in my 55 malawian tank. 4 Maxijet 1200s (IIRC) on the tubes (the UG had holes for 6 tubes but only came with 4). ~6 inches of pea gravel in the tank. Clean clear water with a dense population of large malawians. Once a year I'd run a hose down a tube a siphon the muck out a window into the iris garden.

I miss UG filters, it is sad they are out of vogue. I think the one large one I found on amazon was like 90$ (hahahahaha.. no, I'm not paying canister prices for that). In the age of rimless tanks I guess they are just too ugly?

As has been noted, only use powerheads with them.

 

[Petchratn]

So, I did a ton of research before I settled on having an undergravel filter for my first fish tank. If you run an undergravel filter correctly, it doesn't get filthy and have to have all the gravel pulled up to clean it. A powerhead is a really great resource for running an undergravel filter, also the concept of the reverse undergravel filter is worth looking into. The only reason I gave up my undergravel filter is because I wanted to switch to sand substrate for my goldfish, and I rescued an enormous 75-gallon tank that my undergravel filter plate didn't fit.

The filter was quiet, the setup was simple, the outflow was minimal which I wanted for my big fin goldfish. My cycle was perfect, and it was easy to clean with a siphon on water change day. To be fair, I had a simple set up that is mostly a giant playroom for goldfish, nothing complicated like plants or copious decorations. I loved how quiet it was. Because I wanted sand, I'm now running a canister filter and Sponge Filter combination. But I love my undergravel filter, I really did!

To be honest I was thinking it would be cool, if I can use undergravel then use glass to divide/separate fish tank to be multiple zone like may be 4 zone one feet each in four feet long tank, then I wish may be every go good perfectly like magical unicorn. But if it won’t, I have to take apart the silicone seal on the glass divider then dig up to clean. May be I wish tooooooo much.

The undergravel filter is NOT dead. I have used undergravel filters in every tank I have had for the last 50 years. I use powerheads rather than airstones because they work better. Since the mid 1990's I combine the undergravel with a large canister filter. Works a treat!View attachment 648272
This is my current tank.

Do you have YouTube Chanel or other public video, usually I google that but people claiming canister and/hob filter suction power will be too strong. So that never be a problem?

As a kid In the 80s I ran one in my 55 malawian tank. 4 Maxijet 1200s (IIRC) on the tubes (the UG had holes for 6 tubes but only came with 4). ~6 inches of pea gravel in the tank. Clean clear water with a dense population of large malawians. Once a year I'd run a hose down a tube a siphon the muck out a window into the iris garden.

I miss UG filters, it is sad they are out of vogue. I think the one large one I found on amazon was like 90$ (hahahahaha.. no, I'm not paying canister prices for that). In the age of rimless tanks I guess they are just too ugly?

As has been noted, only use powerheads with them.

I like how the lift tube looks though, I really think the under gravel tube look better than hob filter tube. Even aqua clear filter is not look nice and clear (gray translucent) like under gravel penn plax tubes. The blue plates look ugly but they should be under gravel.

 

[CHJ]

I like how the lift tube looks though, I really think the under gravel tube look better than hob filter tube. Even aqua clear filter is not look nice and clear (gray translucent) like under gravel penn plax tubes. The blue plates look ugly but they should be under gravel.

Yeah I loved them.
It may not all have been aesthetics, UG was awesome and "pro" when the alternative was that little bubble box with charcoal and floss in it. Once canisters and HOBs showed up UG got a reputation as amateur/for kids (the new bubble box) and so that caused issues to.
Ever so many year later when I add 100-150lbs of sand to a new tank I google what a 100lb capacity sand filter is rated for and see it is a 14,000 gallon pool and wonder why UG is not popular (even as secondary filtration). I wonder if they would do something with plant nutrients?

 

[FFNut]

I use them in all my tanks. They grow plants great. I swear by them and have never added any easy green or anything like that.

 

[Michael.j.gomez]

I don’t really see people review much on YouTube, the YouTube that show they not really show in action like when they maintain it, I really wonder if there enough suctions to the farest points from lifting tube. Definitely farer than a foot (since plate width and length 12” the across line will be longer than 12”. The stone that came with penn play set, are the tiniest stone you can find, I am thinking if possible or in use I would definitely try to use stone bar instead. May be giving more lift??? Or more clogged ) )

Hello, been thinking of setting up one to see how good they work. Read some people use them w/power heads & some use it w/reverse flow. Always looking for something better. Hope this helps!!!!!

 

[CHJ]

Do you have YouTube Chanel or other public video, usually I google that but people claiming canister and/hob filter suction power will be too strong. So that never be a problem?

Too strong for what?
Are you planning to breed? Do you have a betta or other fish low flow fish that may get battered by the flow from power heads? Do you have plants that may get beat up by the power heads?
I did see a few fry who didn't make it back to their parent's mouth in time get drawn into the pea gravel (others scooted out of the pea gravel when they noticed where they were going, so it is not like they could not escape if they were paying attention), adult fish were fine and that was at ~1,200 GPH through the filter.

 

[Petchratn]

Too strong for what?
Are you planning to breed? Do you have a betta or other fish low flow fish that may get battered by the flow from power heads? Do you have plants that may get beat up by the power heads?
I did see a few fry who didn't make it back to their parent's mouth in time get drawn into the pea gravel (others scooted out of the pea gravel when they noticed where they were going, so it is not like they could not escape if they were paying attention), adult fish were fine and that was at ~1,200 GPH through the filter.

