Quote:
Originally Posted by Norm66
I recommend highly against under-gravel filters. The whole tank needs to be torn down to clean them and if you don't they "store" waste and un-eaten food creating way more nitrates than you want.
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I would have to disagree since I've found under-gravel filters are
excellent myself. I wouldn't think of having a tank without one. I've had one in my tank for probably 9 or 10 years. I never cleaned it, never had a problem.. Actually, I think it's partly why my plants grew like crazy. I've had exceptional health with my fish in the past - and I often overstock heavily. (no 'inch-per-gallon rule' for me, lol.)
Overstocking is not recommended for beginner fish owners.
IMO the UGF must have a powerhead attached to it, NOT a bubbler. I think a bubbler is a huge mistake people make with these. Also, a UGF should not be the sole filter on the tank.
I also think that they work best along with live plants, because of the fact that there is some decayed matter under there that the powerhead does not cycle through, it then becomes fertilizer for the plants instead of just rot.