Under Gravel Filter Opinions

Okay so I have a 55 gallon tank (long not tall) that I have multiple fake grass mats that are weighted down with rocks. Poop and just nasty stuff gets trapped under there.

What are your opinions on under gravel filters? Would it work if I put one down and then put my grass mats and rocks? Or any ideas what else to do?

 

I would throw it away and get a sponge filter. Undergravel filters trap waste and debris into the gravel bed and that my friend will cause more harm in the future. It is an old way of filtration. The new replacement is the sponge filter. If not, a hang on the back will do.

 

I currently don't have an under gravel filter. I was asking if I should get one. I currently have a marineland 350 biowheel filter.

 

OK, I'm old. LOL, but I can tell you what I used to do with undergravel filters. I made a PVC adapter to fit the outlet tubes of the undergravel to my siphon hose. let me tell you, I removed some nasty water during water changes! I also vacuumed the substrate. So, I attacked the fish mulm from both sides. I used those things for years and never had a problem. You just have to improvise a bit. "Adapt and Overcome"

 

OK, I'm old. LOL, but I can tell you what I used to do with undergravel filters. I made a PVC adapter to fit the outlet tubes of the undergravel to my siphon hose. let me tell you, I removed some nasty water during water changes! I also vacuumed the substrate. So, I attacked the fish mulm from both sides. I used those things for years and never had a problem. You just have to improvise a bit. "Adapt and Overcome"

Lol, that is hard work, kudos.

 

I currently don't have an under gravel filter. I was asking if I should get one. I currently have a marineland 350 biowheel filter.

Then my answer would be no.

 

Just do weekly vacs to keep the substrate clean.

 

Never again! unless you have a power head on each section or plate that is drawing the water up...you are asking for big trouble down the road. Couldn't figure out why my nitrates were reading in the 1000s with double filtration and bi-weekly water changes that amounted to 75% of the tank plus the monthly power gravel wash. Well I did figure it out after I pulled the stupid plates out and found enough gunk trapped under there to make a chemical weapon. I can not believe I didn't loose any fish. Don't do it...just don't do it.

 

Yeah, I would not do it again; however, I did the best that I could with the technology of the 70s and 80s. Oh god I'm old.

 

Thanks guys. I will stay away from them.