Is under gravel filtration good for a planted tank?

justinakabob

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Jul 20, 2003
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Is under gravel filtration good for a planted tank? I'm setting up a new planted tank and I was wondering if that would be a good way to filter my tank
 
You pretty much can't use under ground filters with a planted tank. The roots will eventually clog the filter. And if you use a substrate other than gravel the filter will not work at all.
 
most people dont reccomend it because the roots get tangled in the plate of the UGF. That causes the filter to not function properly and you cannot transport you plants because the roots are intertwined with the filter. Most people either use a cannister filter with the spray bar or output set under the water to minimize surface agitation, or use a HOB power filter for the smaller tanks. Also, some people use internal filters, either the kind that use a sponge or an internal power filter.

aaron
 
I have my RFUGF filter on only 1/3 of the tank, and a planted substrate on the other 2/3. Works great for me. See my tank specs below for more info.
 
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