What would work, Undergravel filter

[twiant]

Hello, I have a 30 gal tank with an undergravel filter and I dont know what gravel or watever to put down that I could also put live plants in and will still be compatable with the undergravel filter?!!

 

[DclownD]

buy a hob lol >.> honestly hob is dirt cheap and i like it better lol i think you can use any gravel dont shoot me if im wrong tho

 

[OrangeCones]

Hello, I have a 30 gal tank with an undergravel filter and I dont know what gravel or watever to put down that I could also put live plants in and will still be compatable with the undergravel filter?!!

You could try ferns and mosses if they are anchored to decor in the aquarium and not rooted in the gravel. If you want live plants that will root in the gravel, an undergravel filter doesn't work well.

 

[Monoxide]

In peoples own opinions gravel filters really doesnt do much and never really worked and easier with a filter on the back. I had ground filter in two tanks at start of fish keeping and now there in trash.*PEACE!*

 

[RexyTexel]

I would just take the under gravel out before you put the substrate down. It's easier that way. Under gravels are just out of date. It's like buying a VCR during the age of DVD players. I would get a HoB or maybe a canister.

 

[kezdoc09]

yeah i'm afraid undergravel filters don't do alot other than drag the dirt into the grovel so in actual fact it is actually all still in the tank, try and buy a fluval or something.

 

[twiant]

Id like to get another filter but im sooooo broke that i cant even buy gravel. Im 15 and jobless.

 

[Matt Nace]

Do you have airstones or pumps on the UGF? If you pumps you can stack the gravel a bit deeper than if your using air stones. Use a gravel that wont compact or get stuck in the plate slots..so not too small.

The whole idea is the pumps or airstones create current which brings the water through your gravel. So flow is the key. If you stack it too deep, then you will reduce flow through or make it too packed it wont filter properly.

As said, the dirt will get pulled and will collect under your UGF plate. The whole process worked for me many years ago with sucess. But eventually you need to get the gunk from under out. They also have reverse pumps which blow it through in reverse and the pumps have spnges so they filter dirt out before it goes down under your plate. This makes the current come up through the gravel.

I think it is a mess and not worth it. My opinion is use your 10 gallon filter on the 30g until you can get a HOB

 

[OrangeCones]

Id like to get another filter but im sooooo broke that i cant even buy gravel. Im 15 and jobless.

Check craigslist for stuff. If you were closer, I'd give you a HOB filter and gravel from a tank I tore down to redo. Prolly someone near you in the same situation if you look around.