If you have an andergravel filter do you also need a water filter. My water filter for my 17 gallon just broke today and later I am going to get a new one. Can I just get an undergravel or do I need the other filter as well? Thank you.
Under gravel vs. water filters.
Started by
Guest_donkeyman876_*
, Oct 17 2009 08:50 AM
4 replies to this topic
#2
Michael Wolfe
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- Board of Directors
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- North Georgia, Oconee River Drainage
Posted 17 October 2009 - 09:43 AM
If you have an andergravel filter do you also need a water filter. My water filter for my 17 gallon just broke today and later I am going to get a new one. Can I just get an undergravel or do I need the other filter as well? Thank you.
Not sure what you mean by "water filter" but if you mean a "hand on the back" HOB filter then I would recommend that you get a HOB and do not get an undergravel filter... I have no experience with undergravel as I usually use live plants and heard they are not a good mix... but in general everything I have read is that undergravel filters are not the best way to clean your tank, not the best biological filter, and not the easiest to maintain... so get a good HOB and a gravel siphon (like a python)... use the HOB as your biological and clean your gravel periodically.
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#3
Guest_gzeiger_*
Guest_gzeiger_*
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Posted 17 October 2009 - 01:00 PM
I second that. Undergravel filters are obsolete. A sponge, canister or hang on back filter is far superior because they accumulate solid waste in places that are much easier to clean and will never become as clogged as an undergravel. They're also easier to set up.
#4
Guest_schambers_*
Guest_schambers_*
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Posted 17 October 2009 - 03:10 PM
I use a HOB plus a sponge on smaller tanks, and canisters on larger ones. I've read that undergravel filters make good biological filters but lousy mechanical ones because the dirt stays in the gravel.
#5
Guest_nativeplanter_*
Guest_nativeplanter_*
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Posted 19 October 2009 - 11:27 AM
I use a HOB plus a sponge on smaller tanks, and canisters on larger ones. I've read that undergravel filters make good biological filters but lousy mechanical ones because the dirt stays in the gravel.
I second that. I used an undergravel filter for years. Made a very good biological filter, but not so good mechanically and would require vacumming every few months. Not so good with live plants because the plant roots clog up the water flow through the gravel.
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