Undergravel Filter Good or Bad? - Fish Room Update Ep. 50
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- Опубликовано: 4 авг 2024
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I think undergravel filters are highly underrated. They work so well in planted aquariums, community aquariums etc. I also setup the matala mat dividers for the bettas.
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0:00 - Intro
0:30 - Packing aquarium fish
3:01 - Projects I have to work on
5:32 - Fish room update
10:34 - What I want to focus on
13:21 - Update on the divider project
17:35 - Undergravel aquarium filters
38:14 - Outro
#Aquariumfilter #Fishtank #Aquarium 
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Aquarium Co-Op Are you planning to make a video on setting up and maintaining a planted aquarium with the under gravel filter?
Do u Ship to Sweden?
Do you sale fish? I would like to order from you 😃
I thought on one of your videos that you said that you shipped to Europe and British Isles so I tried ordering some plants and I got as far as going to pay for the order and were it says country all I could get was United States ,and I couldn't get it to change. I tried to do business with you and ended up being disappointed but I still enjoy your videos.
Only down side I've ever had was breeding Rosy barbs. One day I was watching the tank for some time and spotted a fry in the updraft tube. Pulled the tube and stone out and slowly, one by one most came out... I say most because I did pull the fish and uproot the filter to find 3 more that couldn't find the way out. Since then, I've put one of the tubes in with no stone, so IF that should happen again, there's a strait shot out, and I covered the tubes with plants (horn wort and moss).
Undergravel filter talk starts at 17:36
THANK YOU!!!
@@neverstoplearning2 😀
Model Jet Juggernaut thanks
Thankyou
Thanks you sm
I had a unique experience with a under gravel filter when I was a teenager. I had a 20 gallon next to my bed and quite often fell asleep watching the fish swim around. Even though I had livebearers which were constantly having babies I still knew each and every fish. One day I looked over and saw a young swordtail swimming in the vertical tube of the UGF. I quickly flung open the tank lid and pried the top of the tube off to release him. I was confused how this fish got in the tube that only had very small holes. As I watched him swim around I realized that he wasn't any of the fish I knew! What I eventually concluded was that he must have worked his way thru the gravel and squeezed into the UGF while still a little fry and then had grown up down there! Think about that. No light, no fresh food and very little swimming room. Amazing!
He’s not gonna read all that
@@giovannielefante4655. Facts😂😂😂😂.
I have been using undergravel filters in all my tanks since 1960. They are the least expensive and most efficient filtration system available. Aquatic plants love them and so do most fish. The only exception would be large digging fish. I have known of one case where a six inch goldfish was in the habit of moving enough gravel to uncover the plates, causing the water flow to bypass the gravel and cause huge ammonia spikes. I don't recommend UG filters for diggers, but for anything else, it's the best way to go unless you have a spare hundred or so dollars to spend.
One thing I can say from experience. I have never had an undergravel filter take more than ten days to completely cycle even starting with fresh gravel out of the bag. If you have used gravel to mix in, it can take less than five.
I prefer to use powerheads to run my filters for two reasons. First, because the produce a stronger movement of water. Second, I have hard (325 ppm) water, and the spray from an airlift coats the sides and lids on my tanks with a crust of calcite.
Let's talk about mulm. Yes, mulm does build up under the plates of an undergravel filter. But is that a bad thing? For a fish only tank, my answer is; maybe - if you neglect your water changes. For a planted tank, the answer is a big, capitalized, NO. Let me explain:
What is mulm? Where does it come from and how does it get under the filter plates? Every tank contains some mulm. It will be there until someone breeds a fish or invertebrate that doesn't poop and makes a food that won't decompose if it the doesn't get eaten . Mulm is decomposing organic matter. It originates from three sources. One, poop from fish, shrimp, snails, and any other aquatic animal you have in your tank. Two, uneaten food. Three, leaves, stems, and other plant parts that break off and die. All of these things are heavier than water, so they naturally fall to the bottom of the tank. Even before they fall, microorganisms living in the tank start to work on them. If there are any gardeners out there, this will sound familiar, It is exactly what happens to the stuff you throw into your compost heap, and the end result is the same thing- humus. Yes, mulm is aquatic humus, and it has the same benefits for aquatic plants as terrestrial humus has for your garden and potted plants. As the stuff decomposes, it breaks down into finer and finer particles and drops through the spaces between grains of gravel until it reaches the solid bottom of the tank. If there is no undergravel filter, It would still find its way through the substrate, just not as quickly. As the mulm decomposes, it releases the minerals stored in the food or poop back into the water. If the substrate is filled with living plant roots, it is quickly absorbed and used by the plants. If there are no plants present, that is why every sensible aquarist does water changes and gravel vac. The mulm will decompose, and the minerals will be released, regardless of the filtration system used. Whether it happens in the sump, the canister, the sponge, the sand, the gravel, or the floss is up to you and what kind of filter you use. In an undergravel filter, it happens in the gravel or under the plates where it can be easily be absorbed by the plants.
Another, seldom mentioned, benefit of undergravel filters is their effect on the oxygen - carbon dioxide cycle. Everyone knows about photosynthesis and how plants turn CO2 into O2. Most know that under bright light in a heavily planted tank, this can result in over oxygenation and a deficiency of CO2. What is less well known is that this process stops at the top of the gravel. The roots of plants do not receive any light and do not perform photosynthesis. They must absorb oxygen and release
CO2 or die. By circulating water through the gravel, UG filters bring oxygen down to the plant roots, and move the carbon dioxide produced by the roots up to the top of the tank, where the leaves and stems can use it in photosynthesis. One result of this is that with an undergravel filter, you find that the substrate is filled with a luxuriant growth of clean white roots. This is particularly obvious with Amazon sword plants, which will send huge masses of roots down through the filter plate and into the mulm below.
