Undergravel filter

ghostrider113

ghostrider113

AC Members
Dec 6, 2006
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Spokane, WA
www.spokaneairsoft.com
Never had tried to do a planted tank before, but I'm planning on doing a small 29g tank here soon. I just wanted to know if an undergravel filter will harm or other wise cause problems or headaches in a planted tank. I want to lean towards the don't do it side. But I figured I'd get some informed and expeirenced opinions first.
 
headaches....yes. If you can avoid it for a planted tank, I would IMO
 
I figured as much, thanks
 
No problem....
 
I'd say it depends on the plants you are keeping.

If you stick to anubias, java ferns, and mosses which get tied to objects and do not root into the substrate, it could work.
 
It "could" work for any plant.....is it ideal? will it not cause potential problems? no....IMO if you can avoid it, do so. If you have zero money and no hopes for another type of filter and you have one on hand? Go for it. If you are chosing one to start a planted tank? Don't go that route....In the many threads I have read about...if you can do it over, what would you do/not do? One of the most frequently mentioned is...I would have never used an undergravel filter...what a pain...especially when I had to change it...
Just my 2c...do what you wish
 
I use one to start and will always do so. This brings in alot of extra trubles down the road. The roots like to tangle up in the filter however I find this to be no truble at all. I am sure it clogs up along most of the bottem of the tank. If I am working with plants and I have to remove the filter to do something to the tank IT BRINGS IN ALOT OF EXTRA WORK. I have done planted without them and they do good after I get alot of plants but always use them if there is only a few plants. I plan on removing mine soon after I get a good amount of ground cover going. I always start with them though. There is nothing realy saying that it is needed I just like them to get the bacteria at a better state. If you have good filters then don't follow my rout as you would be wasting time like I do. In otherwords don't do as I do do as they say lol.
 
Not an issue if you run RUGF instead of normal. Run a powerhead to push the air up through the plates. This also prevents the gunk from gathering and makes a superior filter.
 
TKOS, this doesn't prevent roots from clogging the plate below though...does it? The only RUGF I run has rhizome plants and mosses. I wouldn't want to grow crypts, swords, lotus, other root type plants with one though.
Even with rhizome plants (java ferns, anubias, bolbitus) the roots can grow down below the plate eventually.
 
Bottom line...save yourself the problem if you can. We can all argue how doable it is...I can do that with pretty muh everything. ha
 
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