@@TheAquariumLibrary I'm just getting into the fish hobby & have been doing a lot of research on the under gravel filters I think from what you described is just what I'm looking for. I have a 75 gal I've got a lot of live plant's to put in it & I took time to look at the comments on here & I'm interested in how would I connect a power head on the tubes (I'm only using 2). The tubes don't fit the power head on the pump, do I use a hose that will fit the tube & the power head or how does that work? cause I'm lost on this kind of thing, can you help me out ?
Thank You, I have been an aquarist since I was a kid and always without an exception used UGF. I see all these guys on youtube constantly worrying about about ammonia spikes or high nitrates and I don"t give that a second thought. I check water parameters maybe once to twice a month and everytime 0 across the board. The filter companies distracted us from what works so they can continue to make money from us. UGF perfectly mimics nature. Unfortunately, most people DO NOT GET IT. Thanks for putting the word out. Be well.
You’re welcome. And I completely agree with what you said about the filter companies. Not a lot of money in a one time purchase that lasts for decades. Can’t say that about too many other filters out there.
Been keeping fish since I was 13. UGFs have always been solid for me. There is something to the deep substrate/anoxic approach (those people hate UGFs) but you can do both in your aquarium if you set it up right.
I have used undergravel filters for over 40 years. I will continue to use them. Depending on the fish tank I MAY use additional outside filter. Most of the time I have ONLY undergravel. No issues. Low maintenance. More natural. I also use LIVE (and a minimal amount of plastic) plants. I have both salt water and fresh water tanks.
Best low maintenance filter I have ever used, First thing I noticed when I changed to a canister(wife complaining about the noise) is that all my very healthy plants slowly withered and died. Its also a great method for starting off the nitrogen cycle, just take a handful of gravel from a well established tank, spread out over the new gravel and away you go. As long as you don't go crazy with over stocking it will never fail. Another good filter is the hamburg matten filter, basically a UGF on its side if you think about. UA-camrs cannot get much clawback by recomending a $20 UGF compared to $300 canister with all the replacable media you need to buy.
I was out of the hobby for the last 30 years, and now that I'm back, I'm surprised to see that UGFs have been phased out. For 20 years before, I used UGFs WITH my HOBs for mechanical filtration. (I think that people don't like the UGFs because they trap the detrius under the gravel. THAT'S THE POINT! The detrius turns into beneficial bacteria, and is GOOD for the fish. Just gravel-vac the gravel, and let the filters take care of the rest...) You are spot on with all your comments and opinions. THANK YOU.
I also have been surprised at the drastic swing away from UGF and their fallout with most fish keepers. I just set up a new tank that is going to have an undergravel filter with a power head and spread bar. Talk about fancy! I feel as though there are a lot of people that use them but don’t say much about them for fear of people calling them out about how bad they are for using such an outdated filtration system. I hope you find enjoyment in the hobby after so many years away!
@@TheAquariumLibrary the PetSmart(s) and Petcos in my area have them on clearance. I haven't seen any ugf's in any of the fish store's I've been to lately. I stand by ugf's even though I'm not using one now. The only thing that I can think of that would be a detriment is the lack of anaerobic area's in the aquarium. I'm not an expert though.
I use an under-gravel filter and an over-the-back (side) filter. For me I wanted a way to clean the gravel without touching it, but also like water circulation the over-the-back provides.
Man I am SO happy I found this video! I always thought they were a no brainer but never have used one cause I was always talked out of it, but now I know!
I am so thankful I have found your channel. You are confirming so many things I thought I had a grasp on. I was starting to believe HOB filters or sponge filters were superior to the under gravel filters I used in the late 80’s and early 90’s for my Jack Dempsey’s, Convicts and Oscars. I am slowly making my way through your videos. Thank you for so much reassurances and teaching.
You’re very welcome. I am actually going to be trying out an even older way of using UGF promoted by Dr. Kevin Novak that seem to me to make the most sense. More sense than the traditional high flow UGF with powerheads or lots of air. I ran a mini experiment with one of my tanks just to see how it compares and it is crazy that differences. The level of compaction and flow between a low flow and high flow with a power head was leagues of differences. And overall the tank has performed better than my high tech tank even though they have the same plants. I’m setting up a new tank here shortly and am going to try it the slow flow way and see how it does. Based on everything he has talked about and other peoples results it should work out splendidly.