I will always use undergravel filters, and if they stop making them, I will make my own out of cpvc pipe. Don't worry about the haters. Hate is the result of ignorance. I know that the UG filters work and so do you.
Thanks for the post. I enjoyed reading it and agree with a lot of it.
Emmit Stewart
Spot on!
I used an undergravel filter powered by airstones for years. Never had a problem with my 55g Amazon community tank.
i agree 100% i have been using undergravel filters love them it does every thing these idots are trying to recreate started 1972 and will use ugf until i die this high tech stuff is just another way to keep you buying more stuff
+David A no complaints from my ugfs so far.
I'm planning on using a ug in a 29g tank. I don't know if 1 powerhead is enough to pull water throughout the gravel bed. I feel that the far end of the tank wouldn't get any water movement through the bed.
I just left a local shop near me....EVERY tank in the joint... 300 total...(discus, arowana, everything you can imagine)... EVERY tank running under gravel filters ONLY. 50% water change every two weeks. Don't let anyone tell you they aren't effective!
People have used them for 30 years just fine
I’m resetting up a 20 long after it being in storage for years and I’m going with the old under gravel unit.
I made one with pvc pipes... it's still in use after 3ish years... had a store bought one in the 90s in a 55 gallon... loved it... when I got sober 59 months ago, I looked for, but couldn't find, that's why I built one... thanks again Cory and gang for your awesomeness...! Go enjoy nature today...!
What I find to be hilarious about this whole concept is that, for my whole life, my parents would always be discontented if any of us ever set up a tank WITHOUT undergravels!
I was heavy into the hobby in the 80's-90's. Worked in retail and wholesale and managed hundreds of aquariums. I used UG filters on all of my tanks (fresh & salt; breeder, cichlid, planted, etc.). I reentered the hobby a few years ago and was dismayed about the attitude toward UG. Glad to see this video. I think they keep tanks healthy by eliminating pockets of anaerobic bacteria and keeping substrate full of oxygen. My planted tanks were always amazing. I know it doesn't mimic nature, but taking fish out of oceans, rivers and lakes and placing them into little cubes of water is totally against nature. Que sera, sera!
I love undergravel filters ,way more surface area for bacteria to grow = a healthy tank .
Thanks for the input :)
+Aquarium Co-Op your audio and video never seem tl be in sync
***** Oh they work fantastic for Shrimp,In future tank builds if have them I will use them and sponges.
I really like the under gravel filters I’m using them in two of my planted tanks gives the ruffage some thing too hold on to is a huge bonus
A good healthy tank requires less maintanence.
I've had aquariums since 1963 so here's my 2 cents worth...
All through the late 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s all the tropical fish stores in my area only used under-gravel filters in their tanks because they take the least amount of maintenance as opposed to over-the-back and sponge filters. Use coarse gravel to allow room for debris to be sucked down through the rocks and under the plate and your aquarium floor will stay clean without having to do weekly vacuuming.
And if someone has only one large tank in their home there is no reason in the world you can't use both under-the-gravel AND and over-the-back filters at the same time. I did this with a 55 gallon tank and there was virtually no maintenance involved with my aquarium during that time. Awhile back I retired and got rid of all my aquariums to move cross country. I am now getting ready to set up one last aquarium, probably another 55. My plan is to use both an under-the-gravel and over-the-back combination again because I don't enjoy doing frequent maintenance and would rather keep anything resembling work to an absolute minimum at this point in my life.
I've used UGFs all throughout the 1980s with great success. Now that I'm getting back into the hobby, I plan on doing a nice aquascape, using both UGFs and possibly an over-the-back filter if I go with a 75+ tank ;)
@@konacopia The nice thing is that if you originally set up your aquarium with an under-gravel filter you can then add an over-the-back filter at anytime or not. Enjoy.
Amazing🙏 thank you very much for this knowledge
Was hesitant to setup the gravel filter in my new 55 but that’s my first thing on the list tomorrow, then some big rock gravel and a lot of plants🙌 just missin a lil air action decor Nd some bonsai wood w Java moss Nd some beautiful rock features
Also running a sponge filter and have a HOB filter, any thoughts?
Juan Ambriz I don’t see the need for both, pending on how much filtering you need with your tank’s bioload. Per Cory McElroy’s best filters video, he shows how you can “upgrade” your hanging filters by adding a tube sponge on your hanging filter’s intake, eliminating the need for a sponge filter. The downside of using a sponge filter is it big & bulky, taking up a lot of space in the tank...and if it’s a display tank, sponge filters are unsightly. So if you truly needed two types of filtering systems, I would just do a UGF & a hanging filter.
20 years ago ugf's were considered top of the line and to be honest my plants never looked so good thanks for reminding me
Yeah it's funny how the public's opinion can change. I can understand that we may have better tech now. But they are viewed as they couldn't possibly work.
I think the "problem" with undergravel filters is the perception from the consumer. Similar to sponge filters. When someone sees filters in the store the giant canisters with a huge price tag catch your eye first. Then you see some more affordable HOB filters. Then you see a sponge filter or UG filter which only cost a few bucks and our consumer driven attitude makes us think that the cheap option cant be nearly as good as the more expensive options. I dont see why the size of the tank would matter so long as you use an appropriate sized UG filter. The other problem I can foresee is the long term use. If you run a UG for months/years you'll probably get to a point where you need to remove it and clean underneath it.....and its just such a huge chore to have to break down the entire tank just to clean the filter. I remember way back in the day when I used UG filters how incredibly disgusting it got underneath the UG once I broke it down (which as you note may or may not be detrimental and your idea of drilling the bottom of the tank would definitely solve the issue.....but arent the bottom panels of most tanks tempered?). I'm sure a UG cant/wont trap more waste than any other filter. Its just that any other filter is a bit easier to break down and clean.
