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Undergravel Filters

3K views 8 replies 3 participants last post by  mastermindc3pro 
#1 · (Edited)
Ok my fish produce so much solid waste were im vaccuming gravel like every other day to keep the tank clean. i only feed them once a day to.... What are your opinions on undergravel filters, even if its just the slightest bit of help i want it. Is it possible my filter isint strong enough to keep up with the waste?
 
#2 ·
Do you have live plants? Then UG is a no-go.

What's your tank size & stock in it? What filter are you running on it? In any decent set up system you should not need to vac each day (which is actually not good to do that many w/c)
 
#3 ·
yes i have live plants, and i just ordered 9 more. 30 gallons, i have 4 mollys 3 guppys 5 hi fin tetras, pleco, 2 neon tetras, 4 zebra danios, and these 2 snails that came with plants... filter iswhisper power filter 60hz. I believe im overstocked but i didnt know that when i had them...
 
#4 ·
Don't do UG then will not be good for your plants.

I'd have to guess this filter vs the stock ain't doing a good job...had you considered a internal Cascade Internal Filters, Internal Filters | Pet Solutions

I'd not necessarily say overstock - more wrongly stocked. You have fish in there that have entirely different water needs and you can only have 1 or the other water coming out of your tap, either soft or hard, but you won't have both. Chances are well one or the other group of fish won't last long, die and 'solve' that problem for you....only other alternative is to go over your stock and exchange some at your LFS for food or something....
 
#5 ·
You can use UGF with planted tanks. It really depends on the plants you select. You can look at pics of my tank if you don't believe. I've been using UGF with plants for over 20 years. But if you're starting a new tank that'll be used with plants, most would suggest other filters.

An UGF would only add to the need to vacuum the gravel since UGFs suck the waste into the gravel. Sounds like you need either a small cannister or a HOB filter. Something that has floss material to filter out the waste. I prefer cannisters.
 
#6 ·
From what I understand the tank's already set up and running, so he/ she would have to remove all fish & plants, empty whole tank, insert UG and put everything back together....IMO a different filter like I suggest is a easier solution.
 
#7 ·
Which fish are not mixing well in my tank, so i can try to find a new home for them? Also with that internal filter, should i leave my other filter still in the tank running? Also they dont have a filter for my size should i go with the 20 gallon one which is less than what my tank is or the 50 gallon which is more?
 
#8 ·
To properly assist you with your stock and guide you towards something more ideal: I gotta know you pH & KH first .
Then we can set up a stock that matches your water and safe the headache of loosing fish :)
 
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