Filter Question

scott351 · 04-30-2008, 04:22 PM

Hi all!
I have a 55 gallon freshwater aquarium. I currently have a Topfin 30 & 40 as filters. I have been thinking about putting in an undergravel filter. Is there any benefit in doing this? I've seen several websites that say do it and some say not to! Anyone have any suggestions?

orb4me · 05-01-2008, 05:22 PM

I didnt like it in my 55, but so far I like it in the 29. I think, as long as you realize that the water is being filtered by the substrate, and lots of crap can get down below the grate, then they are fine. JMO, Welcome to site incase I missed you.

Loman · 05-01-2008, 07:20 PM

I would opt for another solution personally although they have been used for years. UGFs have become much less popular recently because the other presumably better alternatives are at a decent price. UGFs tend to accumulate a lot of stuff under them which causes nitrates and also moves the water through the substrate too fast to effectively filter it. Personal opinion is there are many better options. I tend to like canisters for larger tanks and HOB filters for the smaller ones.

Massey · 05-02-2008, 12:12 AM

I have to agree with the others here and say no to the UGF. I used to use them back in the day and after a while I had a hard time keeping my amonia and Nitrites at good levels. Today I use 20G wet/dry for my 90G Fresh, a 10G Wet/Dry W/ skimmer for my 30G salt (when it was set up) and now I have a 15G salt that I am using a cannister for. I have also set up and used with alot of success HOB filters that use the Bio Wheel for the bacteria to grow on. In today's aquarium hobby I would say there are alot better than UGFs out there for a really good price.

BTW I built my wet/dry filters out of 10 and 20 gallon tanks and for alot less $$$ I got similar to same performance as commercial filters of the same type.

Massey

Jay · 05-02-2008, 06:01 AM

I'm with Loman and Massey.

The bio wheel, while it does what is says, is a little to gimmicky for me (just my $.02)

Jay

Judge · 05-02-2008, 06:44 AM

I agree with all. I bought my tank used and the guy befor eme used one and included it with the sale. I did not hesitiate to thank him graciously and then threw it away as soon as I got home, I have not heard much positive about the UGF mostly due to trapping a lot of stuff we spend countless effort to keep out of our tanks. Good luck and keep us informed.

scott351 · 05-03-2008, 10:36 AM

Thanks for the replies! I have done more research about this and with the responses ya'll provided I am NOT going to use a UGF. Thanks again!