Rich's Fishes My local fish shop has one in all salt and fresh water tanks and they have been up and running for over 30 years.. I have had one up now since I moved into my current home and that will be 17 years this June. My discus tank has been running about 5 years next month. So with proper maintenance there is no need to break them down.
Thanks for the info, I love to hear long term success stories.
Julian Morgan Depends on the tank and the bio load. But at least once a week vac the gravel. At least once a month remove decorations and clean those spots. And about every year to 18 month remove lift tub and suck detritus from under the plate. I like to alternate from side to side in larger tanks that have more than one plate. So as not to remove to much at one time. Does that make sence ????
I completely agree that it's how the consumer perceives it, that is the problem.
Yeah, I've been thinking/saying this for a few years now. I'm not convinced that mulm is a bad thing. I'm not convinced it is beneficial either, but definitely needs more investigation for me to make up my mind.
Great presentation! I have been using undergravel filters all my life and they have worked great for me. I go all the way back to the box filter in the corner with fibler glass angel hair material from my childhood. When the hang on the back bio wheels came out I used them and was never really happy with them. I became tired of buying filters. My first job as a kid was in a pet shop and all they used was undergravel filters. You really can't be an expert on something unless you have used the product or the process for a reasonable amount of time. I used them then because they were the standard. I use them now because they work great and they are green; leaving a smaller carbon footprint over time. Buying filters for hang on the back units is not exactly green and uses more resources over time. The conversations back then were all about how to breed better and more interesting fish. Now the conversation has turned to filter bashing? Let's get back to just loving the hobby and supporting others in it and having fun; there used to be many fish hobby clubs where people socialized and shared the joy of fish keeping. I am a fan of your work and thanks for your contribution to the hobby.
I work for a large aquarium retailer, I sell these undergravel goldmines to customers who buy starter kits that come with cartridge style internal/hang on filters.
As they throw away half of their cycle each month with the cartridge, I find the undergravel keeps a plentiful supply of nitrifying bacteria to keep the tank running :)
You praise the UGF!!! THIS is why I love you!!!!
I've always preferred under-gravel filters, I think they do a brilliant job. They should be utilised more often imo :-)
At last. I can come out of the closet and admit I like undergravel filters! I used to run them on all my tanks in the 70s an early 80s -- they ran great. I had a planted 29g tank with an undergravel, and the plants developed the strongest root structure in that tank I've ever seen. I also souped it up by fitting a powerhead to the lift tube. Worked perfectly. It would be interesting to go through the magazine article from then in journals like TFH and FAMA to see what the growing arguments against them were. In fact, I seem to recall that back then the prejudice was against sponge filters...
+Anthony Ragan time to bring back the retro aquarium :p
Metal frames and slate bottoms #FTW!
I really like the idea of using one with bottom feeders/plants. It brings the food straight to them.
I never knew that undergravel filters were so unliked, I haven't used one since I was a kid in the 80's, I had undergravel filter and Dynaflo hob in my community tank, the combo kept my tank clear and fish healthy, even with all the mistakes a young person makes.
I've used a reverse-flow under gravel filter as part of the return from my canister for decades. The plants love it and it greatly increases the opportunity for biological filtration. High-tech and low-tech filtration can work hand in hand to create a healthy, beautiful, and durable aquarium.
That’s really interesting! So if I understand correctly, the water coming back out of your canister is delivered via an under gravel filter?
Is that as simple as running the return tube to the under gravel plate?
Does it displace finer gravel? I’m imagining an air stone buried in sand XD
Thanks for sharing!
@@moledude I do the same thing but take it one step farther. I pull water from the Left side under gravel to go to the canister and return water to the right side under gravel. This helps me reduce the current in the tank for my gold fish and adds filtration for the big pigs!
I am currently running an UGF on my 180 gal community tank with just two powerheads attached. I switched because I was losing to many fry through the overflow and they would end up in my sump dead or alive. The tank has been running for 8 yrs with the UGF with absolutely no problems. The easiest filter to maintain in my opinion. Just vacuum the gravel which pulls all the waste out that is trapped under the plate. The biggest downside to this filter are people. I get so tired of fish people always trying to roast me for using an UGF. I used them in the 80's & 90's and still love them.
Thanks for the info Jerry, I find this really helpful. Can you do me a favor? Did you notice any difference between running air and the power heads? Or did you jump straight to the power heads on the system? I'm wondering if people actually see a difference or we just assume. Kind of like when you get a new car, because it's new it feels faster :P I may have to do some tests using dye to put my mind at rest lol.
Sorry, I got busy...I definitely noticed a big different with using power heads over running air. When I was a kid in the 80's, UGF was probably the cheapest way to filter your tank, especially larger ones. I used them in my south American cichlid many times. The fish really have to thrash the substrate to cause any problems. In my experience, the usual redecorating, even with exposing parts of the filter didn't have a huge impact. Just smooth the gravel back over and problem solved. The thing I like most about an UGF with power heads is the security of having your whole filtration system inside of the tank. There are no hoses to do down and siphon water onto your floor and the system is super quiet. In comparison to canister, sumps and HOB filters the UGF is the easiest to maintain.
I have to agree with you, I have a 75 gal community tank, with UGF on it with 2 power heads and a Fluval 305 filter on it also, and I recently brought my pleco into my local pet store, he was getting to big, when they tested my water, was told water was in great shape, well established tank, UGF's work and work well.
