some questions about filters please...

[lizvetica]

currently, i have a small 7 gal tank that came with its own built in under gravel filter.
i was wondering if i should get an additional charcoal filter.
so my questions are:
what exactly does the charcoal filter do?
whats the diffrence between a charcoal and a sponge filter?

i don't plan on having too many plants. maybe one or two but they never last anyway.

thanks for any input!

[Matt W]

Charcoal is used to filter out medicines and other such things from the water. There really is no need for it on a regular basis....

[Leopardess]

I think undergravel filters are crap lol...(blunt huh?) You have several options...all of which filter just fine, its just a matter of preference. You can get an internal filter like a fluval one or one plus, a duetto series filter, you can a whisper filter, a sponge filter, or some other type of small HOB filter.

So, I'd personally toss the UG and get a fluval one or one plus. The duetto multi filter is good too, though. But, sponge filters are pretty cheap ...and tehy work just fine. Research a few different brands and see what appeals to you and your budget.

[Matt W]

If you do decide to switch to a different filter type, make sure to run the new filter on the tank with the UG filter for at least a couple of weeks. This will give time for the new filter to have some beneficial bacteria established upon it...

[lizvetica]

a charcoal filter and a sponge filter?
thanks for the recs, i'll check them out.
:)
liz