UGF for the win! I just got back into the hobby (AGAIN!) a few years ago and initially went with the trend of HOB ... I have since replaced them all with sponge filters and as I rebuild/expand my fishroom (40 tanks and counting) I will be changing over all non breeding tanks to UGF that I will custom build using pvc. UGF are still, imo, the best filtration for anything other than bare-bottomed breeding tanks. I'm not a fan of bare tanks, lots of plants and no water changes are the way to go, but for the best breeding results I have found that bare bottom and a sponge to handle all the excess wasted food that goes along with breeding are the best. Great video, thanks!
Agreed, I've used hang on back, over head and under gravel so far and nothing beats an under gravel filter.. i also put my siphon pipe into the lift tubes to siphon water from under the filter and use a gravel vacuum for the gravel cleaning and ice never had issues with ammonia
I literally just got a 135 planted discus tank set up and I have 3 under gravel filters in it and a tidal hang on back and couldn’t be happier. The hang on back is just for more surface agitation and water movement! These are great for planted tanks!
Did you follow any specific instructions for you discus tanks when setting up the UGF? I think they are also great for planted tanks and about to set up a 65 gallon with one.
@@TheAquariumLibrary I just put the plates in the tank with thick layer of pea gravel and sand . I have jar stones at the bottom of my lift tubes with elbows at the top that I removed the carbon from. As long as you have good air pumps that are strong enough for a tank that size you’re good I think. Also would you recommend I clean out the waste under the plates every now and again or just let my plants use it ? I’m still getting used to running under gravel filters on something this size! Thanks for the video made me feel more confident in this experiment lol
I haven’t bothered with trying to clean the stuff under my UGF for three years and don’t plan to start now. Glad it gave you some confidence to continue on in you experiment.
We had the power go out and the over the tank filters didn't start right away because they needed to be primed by filling them with water from the tank and if your not at home to prime the filter the fish go without air until you can. We have the battery powered air pumps and the underground filters kept going until the power came back on
That’s another great reason why air filtration, specifically UGF, are so good. Thank you for sharing that. There is definitely more peace of mind knowing that if you are gone and the power even flickers that your filtration will start back up again without needing to be primed.
I had a UGF years ago and loved my tank. When I decided to get back into having a fish tank, the store sold me on a canister filter, UGF's aren't available in stores in my area. I hated the canisters and HOB's. I finally decided to look for a UGF online and found them. I now have a newly set up UGF aquarium and can't wait for everything to cycle. Looking forward to basic maintenance...vacuuming and glass cleaning.
The Aquarium Library, if you have plants, you wouldn't need to clean the filter because the plants use the muck collected under the plate. Right? That's why I love undergravel filters in a planted tank.
My tanks have been running undergravel filters with powerheads for more than 30 years. No problems with any fish from small community types to a pair of tiger oscars that grew to 13" in a 55g. Just vacuum the gravel every other week or so and replace the 10 - 15 gallons that get siphoned out with the substrate cleaning. The system requires no additional maintenance and is completely silent. After all these years, even the original powerheads are still working fine.
I will look into getting the needed equipment. I hope that Northwest seed will have it. Nobody else will, plus they want you to buy filters that require purchasing new filters every week or so and they don’t work well. Besides, with under gravel filtration there are no ugly over the back filters to hide with plants. Just the two back corners.
I love undergravel filters, I use mine connected to a hangover filter, that way the under gravel filter cleans the the water and the hangover filter cleans up the gunk under the bottom of the under gravel filter.
just want to share a story. as a 9year old kid in the 90s all I ever known is UGF and it works great never had to do any maintenance to it ever. water is always crystal clear even with cichlids who love to dig then around early 2000s overhead filters became popular and I hated it. it was nowhere close to the performance of UGF, then I got busy with life and school so I stopped the hobby. and a couple yrs back when I looked into fish keeping again in the late 2000s, I was surprised that UGF is not a thing anymore and overhead filters are the new norm. it was saddening. Around Dec last year I got back into fish keeping and started an outdoor Walstad tank. Happy and excited to get back into this hobby again.
I have heard very similar stories from other people about that. I think UGF will start coming back into "style" if you will as more people get frustrated with their HOB.
19:55 I think this is a very valid point. I have used undergravel filters for years and my water is always crystal clear. People that visit and see my tank quite often comment how clear my water is. I do use my tank vacuum and clean 1/2 the gravel when I do a water change. People may think I am crazy but I can tell how healthy my tank is by how the filter media smells.
this makes so much sense... when I first started out in this hobby circa 1989 UGFs where what I used successfully. Taking a 12 year break from the hobby, when I came back to it everything was about external filters and I bought into it. However, I really wished I had stayed with worked when I started out in the hobby. If nothing else, you significantly lower the risks of leaks and flooding. Oh well... if I ever get a 3rd tank or re do my 350 litre/ 92 US gal tank- I'm going to go back to using an UGF.