Simple science is science.
Underground filter is good because the science is there that's it that's all.
Thumbs up!
Aquarium Co-Op I haven’t used power heads but I really crank up the air to the ugf lift tubes. I have experimented with lower air but I get better results with high air. I can actually see the air come up slowly from underneath the gravel. The water definitely has a current under the filter. I am very curious to see what you find out. I realise this is an older post and you have probably already done your evaluation by now. Jerry Johnson wrote about his experience with ugfs and I enjoyed his thoughts on the matter. My experience may differ some because I have a smaller tank.
A fantastic speech, sir. Kudos to you for even deciding to speak about it.
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
I was shocked to come across this post. I have had two tanks in my life and I about to set up my third. I know so much more this time but I have wondered why I wasn’t seeing more under gravel filters. I didn’t know how to take care of tanks before and I didn’t. The closest I came to a water change was when I did gravel vac (maybe once or month or two months) and I had to add water. I am already planning on my next tank being an UGF. I really hope to get to your store someday! It would actually be an honor to meet you in fact. I have a lot of respect for you!
The comment about "mulm" I found interesting since in my opinion when waste has been transformed to mulm most of the biodegradable nitrogen has already been converted to nitrate. From experience I have had some build up of mulm in several of my tanks with no adverse affects, assuming regular water changes were performed. The mulm in my opinion is basically a slow release fertilizer for the bacteria and can be beneficial in manageable amounts.
I agree, most people I talk too think that the mulm is the source of nitrates. With no scientific testing to back it up, I find that mulm has no relevance to nitrates. so if I have 3 inches of mulm and no fish in a tank, and i test it a month later, I have no nitrates in the water, because I wasn't feeding the tank etc.
👍🏼
Love the way your mind works! Your videos are full of so much practical knowledge. Thirty years ago when I was last involved with aquariums underground filters were widely used and people liked them. I’m betting people fell for the “get the latest and the best” hype. Thanyou for sharing in your videos.
I use an undergravel filter with 2 powerheads. The airstones just don't move enough water. Using powerheads on the undergravel filter completely makes a huge difference. I use an undergravel filter with 2 powerheads and 2 hob 90 gallon penguins on a 55 gallon tank. I like to over filter and keep my water crystal clear. Personally I love an undergravel filter.
You deserve all the success in the world the time and effort you put in. Thanks for your dedication from London...
Thanks for watching Art :)
Aquarium Co-Op can you do a video on sponge filters. I am curious as to where all the bio load goes? If I were to use sponge filters and I put chemicals in water to cure disease in tank then where do them chemicals go since there's no carbon. I just haven't had luck with sponge filters so can you please explain them so I understand more in detail.
prayformojo thanks
Cory this falls into the category, "the internet says so, it must be true". Well I have been keeping fish for 40 years and I still have and use some UGF with power heads. I will say there are times when a sponge filter or other means of filtration are better or as good but it all depends on the hobbyist, their skill set and the fish and what they want to accomplish. Also, as for large digging fish, I have had the filter plate save the bottom of a tank when a large rock has fallen because of the fish digging. Check out some of my current videos, I have a 125 gallon tank with discus and I am using UGF along with a emperor 400 and aqua top 500. Find what works for the individual and the fish they keep and as always be open to and listen to new ideas....Great Job.
Cory, good to see objective discussion on underrated undergravel filters ( UGF). I note with satisfaction that other supporters are also voicing opinions. Having used a UGF in an in wall tank for thirty+ years. I can say I've never had a problem that wasn't my fault due to poor maintenance.
It's been 2 years, do you have a follow up vid? How did it turn out?
It's been 5 years. Have a follow up video yet?
I use underground filters in all my tanks along with an AAP pro 5 sponge filter in each. All are Crystal clear. Plants are well fed by excess waste pulled undergravel. . The undergravel filter cost about 8 bucks. I use the sponge filter mainly for a bacterial backup. A friend of mine uses an undergravel filter and has cichlids. He has an inch or so of gravel before he puts a screen then adds another inch or two of gravel on top so the cichlids cannot dig down to the base, works pretty good.
I have a 75 gallon tank with 21 leleupi and 6 tropheus. I run an undergravel system. I have 2 powerheads pushing about 250 gallons per hour and two never clog bubblers in the middle. I also run two hang on the back marineland 75 gallon filters. I haven't had a problem and always get tons of compliments about how clean my tank looks.
I watched your video about how to get the most out of the hang on backs and used that info. I added intake sponges, sponges inside the filter, and bio bags to maximize everything. I think that having a combination of filtration is the best thing to do. Thanks for the videos Co-Op.
Great information on undergravel filters . always used undergravel filters for many years . had no problems ..love your honesty on all aspects on fish kipping, great program.
Wisdom, logic, and experience 👍
On point man! Back in the 90's, under gravel filters are the "it" filtration. I think the negative stigma is just a marketing stunt created to be able to sell new filtration products. I used under gravel filtration when I had goldfish. They thrived for almost 5 years until I went to college. The key to a successful under gravel filtered tank is coarse substrate or smaller pebbles and c'mon people don't be lazy, CLEAN YOUR TANKS!
Oh by the way, never use sand especially the very fine ones for under gravel filtered tanks. Recipe for disaster.
really lol though , smart comment
yeah there good in the opposite way. As in reverse flow pattern.
NiX aKi In the late 80s and 90s UG filters were all you used. I'm almost 30 and I remember lugging buckets of fish and water and gravel and cleaning those filter plates the putting it back for my mom's fish tanks. Now, that I have moved out and grown up I'm still marking off 3days a year to go to my parents house to help mom clean the same UG filters I grew up with...it makes me laugh.
