Do I really need an undergravel filter, too?

[Glasstapper]

I just recently set up my 55 gallon today, and I'm using a Top Fin Power Filter 60, which cycles 300 gallons per hour. I also have one Hydor Ario 4 Color Aerator (for up to 80 gal) and (VERY cool!).

I've been reading all over the internet, and some places suggest an UG filter along with my power one, and other places say I don't need it. Basically, some are saying my power filter alone isn't enough.

So:

1. Is my current setup just fine for a community tank? (fish aren't added yet)

2. Is it ok if I want to add a bubble wand or air stone just for the look of more bubbles? More bubbles isn't a bad thing, right?

[Glasstapper]

So, will I need another filter? I'll be keeping a peaceful community with small to medium sized fish.

If I do need another one, any reccommendations that isn't super expensive?

[William]

The power filter you have is enough unless you are going to keep very sensetive fish. You don't need an undergravel filter.

[Glasstapper]

oh, thank you. I'm glad I can check that off of my list.

[Lady Hobbs]

I think for every person who thinks UGF are great there's 5 who don't care for them. In my particular case, I got rid of all of mine. I just don't like knowing all that stuff is hiding under that plate.

They are only effective with a power pump so for each aquarium that's of decent size, that's just two more things to plug into your outlet.

Your current filter sounds fine to me, as well. If it isn't, you can always upgrade to a bio-wheel later. With a bio-wheel, you don't want an UGF as they are said to work against each other.

[Tornado]

I have a UGF, combined with a 350 Gallon per hour canister Filter, and my filtration has always seemed very powerful. I have read however, from some well respected resources, that UGF can actually be a bad thing. I wish I could find it, but I saw one article from a well respected online source that actually condemed the use of an UGF.

There argument was that it can actuallly be hazardous to fish, if a power head ever goes out, or becomes clogged, somehow it can release harmful bacteria into the water. I dont really recall all the article said, as it was quite long and detailed, but it made a lot of sense. It changed my view on the UGF for sure. I however, use a Canistor filter in conjuction with the UGF, and that is supposed to be one of the best filter set up's, or so i have read in the past.

[Glasstapper]

I've also heard mixed replies on the undergravel filter. I was just concerned because I had already put the substrate and decorations in. It would have made me sad if I had to take everything out and install it.

since I don't need it, though, I'm glad to not to have to worry about it. I can always add a different kind of filter or upgrade as suggested.


If yours works for you, though, then don't change anything.

[Lady Hobbs]

Tornado,
I may have read that same article. It was actually written by owners of a pet store that lost dozens and dozens of fish when their power head went out in a huge aquarium. My son swears by them but I don't. I've read that fry eggs can get in the plate, as well.

Here's an interesting link I saved regarding UGF.
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

As far as I can see, it's all personal preference.

[William]

I got rid of mine as well.

[CJ1]

I know that the belief is that a filter that turns the water over 4-6 times an hour is enough. The specs on the filter box will give recommended tank size based on these figures. Old school thinking, and my observations have shown a turn over rate of 10 times an hour is needed. Once you add your various filter media the flow rate will be reduced by 10-20%. For your tank I would add another power filter. That way you know you have plenty of filtering on the tank. I'm sorry but I find manufacturer's specs to be very missleading. I always go with the 10 times an hour turn over rate. This is just the way I do it.

[Lady Hobbs]

The price of filters is cheap enough that a person can upgrade to a better one very reasonably. My tanks filters have all been replaced with larger filters other than my new 55 gallon. That one has the filter that come with the tank (Aqua Tech 30-60) I will be adding another one to the opposite end of the tank. Possibly an Emporer bio-wheel. Not sure yet.