55 Gallon Tank Undergravel filters

[supermancoaster]

Iv learned and read an aquarium is it's own eco system, anyways iv always used undergravel filters in my bigger aquariums with powerheads and hanging, outside filters,it completes the whole biological filtration system!!! Which this is super awesome!!!
I got into the aquarium hobby when I was 6,7 years old because of my grandma trena & my mom & dad. I learned from my grandma that you should never do water changes, when your aquarium water level evaporates a few inches, top it off with room temperature correct ph water and charge your filter cartridge, filter media every month and clean the filters and the aquarium does wonderful!!

 

[Rusty_Shackleford]

. I learned from my grandma that you should never do water changes, when your aquarium water level evaporates a few inches, top it off with room temperature

That's very outdated information. The benefits of regular partial water changes have been proven time amd time again. Grandma also thought smoking was harmless.

 

[JCinPA]

Undergravel filters are terrific, if you use them correctly. Right size/depth gravel, don't over stock your tank, and like you, I also use them in conjunction with a HOB filter. Most issues with them are user issues not UGF filter issues IMO. Trying to use with the wrong substrate, overstocking with messy fish, etc.

But Rusty is exactly right. You should still do partial water changes. With ANY filter. It keeps the nitrates down. Ammonia and nitrite are easily controlled with lots of different filters, and a UGF combined with an HOB is great. But you should do partial water changes. I love my UGF and HOB combo. But I do regular water changes, too.

 

[Rusty_Shackleford]

Undergravel filters are terrific, if you use them correctly. Right size/depth gravel, don't over stock your tank, and like you, I also use them in conjunction with a HOB filter. Most issues with them are user issues not UGF filter issues IMO. Trying to use with the wrong substrate, overstocking with messy fish, etc.

But Rusty is exactly right. You should still do partial water changes. With ANY filter. It keeps the nitrates down. Ammonia and nitrite are easily controlled with lots of different filters, and a UGF combined with an HOB is great. But you should do partial water changes. I love my UGF and HOB combo. But I do regular water changes, too.

Agreed. UGF are great, that's why they've never disappeared even with the advances in filtration and technology.
Coupled with an HOB or Canister for mechanical filtration, it's a combination that's hard to beat.
Here's the the thing though. In order to keep a UGF to functioning properly you need to get the mulm out of the gravel to maximize flow and keep the channels for water flow clear. The best way to do that is vacuum the gravel. While doing a water change. Funny how that works.

 

[jaysurf7]

I think UFG are fantastic I'm still using one on my 65 gal along with a canister filter it's like you got all basses covered, biological and mechanical filtration. I do syphon the gravel every couple of weeks or so to keep it running unclogged in spots, another thing about UGF i like is the powerheads creating a current in the tank so there's no stagnant water and also good for the fish UGF might not be as popular as years ago but i think they have lots of benefits for an aquarium.