Hehe what fish are in that tankband how big isbit short n anxious
great video tonight I loved the rant I've been using undergravel filters for about 50 years and hang on the back filter for about 50 years I think both are about equal but I do love the undergravel filters again good job on this video tonight.
Thanks.
Great rant!! We used them ALL THE TIME back in the day...never had a problem with any and I had some running for 5+ years. Don't even know why I quit using them, you have inspired me to bring them back!!
Everything I know about this hobby I learned from Aquarium Co-Op. Your videos are so helpful. Your a smart man. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. ☺
If you remove the riser tube from the under-gravel filter while you are cleaning your aquarium, you can put the gravel-vac over the hole and pull out most of the mulm under the filter, then replace the riser-tube and air-stone. Underneath the filter is now clean and you're ready to go for a couple more years; except for the usual gravel-vac and water changes.
I used an under-gravel filter for years with a large pleco and it worked very well keeping the water clean and ammonia-free! Also, I never worried about the filter starting up after a short power outage while I was away as I did with the HOB filters. If I were to set up a tank again, I would use the under-gravel filter for sure.
I have used undergravel filters in almost every tank I've had in 25 years with only natural gravels. I swear by them, no matter what's trendy. I've had a handful of bare tanks but only for breeding. I've never had debris build up under the UG filters, just sand that stuck to the gravel and bacteria on the sand and it's just a thin layer even after years of use. I mix it up, I currently run power filters off the UG riser tubes so they're powered. I LOVE Undergravel filters. That's my 2 cents
Busy holiday season. ... Glad you are taking it slower... and that shipping idea was one that you saw in kyoto Japan last year...I remember you saying how much you liked there systems... The pre bagged plants you should try to... but slow and steady wins the race. lol. Good luck Cory. Happy you are back to trying things and working on your hobby breeding.
I'm happy you are getting back to your old self.
I've been stalking your channel for months. Just wanted to leave a comment and let you know I appreciate your information and hard work.
Thhanks
Undergravel filters have been around for years my dad and i have used them in the past 20 years they are good old fashioned filtration that works.
Completely agree with you on under gravel filters. I feel there are too many positives for there to be so much hate towards this type of filter. It wouldn't be my top choice but they are definitely a consideration for me when I'm starting a new tank especially for a planted tank. Looking forward to seeing how the under gravel filters work out in your tanks!
Yeah, I've always gone with other filtration, but recently I've been wanting to experiment.
Enjoyed your insight and wanted to share my experience with undergravel filters. I have used them over 20 years and recently "Hot Rodded" mine with a Canister filter. By doing this, I actually have a greater flow AND it pulls some of the detritus and biomass out from underneath. I also run 2 Sponge Filters (strictly because of watching your videos and seeing the easy of use) which helps clear the water perfectly. It is a planted 60 gallon with Cichlids so a lot of waste. Normal gravel vacs once a month helps reduce the abundance with 1/3 water change. Tank has been setup for 8 years and I have minimal issues.
Thanks for the video and insights and keep up the great work!
Fantastic video my friend! I'm with you on UGF's, love those filters and feel they're one of the top 3 filters available to date hands down!
My community planted tank runs UG in reverse trickle flow, and has done since the 1980's. Works just fine I think. Mulm in my substrate is part of my nutrient system for my plants.
+colinbarsby nice. Thanks for the insight.
My first ever tank I ran as a kid I combined the UGF with a hang on back on my 29 gal. I connected the intake of the HOB to the down spout of the UGF and it worked awesome for 7 years. Never lost any fry and it really kept my aquarium clean compared to what I use now. I'm working on my first planted tank and forgot about that and will be using a UGF again
So basically your HOB sucks the water trough the gravel and then goes trough the filtration steps inside the HOB?
Martin Proietti Yes. Seems redundant but it's mainly used as a powerhead.
@@307outdoors8 I use both but never thought about connecting them together. Definitely going to try that. Thanks
same here, ran it for ten years
Or a powerhead
I recently put an undergravel filter in my ten gal. community tank which I also run the Whisper filter in. I also used your advice and added sponge to my Wisper filter. My tank is crystal clear and my fish are happy! I
Wow, glad I stumbled on this video. I got a new tank to set up and was deciding on which filter system to use. Been so long and I'd almost forgotten about it. UGF will be it. Thanks. :)
Undergravel filters are the best. My reasoning is I'm 51 years old and I've had aquarium since I was a little kid so 40 plus years experience.
Would love to see the under gravel filter in a planted tank.
I have had undergravel filters in all my tanks starting with a 10 gallon in 1986. Biggest tank was a 200 gallon tank. I also have run canister filters and hang on filters. All work well individualy or in tamdon. Biggest problems are too many fish, feeding too often, not changing water etc. Keep up the good work.
another great video. you are quickly becoming my go to youtuber for aquarium content and i cant wait to see what you find after setting up your ugf. makes me want to go buy a 10 gallon and an ugf to run some tests myself. thanks for the awesome content
Testing for me is really fun so I tend to do it a lot.
one of my LFS runs over 100 tanks on undergravel filters over the past 30 years. Works great
Yeah, that is where I see UGF the most, the problem is I always dismissed them as most LFS are run pretty poorly, so I associated that with the usefulness of the UGF, which is a leap of logic and a bad one because there is no correlation. So that is my bad and after doing my own testing I find that they do have uses for sure.
Aquarium Co-Op yeah absolutely. a tried and true filter. I think I prefer stores like yours though run primarily on sponge filters
Either way, both methods of filtration is infinitely better for consumers than shopping at a LFS that filter all of their tanks into a single filter.
