Undergravel Filter

[david_l]

Hi all,
I am new here. I have a 125-gallon tank. I am going to put goldfish in there. Do I need undergravel filter?


thanks

 

[Pure]

IMO no you shouldn't. UGFs can be a disaster waiting to happen if they are not properly taken care of and cleaned. To clean one means you have to break the tank down.

On a tank that large with Goldies in it, you would be better off to have a couple of large canister filters accompanied by 2 large HOBs.

 

[FroggyFox]

I agree...it'll save you mucho time and frustration if you opt for at least a big canister and a big HOB filter instead of a UGF.

 

[micah2012]

I started out with an undergravel filter and it worked fine for a litle while. But yeah when it came time to clean it I had to move around all my substrate which caused a spike in ammonia. I wouldn't recomend them, like those above me mentioned, way too much hassle when there are plenty of better options.

 

[THUNDER]

I believe in the UGF system and will continue to use it. When I first used the UGF, everything improved greatly.

Thunder

 

[micah2012]

Nice, some people have better luck than others I guess. Keep on using your UGF.

 

[david_l]

thanks all for your suggestions. I currently have a eheim classic cannister filter and a biowheel filter. I think I am going to use them instead of buying an extra undergravel filter.


I am building the stand for my 125-gallon now. Hopefully, I can finish it soon

 

[JWright]

UGF's work fine if _very_ well taken care of. While some people like them, cannisters and HOBs are more efficient and _much_ easier to clean.

If you already have a lot of filtration, then don't add a UGF, it will just cause more harm than good. They are by no means necessary.

~JW

 

[MadFish]

I agree... Cuz overtime, all the waste and dead matters will choke the UGF and when that happens.... it's gonna be hell of a hassle.