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Q:  I'm about to buy a new tank, 2ft x 1ft. I'm going to get the
eheim 150 power filter for it...or Aquaclear 150..both much the same.
But I wondering if I should get an undergravel filter for it as well?
Does it serve an extra purpose or is there not really any need?
A:
I am not a big fan of UG filters and have not used them for years, Here's
why (remember this is opinion).The UG filter is a bacterial filter that
utilizes a huge surface area ( the gravel bed ) and the gravel as the
medium for the bacteria to grow on. This is great when everything is
new and clean and the tank is bare. The lift tubes create a current
that causes the water to flow through the the gravel, under the plates
and out again. This current brings the oxygen and food to the bacteria.
The good bacteria are aerobic and need oxygen to live. Now over time
the waste accumulates on the bottom of the plates and sections of the
gravel become blocked. In these areas the water has no oxygen and the
anaerobic bacteria start to grow. Anaerobic bacteria respirate deadly
gasses that form bubbles in the bed and under the decorations. Anytime
they are disturbed they release into the water and can harm the fish.
Over time the entire gravel bed will break down and no longer be effective.
Once this occurs you must completely break down the tank clean the gravel,
under the plates and start all over again. Not something I want to do!.
Now a 5 gallon is not so large as to be too much of a problem, but just
imagine a larger 4 foot 55 gallon, not a pleasant thought. The UGs do
work and do it well but in my opinion the "future" maintenance issue
far outweighs the benefits. Please visit the articles
area for a very in depth article on the use of the UG filter, this
author signs their praise.
Typical UG filter
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