Late to the show, but I like UGF. I'm an old guy, back in the day you had two filter choices: the UGF and a box filter in the corner. If you know how to use them they work great. A few tricks I learned: 1. to clean the gunk that collects under the plates after a long time, stick your siphon tube down the lifter tube and suck it out that way. 2. If you have diggers, put some "egg crate" down on the plates before adding the gravel. This keeps the fish from digging all the way down to the filter plates.
BTW, just found your channel and I'm enjoying your videos.
Welcome to the channel :)
Cory, you are a great asset to the hobby! Many thanks for your work and information.
Thanks for the kind words Claudiu :)
Good video I like the longer ones. Under gravel filters are good used them when I was a kid.
I use an undergravel filter for my turtle tank, I think they help tremendously with flow and keeping oxygen/water movement in the substrate. I also run two canisters, one with an inline UVB light also...so I can't honestly say if the undergravel wasn't working if the two canisters would be enough, but so far so good! Very old school, but still very effective :)
Btw...the intakes on the canisters are in the undergravel tubes, so the water is vigorously pulled through the gravel...works great for me, and totally agree and liked your rant! :)
+Jeff K I wonder if it would work as well at collecting fines out of the water column in reverse.
I have had an under gravel filter in one of my tanks for 6+ years and have never had a problem. Never pulled it up and apart and still works just as well as the day I got it. Had no idea they had such a bad rep.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. It cements the fact that I think I will love them.
They are wonderful. Of course, I’m 50, They were the go to in the 90’s. Plants are so easy with an under gravel filter.
I’m 56 and had several tanks back in grade school including UG filters. This morning pulled the stuff from storage and I don’t see any reason not to use the UG.
It's always good to hear your opinion about the hobby. It takes confidence to say these sort of things sometimes and it is better when you take the time to talk it through as you have, rather than acting as if these things are laws to be obeyed. Thanks as always Cory.
+aaron kimberley it's how I learn, I have to experiment to put my mind at rest.
As always, great video Corey! Thanks for the education!
I think your on to something with the sponge dividers. Better patent that when you get it on lock down brother.
I agree with everything you said except for the depth of the gravel bed. Based on my experience, a deeper gravel bed ( 3 to 4 inches) of coarse gravel works better than a shallower bed of finer gravel. Also, natural gravel with a rough surface texture seems to work better than that colored gravel with a smoother surface.
Thanks for the input R King.
I've been taking care of aquariums for 40 years I've always been to under gravel filters they are low cost and very easy to take care of and as you pointed out my plants flourish with these filters
Nice update. I especially liked the part that addressed ugf's.
Ive been using them since I was a kid. I think they are a fantastic filter! They handle bio and mech filtration, as well as aerating the water with the bubblers.
I did not really understand why people dont use them more often. I watch videos about filtration, and this one just doesnt get mentioned.
My son has a 20gal with a ugf, and I am running a 110 with a large undergravel, along with an external filter, only because I stock heavy, and right now there are a bunch of big fat goldfish in there crapping it up. ;) On a normally stocked tank, however, I think a ugf would be sufficient.
Thanks for posting this!
I started with undergravel filters... they work. But... they can work better.... the secret.... Reverse Flow. Have the powerhead direct the water down the "uplift" tubes and force the water up through the gravel - no collection of mulm etc. If you add a prefilter on the powerhead, the water will be mechanically filtered BEFORE it goes through the substrate. And if you want the ultimate undergravel filter.... power them by having the outlet of a canister filter be aimed down the "uplift" tubes. Fill the canister with mechanical media only (all the various sponge filter porosities).... superclean water and a bio filter the size of your aquarium footprint... and with normal fish digging (not a big cichlid), the digging will ensure your biofilm are younger bacteria... which are more efficient at converting NH3 & NO2 than older bacteria. . Nice job Cory on becoming a mythbuster! More ranting mythbusting!!!!!
That's pretty crazy because I have this dinky novelty 3.5 gallon tank and the undergravel filter is shaped like a 3 pronged star. It does reverse on its own. I started on little tanks as a kid, you know the kind that you get at gift store that are hexagonal and 2 gallons. They had full surface undergravel filters yet never witnessed it do that. I've also had large tanks 20 to 80 gallons but never used undergravel. I was a big boy 30 years ago and wanted that shiny new Penguin power filter. I would have loved to back then have an undergravel with power filter on one end and a powerhead on the other. That was my wet dream as a kid.... hahhahhah
Can I get a little help here guys. My tank is a 80 gallon tank full of Cichilds. I originally ran an UGF with powerhead, plus the hang on side filter. This Christmas I bought a canister filter that can handle a 200 gallon tank. I installed the canister filter and it's been running for about a month and a half. I'm about to remove the hang on side filter and UGF. Any thoughts? Should I turn UGF to reverse UGF or just pull the entire thing out.
This may be genius!!! not sure tho....still trying to figure it all out... lol
Huge footprint sized pre-filter for your canister? Is that what your getting at?
@@russaification What if you had two layers of filter grates with some gravel in between the two, most gravel on top. Then if the fish dig through the top layer and expose the top grate, you have a "reserve" of gravel that cannot be dug up.
Seven years ago I ran my first tank with an undergravel filter. After about a year I removed it. The reason? The internet told me that plants did not appreciate that much circulation through their roots. I still don't know if that's true.
One certain downside to an undergravel filter is that it takes much longer to gravel vac a tank than to give a sponge filter a few squeezes. Since you have substrate in that tetra tank, for example, you currently have to do both. But be honest; do you gravel vac that tank as often as you clean the sponge? Ditching the sponge would require regular gravel vacing for sanitary reasons instead of aesthetic.