And lowering that risk is a very large thing to do when dealing with even just 10+ gallons of water. If you have a second tank, you're probably going to end up with a third tank and can put the UGF in it. After I see people go past one tank it is usually just snowballs into many more tanks.
@@TheAquariumLibrary I have 2 a 30 gal & a 75 but I also have 5 more on my porch that's empty I just added a ugf to it with power heads & it's looking awesome, now maybe my plants will start growing better being that's my main goal.
I am starting a new tank and the first thing is a ugf never had a problem with them . And your so right the water is always crystal clear it’s own filter and very informative video thanks
Thanks for the video. Now I'm more confident to use under gravel filter. The thing I will add to the system is an fix hose under the filter to pump out the poop.
I've used an under gravel filter on everything big and small! It's simple and very affective. Just use a small 10 gallon submersible filter with adjustable head for more water movement for some tanks
I love that I found this video. Been keeping fish for 33years (since I was a kid) and I have been using UGFs since I discovered them. Never had an issue. Also on filter media in my other filters.. I never buy new media... Just rinse and reuse!!
The 1980s called, and they said they'd be willing to donate some undergravel filters 🤣. Yep, there seems to be a "keeping up with the Jones's" attitude among some aquarists. Old, simple, and cheap doesn't always mean inferior.
I’ll take their undergravel filters and the metaframe tanks they have laying around while they are at it. I completely agree and don’t think this hobby needs to be a “keeping up with the Jones’s”. Give me a good linear air piston pump, sponge filters, undergravel filters, and box filters and I’d be perfectly happy, and be out less money for it than all this new equipment.
Totally agree. I've now been using UGs for 60 years. Started making my own using plastic plumbing and plastic corrugated sheets etc. Now using the clip together type so can adapt to any tank size/shape. Now using twin power heads in a 45 gallon tank. Have kept everything from guppies to oscars. Never had to clean out beneath grid. I now use sand as a substrate and water flows thru no problem even with compacted play sand. This way never have to vac ever into substrate just lightly over surface. Just set up a new tank and as an experiment dumped soft mortar sand straight in ,filled tank, so much silt you couldn't see diddlysquat. Turned on power heads and 24 hours later water crystal clear, What's not to like ?
Thanks for the great video about UGF! There is a problem Undergravel filter that the UGF has narrow slots in the plates, which over time become covered with silt and dirt and cannot allow water flow through them. And if aquarium tubes can be easily cleaned with a brush, then I have no idea how to clean the narrow slots of the UGF. I will be glad if the author removes my fears!
Interesting video. I've never used undergravel filters, although always considered them. Instead I used in tank motor filters, that I only cleaned partly every time, to keep the bio filtering. I also rarely changed the water, with a very well stocked tank, and the plants grew like crazy.. To remove excess nitrate I just removed the plant "surplus". :) The worry I had for undergravel filter was I wanted very fine substrate, and I've never seen fine meshed undergravel filters...
Never argue with a man in a suit!! I confess that a plastic UG tray has always been the foundation of my aquarium systems. 38 years later, and my tanks do pretty good :)
@@TheAquariumLibrary Oh no, I don't disagree at all. I think the misunderstanding about UGs, all stems from what the concept of "filter" is. Call them substrate circulation systems, and that's exactly what they are. Water circulation in the substrate. It then happens that the water can be clarified of floating particulate matter and a vigorous beneficial bacterial culture will be established in the enormous surface area of the substrate. I like planted tanks, so I have always run trickle flow in reverse, from the Eheim developed UG system of the 1980's. My plant growth is lush.
@@AussieAquatic Yeah, would also have to agree that a lot of people don't understand what a filter actually is or does. Therefore they don't understand how an undergravel filter works, or a substrate circulation system, which sounds better in my opinion.
Totally agree! I used them in the 70s and they worked great. My local aquarium shop had them in all his tanks. I am starting up a big tank and definitely will be using an undergravel filter. I will be using the shop vacuum for cleaning the system once a month.
Hello and thanks for your video. I use canister and HOB filters. But I have always seen the aquarium stores using UGFs. I have come to like the simplicity of the UGF. I am planning in my next tank to use one and I might have an idea or two to try and make it a better Filter. But we’ll see. Much love for UGFs. And thanks again for your vid.
