Do I really need a Underwater filter ?

[xbox360blue]

My question is do I really need one of those underwater filters that you put underneath the gravel and has those hollow tubes in each back corner of the aquarium with either a blower of charcoal?

Or can I just put gravel in there? And attach with sutions cups a blower?
Or a long air bubble bar underneath the gravel in the back?

[SkinnyChicken]

The use of undergravel (UG) filters isn't widely used anymore. The theory was that debris would be drawn down through the gravel (using powerheads) where it would be consumed by the beneficial bacteria.

Usually though, after a few months of operation, the gravel begins to pack with so much debris that circulation stops and the bacteria suffocate. Since the filter still appears to be working, water quality deteriorates (ammonia and nitrites levels increase rapidly), usually unnoticed until it is too late. If the tank is medicated or overfed, an even more rapid die-off of the culture may occur. Plus the powerhead intakes can get blocked causing the bacteria to starve of oxygen in a very short space of time.

It is also a messy, time-consuming job to clean UG filters and there exists the possibility that you may clean out too much of the bacteria you are trying to cultivate, and thus severely compromise, or even destroy, your cycled aquarium.

There are lots of better alternatives to filtration, all of which have been discussed here at the AC and provide excellent biological filtration - canister filters for larger tanks, hang on filters for smaller capacities ... have a few reads of some older threads and you'll be up to speed in no time - I know I was.

[Wild Turkey]

I couldnt have said it better myself. After a while all that debris down in ur gravel will decay and cause more ammonia to be released into ur water, causing, at the very least high nitrate lvls that you cant seem to get rid of for long.

Good post chicken

[NickFish]

Good post chicken!

UGFs are the old, messy way of doing things, just because you can't see the poo doesn't mean it isn't there. Sure they are cheaper but you're just throwing your money away.

Never, ever get an undergravel filter, ever.

[jbeining75]

If you cut them up. They make great java moss walls or cave ceilings.

[Nick_Pavlovski]

If you cut them up. They make great java moss walls or cave ceilings.

Very droll :c2:

[hpt84]

The use of undergravel (UG) filters isn't widely used anymore. The theory was that debris would be drawn down through the gravel (using powerheads) where it would be consumed by the beneficial bacteria.

Usually though, after a few months of operation, the gravel begins to pack with so much debris that circulation stops and the bacteria suffocate. Since the filter still appears to be working, water quality deteriorates (ammonia and nitrites levels increase rapidly), usually unnoticed until it is too late. If the tank is medicated or overfed, an even more rapid die-off of the culture may occur. Plus the powerhead intakes can get blocked causing the bacteria to starve of oxygen in a very short space of time.

It is also a messy, time-consuming job to clean UG filters and there exists the possibility that you may clean out too much of the bacteria you are trying to cultivate, and thus severely compromise, or even destroy, your cycled aquarium.

There are lots of better alternatives to filtration, all of which have been discussed here at the AC and provide excellent biological filtration - canister filters for larger tanks, hang on filters for smaller capacities ... have a few reads of some older threads and you'll be up to speed in no time - I know I was.
Took the words out of my mouth.:hmm3grin2orange:

[Tigerbarb]

These filters are considered ancient, but with some modifications, they will do well. Don't go out and buy one though. If you have one, you might as well use it by getting a filta-carb/ammo-carb cartridge on each tube, and putting some filter fiber in the tubes. This will not be excellent, but it will work Just as good as two sponge filters if you add the following items to it.
The only problem with the UG filter if you add those, is that it will clog and crash your nitrate/biological filter cycle as other members said. Overall, it is easier just to get an HOB or sponge filter.
The only reason why you see stores running UGFs in their tanks, is because they can hook up airline tubes from all the UGFs to only a few big pumps, and they can save electricity. I have yet to find a tank running a UGF in the traditional way that does not look dirty.