Undergravel Filter Unnecessary?

[Riiz]

Looks like this thread steered off from the original question, can an aquarium be maintained without one?

Another consideration to the OP, do you want to run a sand substrate instead of gravel, then an UGF is also outta the question.

 

[67chevelle]

I heard that some setups may not need and undergravel filter. Is this the case? If so, what kind of setup would that be?

All setups need a filter.What kind depends on the size of tank,and what kind of fish you keep.IMO,UGF should be used in medium sized tanks,30 to 55 gallons.They should also be used with powerheads running them,not air pumps.And they should be used with another type of filter,like a HOB or a cannister.Setups that do need a UGF would be any set up.They are a nice addition,and will add more bio filtration,but they should not be used as the primary filter for any tank,and should be used as a secondary filter,therefore are not really necessary.HOB filters and cannister filters have come a long way over the last few years,and have made it unecessary to make a UGF a must.But if you want one,go for it.

 

[jpappy789]

I agree with both Red and RB that both UGF and RUGF are still effective ways to filter...however, as per the original question there are lots of filtration methods out there: HOBs (hang-on-backs), cannisters, sponge, internal, sumps, etc.

However I do disagree with the above post...I find my RUGF to be the main filter with the HOB as a supplement. Bio filtration over rules mech IMO.

 

[67chevelle]

They do work well with a reverse powerhead for bio filtration.But you are also taking up a lot of space in your tank with the tubes and the powerheads,that is why I removed them from my tanks.They work well if used correctly,but the down side is looking at them,IMO. Like I said,it really depends on what size of tank and what kind of fish.I guess people still do use them as their primary bio filter,but now a days there are better ways of doing this.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i dont use a single ugf in any of my tanks. there is a lot of miss info out there from people who never used them though.

 

[Cory Keeper]

I think a RUGF would rule, even more so in my 29 with my magnum filter, but being that I prefer sand over gravel (looks mainly), Not gonna happen.