Is it a good idea to have a gravel filter?

Purpose of an Undergravel Filter. The two basic things you want in your aquarium are a good filter media base for strong biological filter growth, and clean, clear water. ... We feel that these filters can be very effective, but are best used in tanks under 55 gallons in size, and are NOT appropriate for use in reef tanks.

1. Is an under gravel filter worth it?
2. What are the benefits of an under gravel filter?
3. Is gravel necessary for a fish tank?
4. Why are undergravel filters bad?
5. Are undergravel filters obsolete?
6. How does gravel filter work?
7. How much gravel do I need for gravel filter?
8. What is the best thing to put on the bottom of a fish tank?
9. Does vacuuming gravel remove beneficial bacteria?
10. How often do you need to clean gravel in a fish tank?
11. Do Undergravel filters work with sand?
12. How does an undergravel filter work with an powerhead?

Is an under gravel filter worth it?

There is no doubt that under gravel filters aren't for every tank. They do not provide any chemical filtration and can be noisy when using an air pump. However, when properly maintained, under gravel filters are easy, inexpensive and low maintenance for most beginner tanks.

What are the benefits of an under gravel filter?

Power filters are nearly always superior to undergravel systems in their filtering abilities. Undergravels don't do a great job at removing debris (mechanical filtration) or purifying the water (chemical filtration), and their main benefit is to draw debris into the substrate where they break down biologically.

Is gravel necessary for a fish tank?

Perhaps the most important function aquarium gravel serves is to provide a home for beneficial bacteria. ... The bacteria can live without a comfy gravel bed, but they might not grow in sufficient quantities to keep the aquarium safe for your fish.

Why are undergravel filters bad?

Undergravel filters do need cleaning to keep them running properly. If the dirt they suck in is not removed it will eventually slow the flow of water through the bed. This reduces the amount of oxygen getting to the beneficial bacteria, leading to poor performance and a deterioration in water quality.

Are undergravel filters obsolete?

The “UGF” is now generally considered obsolete, but they're cheap and simple enough that they never quite disappear. Whether there's still a role for undergravel filtration in aquariums is a question with many answers. In aquaponic systems, however, these old standbys offer some surprising advantages.

How does gravel filter work?

The gravel it self provides mechanical filtration by catching large free-floating particles. The gravel, as well as the filter plate, tank bottom, and lift tubes, provide a bed for the bacteria of a biological filter. Under gravel filters primarily provide biological filtration.

How much gravel do I need for gravel filter?

To ensure maximum efficiency with your filter, you will need to make sure that you have at least 2 to 3 inches of gravel above the filter plate. The gravel should be of mixed grades, but make sure that you don't have anything so small that can slip under or through the grating.

What is the best thing to put on the bottom of a fish tank?

Gravel is the better choice for most freshwater aquariums. One of the major benefits of gravel is that it allows water to flow through it, preventing the buildup of amoebas and bacteria in the substrate. If allowed to build up for too long, these can sicken your fish and lead to an accumulation of aquarium mold.

Does vacuuming gravel remove beneficial bacteria?

The particulates you vacuum up are small, but not microscopic. Your good bacteria live in your substrate deep within the crevices. Vacuuming will remove only a tiny percentage.

How often do you need to clean gravel in a fish tank?

At least once a month you should use an aquarium vacuum to clean the gravel and a sponge or scraper to remove excess algae from the sides of the tank. In addition, you should also test the ammonia, nitrate, and pH levels and keep a log to make sure they are steady from month to month.

Do Undergravel filters work with sand?

Sand and UGFs don't mix. You can not use sand and UGF and you can not have UGF with plants. People that use UGF generally use them in rock tanks with reverse flow pumps to push the gunk UP and then other filters to remove what is pushed up. They do not filter well enough used alone.

How does an undergravel filter work with an powerhead?

The under gravel filter is sometimes used with a water pump (power head), which when correctly placed in the upper end of the pipe of the under gravel filter, a bigger water flow is created, thus, more effective filtration. A water pump is also needed when an under gravel filter is used in an outside pond.