Unhappy Undergravel Filter

Ok. I know they’re out of favor. Now I can see why. Even the “original” designs aren’t like the ones from the 70’s. I bought a premium. Thought the newer designs must be improved. I’ve been using this one for over a year. Replace the air stones monthly. Vacuum, water changes. Back in the day, I didn’t have to touch it for 6 months. Needless to say I’m disgusted with the lack of performance and quality.
Getting a sponge filter. Going to use the HOB that came with the 29. Will be moving the whole shebang soon. I miss good old quality made. Never thought I’d say this but, I don’t recommend undergravel filters anymore. Going planted.

 

I don't really like them from the start

 

I used them since the 70's. Put power heads on them several years ago, then started running another filter with them (HOB or Canister) I have switched to BDBS for substrate and stopped using them altogether. Technology marches on.

But to your point on quality. Many quality brands have been killed by the bean counters:

1. Craftsman tools.

2. Red Wing shoes.

3. Wels Lamont gloves.

4. Duck tape.

It goes on and the list is heartbreakingly long

 

I used them since the 70's. Put power heads on them several years ago, then started running another filter with them (HOB or Canister) I have switched to BDBS for substrate and stopped using them altogether. Technology marches on.

But to your point on quality. Many quality brands have been killed by the bean counters:

1. Craftsman tools.

2. Red Wing shoes.

3. Wels Lamont gloves.

4. Duck tape.

It goes on and the list is heartbreakingly long

I agree totally! Craftsman and Wels Lamont especially! And I’ve about given up on any tape. Whatever happened. Never mind. Progress. And don’t you just love trying to find something for your aquarium that was “in” back in the 70’s? Now everyone says “huh?” Had to get a used 40L! Oh no! Nobody stocks them anymore.
I thought about a power head. Decided to just do the right thing. Start the sponge filters soaking. Get my cabinet built and get ready for the move. I’m going to use the HOB since I’ve got it. Thinking about a canister. Always thinking.

 

I agree totally! Craftsman and Wels Lamont especially! And I’ve about given up on any tape. Whatever happened. Never mind. Progress. And don’t you just love trying to find something for your aquarium that was “in” back in the 70’s? Now everyone says “huh?” Had to get a used 40L! Oh no! Nobody stocks them anymore.
I thought about a power head. Decided to just do the right thing. Start the sponge filters soaking. Get my cabinet built and get ready for the move. I’m going to use the HOB since I’ve got it. Thinking about a canister. Always thinking.

As for tape the best I have ever used is the black Gorilla Tape. Can not get the glue to work worth a dang, but the tape is the best I ever used.

Go a head and start talking about a diatom filter and you get a blank look and a "huh"? The best canister I ever used and the biggest pain in the neck to go with it. They still make it as I under stand but the flow rate is too low for todays needs.

If you want some power heads PM me.

 

As for tape the best I have ever used is the black Gorilla Tape. Can not get the glue to work worth a dang, but the tape is the best I ever used.

Go a head and start talking about a diatom filter and you get a blank look and a "huh"? The best canister I ever used and the biggest pain in the neck to go with it. They still make it as I under stand but the flow rate is too low for todays needs.

If you want some power heads PM me.

I just purchased a diatom filter a few months ago but I have not yet had a chance to use it. It sounds like I will be disappointed as I worked at a fish/pet store in the 70’s after school and used the “good” stuff from back then.

Bummer!

 

As for tape the best I have ever used is the black Gorilla Tape. Can not get the glue to work worth a dang, but the tape is the best I ever used.

Go a head and start talking about a diatom filter and you get a blank look and a "huh"? The best canister I ever used and the biggest pain in the neck to go with it. They still make it as I under stand but the flow rate is too low for todays needs.

If you want some power heads PM me.

I’ve got the black gorilla tape too.

Either we had some extremely hardy fish or our environment was a WHOLE lot better especially the water. Never had the problems then that I’m finding now. And try finding anything you used to use that worked so well. Especially gravel. The aquariums are even sloppily made. I had to return my 29 three times before I found one completely sealed. Gettin old.

 

I just purchased a diatom filter a few months ago but I have not yet had a chance to use it. It sounds like I will be disappointed as I worked at a fish/pet store in the 70’s after school and used the “good” stuff from back then.

Bummer!

Yeah. The good stuff from the good old days. Stuff that actually worked. Well, you may find the same brand and type you were used to but the quality will be sadly lacking. In everything from Tshirts to cars. You said it perfectly. Bummer.
Go ahead and get you a cheap sponge filter to set in the aquarium so it can be ready when you need it. Bummer.

 

A lot of us were spoiled. Lol. Even what used to be the "quality" manufacturers for aquarium anything aren't what they used to be. They have been matched or overtaken in quality by the made in china stuff.

 

A lot of us were spoiled. Lol. Even what used to be the "quality" manufacturers for aquarium anything aren't what they used to be. They have been matched or overtaken in quality by the made in china stuff.

So very unfortunately true. Sad but true. Remember when a pair of jeans could last for years? Yep, those days are gone.

I’m just so disappointed in my Made In China undergravel filter. Just waiting for my sponge filter to soak up some goodness. The fish love it. New toy.

 

My undergravel filter is made of vastly superior material to my one that it replaced. Otherwise the design is the same. Its the one you build up like a jigsaw.

The old one was made of brittle plastic and broke but the new one is made of much stronger more flexible plastic and has lasted ten years without trouble.

They are sold under the Algarde and Boyu brands, the latter being cheaper but otherwise identical.

My undergravel filter is powered by powerheads and is perfect for my Clown Loaches. All types of filters work well in my experience but this is the one for my application.

 

My undergravel filter is made of vastly superior material to my one that it replaced. Otherwise the design is the same. Its the one you build up like a jigsaw.

The old one was made of brittle plastic and broke but the new one is made of much stronger more flexible plastic and has lasted ten years without trouble.

They are sold under the Algarde and Boyu brands, the latter being cheaper but otherwise identical.

My undergravel filter is powered by powerheads and is perfect for my Clown Loaches. All types of filters work well in my experience but this is the one for my application.

I’m sure powerheads would work but I might as well just get a power filter. I’m going to start with sponge cause they work. I’m going to use the HOB that came with the 29. I’ll get a canister for my 40L just because it’s in the middle of my living room. I’m glad somebody still uses an undergravel though. We had a clown loach. He ate or killed everybody else. Loachapoka was his name. He seemed quite happy to live alone. I had toys for him to play with and a weighted ball on a string so we could play. Like having a teeny tiny kitten! Bet you love yours too!