But now that I think about it, one can't assume that the gravel would need to be cleaned as frequently as a sponge filter. The vastly increased volume of filter media offered by undergravel filters would allow more time between maintenance. How much time would not be easily determined since it's not as obvious when an undergravel filter needs to be vacuumed compared to a sponge filter.
I really didn't set out to write a qualifying summa on the subject, but it goes to show how nuanced and controversial this piece of equipment really is!
+ExtraSteps here is my theory. Let's say over 6 months 1 pound of food goes into a tank. No matter what collects it. 1 lb of food needs to leave the system eventually. So either by sponge filter or by undergrad vac. I typically do apologize he's and gravel vaccing the same day. I would surmise that the time is very similar and perhaps I get clearer water with the undergrad. Time will tell my thoughts if I maintain lots of underframe filters.
I am another who has used under-gravel filtration for 50 years starting when it was generally thought it was the best for the one-tank family and closest to how nature works.
Recommendations: Place more gravel, 3 inches deep for a big tank. Other filters the gravel is just for looks, with under-gravel it is the eco system. This also makes sure that the normal disturbance by fish will not expose the filter plate. Water is always crystal clear.
Do not overdue the gravel vacuuming, it is not needed. I just siphon some debris now and then.
I have left the system alone 10 years without problems, except algae on the glass. So clean the algae about once a month.
I have not planted very much, but it was aid that the under-gravel is very rich for plants. I would like to know how other people have faired with aquascaping and under-gravel.
Watching your videos inspired me to try to start a fish tank for myself. I'm starting with a tiny 2.6 gallon tank to house just a betta fish, and once the tank is cycled and ready to accept a fish, I would love to buy it from you, (even though the local petstore is much cheaper)
Keep up with the great videos. It's awesome to hear things from someone who knows lots about what he works with.
Thank you for doing this video. I love my under gravel filter! I use a under gravel filter plus over the back filter. One thing I have found out is when I see alge growing in my upright tubs, I'll take the tubs out and clean them, then with my gravel vac, I'll put the vacuum on the under gravel and vac the under gravel filter. I have always used under gravel filters and I will continue using them! I have glow light tetras, red eye tetras and a Chinese alge eater.
30 years ago I had African Ciclids with undergravel filters and 50 lbs of crushed oyster shell. They lived for years in that tank.
+Ken Paschall. Aw man, I thought the statue of limitationS was out on that info!! My BAD!! 😃
Hey I have no room to speak at this point since I can' t text worth a hoot!!! Statute vs Statue of limitationS! LOL🐠🐟🐶🐴💩🙌
Ken Paschall Oh I get it. Just being polite! 👼🏼
***** sorry...
I run UG to HOBs on a couple tanks. Works very well!
genius
I've seen that done, but never done it so far.
ronerx I thought about that one day while driving lol. Still new to the hobby so please forgive my ignorance. In my mind it was a way to add that much more biological filtration , and/or more of a turn over of the water. Does this sound correct?
tanaquil1983 it's a good way to combine two great filtering methods, and no bubbles! Low maintenance and crystal clear water also. You get massive surface area for BB
(I was young) ...but i kept 5 3-4" koi in a 10gal for a yr. with a UG filter and weekly 50% wc.
The BB area is massively under rated
great video! I'm an huge fan of undergravel filters. They are tried and true. I recently had one aquarium in which I could not get the water as clean as I would like; it was cloudy with lots of small floating debris. I finally purchased and put in an undergravel filter in it left it run overnight when I woke up the next morning bam! that water was crystal clear! I also have an undergravel filter in my 55 gallon.
I've always used an under gravel filter. I bought my 20 gallon tank over 20 years ago, and it's worked fine. it came with the aquarium. I also use a hang on back that was tricked out with sponges like your other video showed. No problem at all.
Hey it has been 2 years now. What is the final verdict?
I have a feeling that they get a bad rep because some of the cheap small tank kits come with them. I had one of those kits. It didn't last long, as it was like 2 gallons, overstocked, and only had like 1/2" of gravel. The filter wasn't the issue; literally all of the invisible things were. But cuz I only saw the filter, my 10yo brain blamed the filter.
Thanks for that! Started almost 40 years ago with undergravel and sponge filters,had a planted tank with a UG that ran 15 years,till the tank seals wore out ,then had to tear it down.
Excellent vid. Look forward to seeing the ug filter test results, some interesting comments below. Slow and steady wins. Happy December
I used undergravel filters back in the early/mid 90s... never had a problem. Regular vacuuming was all that was needed, just like it still is. Think companies just want people to spend more money on filters and canisters lol.
Yeah I"m thinking I need to just keep testing and use em cause so far I love the results.
About to dirt some 10 gallon planted tanks, considered getting some to use instead of the sponge filters.. lol
UG filters are perfectly fine. I think where people get hung up is overloading with biomass. On that same note if they over clean their gravel they can do more harm than good which is where a dual filter system is nice so you always have a stable bacteria colony. My 2 cents.
Michael Pennett That is exactly how my mom successfully ran her tanks for over 30yrs...UGF with no water changes & no gravel vac. It took her a while to accept that chloramines and alternative filtration has fundamentally changed our understanding of this hobby...for the best and the worst.
My dad has a fish shop since 1982, 36 20 gallons tanks, all with 10 gallons UG filters, in some cases extra internal filters to manage overpopulation... Water changes only when medicate, and refill with aged water after level drops from fish sales... And he keeps it with very low mortality and water crystal clear... PS great content Sr! Keep it up!
