Undergravel Filters
For aquariums there are basically 3 types of aquarium filters you can choose from:
1. Outside Power Filters
2. Undergravel Filters
3. Canister Filters
Undergravel Filters-
Undergravel filters is another way that aquarium owners can lean towards. The term “undergravel filters” explains it all. Your aquarium gravel acts as your filtration system. These filtration systems are operated by an air pump that ends up drawing water through the gravel at the bottom of your tank.
Unlike outside power filters which contain ammonia bags, carbon and sponges to trap solids and grow beneficial bacteria on the gravel is your filter media. In amongst the rocks is where fish waste will be trapped and begin to be broken down by beneficial bacteria colonies that are growing. The only thing that people need to remember just like cleaning aquarium filters like the filter media is you need to clean your aquarium gravel regularly. This is your filter media so make sure it is clean and working efficiently.
Advantages:
It aerates the water by means of the air stone which draws the water up the riser or simply by the disturbance of the surface in the case of power-heads.
It regulates the water temperature throughout the whole tank, simply by drawing the colder water from the bottom and pushing it out at the top. With the heater placed beside the riser pipe, this water is heated back up straight away, giving more even temperatures.
It is flexible. By the addition of another riser pipe, the filter is capable of carrying a much larger bio-load, which is very helpful for over-stocked tanks. Most trays come with spare riser sockets to add more risers if required.
It is a low-maintenance system. If you are pushed for time, this filter is very forgiving. It won’t stop working over a short period of time and can be left for weeks without any concern. It is safe to use with very small fish. So long as the riser pipe is above water level this filter is very safe for smaller inhabitants.
It is good in planted tanks. Plants can root through the gravel and into the slots in the tray to get a good hold.
The cost is minimal. these filter trays are by far the cheapest alternative of all the filtration systems
Dis-advantages-
Cleaning: Can be difficult if not carried out regularly. (See the article on UGF cleaning for effective and quick ways to clean these filters.)
Air Pump: You need an air pump powerful enough to run this filter effectively. It pays to buy a good air pump as if the pump stops, the filtration stops too.
Substrate: You are restricted with the types of substrate you can use. Gravel is the only effective type of substrate for this filter. If you want to use sand, don’t use this filter!
Efficiency: The filter becomes less effective if not cleaned regularly. By regular, I mean at least every six months, which is a lot less than other filter types.
Noise: The filter itself is silent, but sometimes the air pump the runs it can be noisy, so and the sound of bubbles bursting on the surface all the time can get annoying. Careful selection of the pump is very important
