filters

What kind of filter do you like

  • hang on the back

    Votes: 60 74.1%

  • under gravel

    Votes: 10 12.3%

  • bio wheel

    Votes: 28 34.6%
  • Total voters
    81
  • Poll closed .
it seems most people really dont like the ugf's ...what reasons if you could tell me what is so bad about this kind of filter that i should not get one of these?
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There is a contingency of people who don't seperate filter failure from lack of maintenance very well. UGF's are one of the most neglected, and poorly maintained filter formats out there and therefore they have developed a bad reputation. Secondly, UGF's are primarily a bio filter, which leaves something to be desired for mechanical filtration.
Most people who use UGF put them under their gravel, and never do anything to maintain them, then when they casue problems, they write the filter off as bad. I would gladly stack my ugf against any other filter format in a maintenance free time trial. The fact is that any filter if not maintained, will eventually cause problems, and the UGF will be the last to go. For more information read this article:
http://www.aquasource.org/CMS/modul...ns&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=17&page=1

I run UGF's in reverse flow configuration on all of my tanks, and probably always will, there is simply no comparison when you add cost, ease of maintenance, and bio-filtration capabilities. There are other filter formats capable of the same things, but none as inexpensive, dependable or easy to maintain IMO. I much prefer the Reverse flow set-up simply because it has the added bonus of mechanical filtration, and eliminates any need for vaccuming gravel. I have run UGF's in conventional configuration for long periods as well and there is a little more maintenance involved, but they are still very easy to maintain.

I also firmly believe in using multiple filters and multiple formats to accomplish multiple things in my tanks. IMO there is no "one size fits all one type fits all" answer, but rather many good formats with many different capabilities so that a hobbyist can adjust things to their liking. My recomendation is find out what people like about each format, figure out what you want to try and go with it. if you don't lke it try something alse and Yard sale the leftovers. You will find what you like, and what works best for you. Don't be afraid to customise either.
Dave
dave
 
Last edited:
Bio wheels ARE HOB filters.

I have a mini on a 10 gal and I'm about to start up a 20 high with an Aquaclear 30 with 2 sponges and maybe some floss in between the sponges.

I'm anxious to try the Aquaclear!

Tom
 
Bio wheels ARE HOB filters
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In most cases yes, but they are available to add to any filter return to the tank (i.e. cannisters, or sumps) as an add on bio-filter. there are also many people who run the penguin and Emp series sans bio-wheel for a multitude of reasons. The bio-wheel itself really is and should be considered a seperate filter from the rest of the HOB is run with.
Dave
 
Well I vote for canisiter filters. I have a whisper power 60 and this thing is just loud!! I got my Eheim 2026 pro 2 for $150 with media at BIG AL's special about 4 days ago. It is silent and I can't wait to take out hang on back filter in about 3-4 weeks. Also the great thing about canisiter filters is they don't need as much cleaning as HOB filters. You can go about 3 or more months then rinse the media and reuse it!!! Awseome! If you have a small tank and are looking for a canister go with the filstar XP or a Ehiem Classic.
 
You can go about 3 or more months then rinse the media and reuse it!!! Awseome!
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Don't let yourself believe that unless you customize it with prefilters of some kind. Cannisters will plug up just as easy as HOB's, and generally they don't allow water to bypass like HOB's therefore they simply slow down until they stop if not properly maintained. ANY filter needs good maintenance to do it's job properly, and cannisters are no exception.
Dave
 
Hi. I think this is on topic, so I'm going to throw a question out there...

I've got a Penguin Bio-Wheel 125 and am considering also using an undergravel, but I keep going back and forth about it because there are so many different opinions out there on filters. I've not set up the tank, but am trying to do so in the most fiscally efficient way possible :). This is for a 29-gallon tank. Would the combination of these two be sufficient? Should I go another route? Any recommendations??? I like the idea of the cannisters, but not the price tag.

Thanks for your help!
 
Luvin'Nemo said:
Hi. I think this is on topic, so I'm going to throw a question out there...

I've got a Penguin Bio-Wheel 125 and am considering also using an undergravel, but I keep going back and forth about it because there are so many different opinions out there on filters. I've not set up the tank, but am trying to do so in the most fiscally efficient way possible :). This is for a 29-gallon tank. Would the combination of these two be sufficient? Should I go another route? Any recommendations??? I like the idea of the cannisters, but not the price tag.

Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...


Forget the under gravel. One hang on the back filter is enough.

Tom
 
Fluval 404!!!!
 
Great! So I guess I'll just go with what I've got so far. Thanks for your help!
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If you tank isn't already set-up, I would highly reccomend an undergravel especially in reverse flow configuration. IMO one filter is never enough, and an RFUG is virtually maintenance free and an extremely effective bio-filter as well as a decent secondary mechanical filter.

If the tank is already set I would look at a second fiter of some other type, to add stability to the sytem.
For more info on RFUG sheck out this article:
http://www.aquasource.org/CMS/modul...ns&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=17&page=1
It will answer almost any question you have.
dave
 
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