Used undergravel filters for 50 years. Great water quality and healthy fish. I have moved to power heads on my120 gal tank and it works great. My plants grow really well. No fertilizer, regular gravel vac and water changes quarterly. Easy easy.
also thought i might add this bibliography on this subject from wet media pets:
Channel, Robert, 1987. Floggin' that old horse
again. FAMA 10/87.
Dewey, Don. 1979. How-to: Here's how to build
your own highly efficient undergravel filter for those large tanks, or
the odd sized aquariums for which no standard size filter is available.
FAMA 6/79.
Dow, Steven. 1991. Educate your staff on
undergravel filters. The Pet Dealer 12/91.
Edmonds, Les. 1989. Understanding the undergravel
filter. TFH 1/89.
Goemans, Bob. Undergravel filters. TFH
4/01.
Helwig, Dan. 1983. How-to: Construct undergravel
filters. FAMA 2/83.
Hovlid, Norman G. 1959. The case for the
under-gravel filter. TFH 7/59.
King, John M & William E. Kelley. 1973.
Efficiency of subgravel filters. Marine Aquarist 4:3, 73.
Nichol, Red & Jim Cooper. 1978. The
undergravel filter: the debate goes on. FAMA 4/78.
Ostrow, Marshall E. 1981. A filtration system with
a difference. TFH 9/81.
Parker, Nancy J. 1974. Eggcrate Filter. Marine
Aquarist 5:2, 74.
Schiff, Steven J. 1990. Undergravel filters:
maintenance and alternatives. Tips and techniques for obtaining
efficient, effective biological filtration for aquariums. AFM 5/90.
Schiff, Steven J. 1993. Undergravel filters, pt.s
1 & 2. FAMA 10 & 11/93.
Volkart, Bill 1991. Understanding undergravel
filters. TFH 6/91.
Watson, Thomas T. 1983. Understanding undergravel
filtration. TFH 6/83
I think Wincy and Sassy need to spend some time in the shop; so I can watch all the baby Panda Guppies.
She's getting so old....she only likes tummy rubs, naps and treats.
I had an aquarium store for a many years and used undergravel filters. Most tanks were set up for many years with these filters and were near totally broken down just regular maintenance and did great. I closed my store and actually have been in the pond business for a number of years now. I stored many of the tanks and still have the undergravel filters. I have been wanting to open a retail pond/aquarium business and have found a big change away from undergravel filters. However after watching this video and a few others if I do open a store I think I want to use undergravel filters again. I am also a bit scared of opening up a retail store because of competition from the internet. However I think next year I will give it a shot. Thanks a million. Mike
ive been running undergravel filters for over 20 years didn't even know they were not liked but they work great in the tanks there in. Thank you for your channel
+kbooker67 thanks for sharing your experience
You need more trout goodieds to keep up with that algae. Group Order =D
hey Cory. you should do a Q&A live stream on live bearers.
I'll consider it :) A few people have been asking for that.
Aquarium Co-Op that'd be great. 😅 every aquarium enthusiast has had at least one type. and every one has guppy's lol.
You are spot on about not servicing tanks enough. When UGF first came out there was a bit of a myth (I was there) that suggested you didn't need the same gravel maintenance as you would otherwise. Of course if you just think about what is happening with a UGF you should figure out that you still have to vacuum gravel.
In 2023, this is the best rant ever! I love Cory more and more with each video...btw, I'm bingeing the Daily Dose for the second time. I'm loving the hobby years later and AC is part of that passion!
I don't have anything bad to say about under gravel but 1 point I would like to make is the price. with a lot of the equipment needed in this hobby it can be hard to get into it financially. under gravel are near enought the cheapest out there allowing more people to start in the hobby.......that is an awsome thing.
that said for price and reliability I would go with the sponge filters u allready use a lot
Richard Ball
All I ever used in the 90's and early 2000's was an undergravel filter. I had breeding Angels and many other freshwater fish, with no problems ever!
I agree, I always use them, and always have great success . Especially with strong air pumps, plus when I gravel vac, I place the vacuum tube over the uplift tube and get any collection of waste that may collect under the filter. Reverse power heads w/sponge attached , connected to the uplift tube works well too. All good!
Love all your contents can't get enough of it.. Keep up with evrything and there is heaps more ppl out there that loves to watch ur content.
Will do :)
My large tank when I was a kid, I used and undergravel, BUT I used the stacks for periodic diatom filter use. Seriously best of both worlds. Great cleaning, flushed out undergravel AND defused the flow for the fish.
How refreshing to have a guy on the internet that uses logic and testing instead of following the crowd in this hobby. Good job Cory!
p.s. I've used UG filters since the 80's. I have one now along with my canister.
great info as always tks you covered the topic i was asking
I ran an undergravel filter for 5 years in my 150 gal corner tank. I pieced several together and covered with 3-4 inches gravel. There were a few areas where there was only gravel. I ran a mix of air stones and powerheads on the filter. I also ran a Fluval canister filter with peat, bio stones and a sponge. I had great water. My fish were very happy. When I sold my tank and broke it down, there was lots of muck under the gravel but not under the undergravel plate. Plants would not live in my tank due to low lighting. I've start back fish keeping and I'm running an undergravel filter with a sponge filter too. So far all is well.
1989 Toyota Corolla! LOL! Loved your talk on under gravel filters. I'm trying one out right now in a 29g which will house a mated pair of Angels.
Trust this guy he’s so knowledgeable I’ve kept fish around 30 years and I’ve gone back to Ugf
This is perfect timing!! I am about to tear down a few Aquariums, clean them and start over fresh and new. One of them has an undergravel filter and I'm not sure if it's doing it's job. Gonna give this a watch 👍