Too strong for what?
Are you planning to breed? Do you have a betta or other fish low flow fish that may get battered by the flow from power heads? Do you have plants that may get beat up by the power heads?
I did see a few fry who didn't make it back to their parent's mouth in time get drawn into the pea gravel (others scooted out of the pea gravel when they noticed where they were going, so it is not like they could not escape if they were paying attention), adult fish were fine and that was at ~1,200 GPH through the filter.

I didn’t have experience myself I just received one and not yet try.

 

[juniperlea]

The under-gravel system makes sense to me, but I'm too scared to try, because I'm so new to this. One of my LFSs uses under-gravel in all tanks and regrets it. But, they're ready to retire, so there's no point in changing. (It's a tiny store). I have a 10 gallon just begging for a tenant, so I might set up an under-gravel system and decide for myself. Off to see the wizard.....

 

[Petchratn]

The under-gravel system makes sense to me, but I'm too scared to try, because I'm so new to this. One of my LFSs uses under-gravel in all tanks and regrets it. But, they're ready to retire, so there's no point in changing. (It's a tiny store). I have a 10 gallon just begging for a tenant, so I might set up an under-gravel system and decide for myself. Off to see the wizard.....

Keep updating if you can open another thread later when you did! I wish I’ll see it.

 

[CHJ]

I didn’t have experience myself I just received one and not yet try.

OK on page 1 you say 4' tank so a 55 or 60gal I'm guessing?
You say shrimp, (neos/cards I'm guessing. maybe amannos? usually bamboo/vampire is a bad guess when people say shrimp)I'm guessing 4-6 maxijets may draw in baby neo/card shrimp but will not bother adults. Amanos will not breed so they will not care. So much filterable flow will make bamboo and vampire giggle with joy I'm guessing.

This assumes you are using some sort of gravel base. If you are running sand with landscape cloth nothing will get drawn into sand.

With shrimp's low bioload this is ludicrous overkill when it comes to filtration. With filter shrimp I'd still run a power head or flow generator just to help them be happy.

 

[Petchratn]

OK on page 1 you say 4' tank so a 55 or 60gal I'm guessing?
You say shrimp, (neos/cards I'm guessing. maybe amannos? usually bamboo/vampire is a bad guess when people say shrimp)I'm guessing 4-6 maxijets may draw in baby neo/card shrimp but will not bother adults. Amanos will not breed so they will not care. So much filterable flow will make bamboo and vampire giggle with joy I'm guessing.

This assumes you are using some sort of gravel base. If you are running sand with landscape cloth nothing will get drawn into sand.

With shrimp's low bioload this is ludicrous overkill when it comes to filtration. With filter shrimp I'd still run a power head or flow generator just to help them be happy.

Over yes shrimps have small bioload, hmmm.
I can’t have shrimp with fish but with out fish too little poop going on. I am confusing my self, how people can breed cherry shrimp successfully. ?.??
So I usually have a few empty tanks lying around, I bought as second hand. I did have blue, brown, red, yellow cherry shrimp once. I gave up since at the time I have no other tank I can move my cherry shrimp from guppy sagely. I do believe shrimp need cycled tank as well. And my lfs told me guppies are compatible with shrimps, so my guppies are hungry and very unfriendly ones? I put cherry shrimps in together with my guppies and guppies are hunting and chasing them like they see some good wiggling bacons.

 

[Petchratn]

OK on page 1 you say 4' tank so a 55 or 60gal I'm guessing?
You say shrimp, (neos/cards I'm guessing. maybe amannos? usually bamboo/vampire is a bad guess when people say shrimp)I'm guessing 4-6 maxijets may draw in baby neo/card shrimp but will not bother adults. Amanos will not breed so they will not care. So much filterable flow will make bamboo and vampire giggle with joy I'm guessing.

This assumes you are using some sort of gravel base. If you are running sand with landscape cloth nothing will get drawn into sand.

With shrimp's low bioload this is ludicrous overkill when it comes to filtration. With filter shrimp I'd still run a power head or flow generator just to help them be happy.

What you mean Amano won’t make babies??

 

[Redshark1]

CHJ "UG was awesome and "pro" when the alternative was that little bubble box with charcoal and floss in it. "

I remember that!

 

[CHJ]

What you mean Amano won’t make babies??

In fresh amanos will berry up but those eggs need brackish to actually hatch, so they will just carry the eggs around with them for months.

 

[Fish-whisper]

I use UG filters, going on 50 yrs with them and they work great. IMO they are the best filter for a Betta tank. You can look at the bottom of your tank and see where mum collects, vacuum the gravel in that area, never had to tear my UG filter down for cleaning. I also use canister, HOB, sponge filters with the UG filter. Take advantage of what each filter offers, combine them and your fish will love you.

With that said I know for a fact I could get along just fine with only the UG filter.

 

[johnbirg]

I use UG filters, going on 50 yrs with them and they work great. IMO they are the best filter for a Betta tank. You can look at the bottom of your tank and see where mum collects, vacuum the gravel in that area, never had to tear my UG filter down for cleaning. I also use canister, HOB, sponge filters with the UG filter. Take advantage of what each filter offers, combine them and your fish will love you.

With that said I know for a fact I could get along just fine with only the UG filter.

Dead right! It was almost impossible to foul a tank with a properly installed ug filter.