underground filter vs. over the tank

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DebbyLynn

AC Members
Feb 6, 2005
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Colorado
Which filter is best for a 10 gallon hexagon? I was told that it was my gravel causing the nitrite problem because there isn't enough air getting underneath it to keep the bacteria alive. The LFS said to take out the gravel and things should get better after a few days and that using the filter I have would be ok still. I really don't care for the ugf and have heard they are really the best anyway. The filter I have know came with the tank (top fin brand) If I keep the over the tank filter would it be better to get one of the bio-wheel filters?

ok enough rambling. LOL Thanks for any help. :D
 
the nitrites are 2 and have been for over 2 weeks now. I have done everything I can think of to get them to go away and they won't. I thought about tossing some bio-spira in but not sure if that will help or not.

the ammonia is 0, nitrates are 1, PH is 7.1
 
just plastic plants here. The tank has been set up since the 3rd of January. The cycle was going along great until the nitrites and it's like they got stuck or something. I really don't know if it ever finished the cycle because of that problem.

It's frustrating.
 
DebbyLynn said:
Which filter is best for a 10 gallon hexagon? I was told that it was my gravel causing the nitrite problem because there isn't enough air getting underneath it to keep the bacteria alive. The LFS said to take out the gravel and things should get better after a few days and that using the filter I have would be ok still. I really don't care for the ugf and have heard they are really the best anyway. The filter I have know came with the tank (top fin brand) If I keep the over the tank filter would it be better to get one of the bio-wheel filters?

ok enough rambling. LOL Thanks for any help. :D
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Which filter is best for a ten gallon really depends on what you are doing with the ten gallon. UGFs are fine filters in their own right if you can keep up the maintenance on them. I prefer the Reverse Flow Under Gravel Filter to a straight UGF. Your gravel is not causing your nitrite problem. You have a HOB filter and due to the high water flow and Oxygenation, most of the beneficial bacteria will grow in the filter and not on the substrate. in addition, there are some of the nitrifying bacteria that like the anaerobic areas to colonize, so your LFS is wrong. If you don't care for a UGF, don't use it. Also, keep the gravel is you like it as there is absolutely no reason to take it out. In fact, taking it out may set your cycle back some.

Having nitrites can mean several things. Have you tested your tap water to see what it contains? Also, what is your maintenance schedule and also your maintenance routine with this particular tank. We can help you get to the root of the problem and then we can help you fix it, if we know these things. Also, in the for what it is worth department, your Top-Fin is likely a decent enough filter. If it came as a kit, you are likely a little under filtered. Bio-wheel filters are fine filters as well, but if you are happy with the top fin and it works properly, there is no need to change it out. If you are just looking for extra filtration, then adding a second power filter is a good way to go as it will increase your mechanical filtration.

Ah, Just saw your reponse above. your tank may not be cycled then if you've never seen nitrites at zero, I suspect that is the case. In this instance, I would suggest daily 50% water changes to keep the nitrites down and the fish safe.
 
I agree with Kasakato. I have a UGF in my 10-gal, with a single juvenile oscar in it, but it doesn't work well for more than a couple of small fish...
 
hi again and thank you for the help. I did test my tap water and everything was at 0 as for the nitrites, nitrates, and ammonia. My husband and I will be heading out after the nascar race to get a cleaner. I have been kind of scared to use one for fear of sucking up the panda cory's. But will keep you posted on if that helps or not. I was doing the water changes but will do more of them and see about getting those darn nitrites down. If I get those down will the nitrates start going up by themselves?

Oh yeah I did do fishy cycles because I didn't know otherwise. I did use bio-spira on my other tank and wish I had used it with this one too.

Again thank you for all the help. :)
 
DebbyLynn said:
hi again and thank you for the help. I did test my tap water and everything was at 0 as for the nitrites, nitrates, and ammonia. My husband and I will be heading out after the nascar race to get a cleaner. I have been kind of scared to use one for fear of sucking up the panda cory's. But will keep you posted on if that helps or not. I was doing the water changes but will do more of them and see about getting those darn nitrites down. If I get those down will the nitrates start going up by themselves?

Oh yeah I did do fishy cycles because I didn't know otherwise. I did use bio-spira on my other tank and wish I had used it with this one too.

Again thank you for all the help. :)
Click to expand...
Yeah, vacuuming the substrate will be a great benefit. What happens is fish poop and old food sort of piles up on the bottom and what's it got to do but rot? A gravel vac will get up the nasties and keep it from rotting in your tank and therefore keep the toxins down.
 
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