Fantastic video and defense! I have long been a fan of all forms of air driven filtration, and I think you hit the nail on the head when you spoke about the business models of other types of filtration. Of course we're going to be marketed filters and systems that have supplementary puchases associated with them, much more so than we're going to be marketed a filter (sponge, box, or undergravel) that lasts for years and years and years. In turn, the more something is marketed to us, the more we as consumers believe the hype surrounding something. Even if you were to look at the external filter market in isolation, there is very little difference between a brand new model and one that was released ten years ago. But of course the marketing will suggest that it has the latest technology, scientifically proven.... blah blah blah. The reality is, in it's simplest form, the aqurium industry is not as profitable for manufacturers and our knowledge base pays the price as a consequence. Anyhow, that was a rambling way of saying - Nice work! And thanks!!
Thank you, I am glad you appreciated the video. You said it well, that an informed and knowledgable person realizes that all they need for their tank is a simple air driven filtration system to do the biological and potentially mechanical filtration for the tank. Not a filter 10x the cost to purchase and many more times to operate.
I hate watching utube videos. I am so impatient and i don't focus easily on learning videos either. I'll always find the video that is a minute or two. Yours was lengthy but yet i was captivated and coukdnt focus on anything but what you were saying. I loved it so thank you. I am also old school and have always had tanks with this filtration and i keep cichlids so u are correct in all that you said and i hope more people pay attention to this complaint and try for themselves. They will save money... time..and save the lives of many more 🐠 i believe. So if you want to promote a healthy aquatic environment... Listen to this video people ...he's not wrong!!!!
I love UGFs. I see them as an oversized box filter. I use the modular UGF in the back of my tank and it also gives me the lift during aquascaping. I can save on fill rocks and substrate, and the filter also pulls water and small debris down towards the roots. Every 6 months or so I just stick tubing down the uplift tube. If the water flow is too high, it can cause some root trimming to tender roots but like you said, if flow and oxygen kill roots aquaponics wouldn't work or plants where the body of water is situated above a ground water table or aquifer. Can't leak if it's in water!
Huh. I hadn’t thought of them as an oversized box filter before. That is another plus side that I forgot to mention in the video is that the plates use up more space so less substrate has to be used. Also you can put rocks directly onto the UGF plays and not worry about pressure points on an aquarium bottom. Exactly. Some roots very well could be sloughed off if the flow is too high, but I’ve never noticed root pieces coming out of my UGF. I think the best part of sponge filters, box filters, and UGF is they don’t leak out of the tank when they break or crack because they are in water as you said!
Yes, yes and yes. Under gravel filtration is best. Used it in aquaria for a long time, myself, am also setting up a pvc pipe UGF system for a big pond in the yard at this very minute. UGF is lower maintainence; my water parameters are PERFECT, plants and fish are thriving, and the operating costs are a fraction relative to canisters and other methods. I love the guys down at the local aquarium shop but the put down of UGF is 90% about the industry's inability to upsell product to people using this type of filteration. I'd also like to add that a lot of the industry is directed toward newbies who spend a lot of money then leave after a year or two then move on. Unfortunately, many of those hobbyists just don't bump into a proper advocate of UGF to learn about its many advantages.However, for those who have enjoyed this culture for years it's a no brainer. I 'd just like to add one more extremely important positive about UGFs if I could: They have the potential to colonise considerably more aerobically active surface area for nitrofying bacteria than canister filters because they're engaging the surface contents of the entire tank substrate. One commentator here put it perfectly when he punned 'if your not using UGF, your substrait is dead in the water'. BTW, I love the suit🙂
I love your video!! Thank you so much for sharing. I keep hearing about plants with a root system clogging up the UGF. I have both rooted planted and others that don't require that like anubius. Just wondering cuz you're making me a believer and realizing what I've always known for fact but never admitted it. That is, it's all about money and continuous buying to keep it going! Thank you!
Yeah I hear people say that clogging up the UGF is a common thing as well but I lacks any merit in my opinion and from my experience. I can understand not believing it because for awhile I didn’t think it would work either. I decided so what if my plants die I want to see if this actually works or not and not have other people telling me it doesn’t.
Undergravel filters are hard to beat. Have never had issues with them and I can go longer without water changes. Will never spend hundred of dollars on canister filters when UGF’s are just as good or better IMO.
And might I add.... Those back hanging filters .. Seem to filter what you can see...the undergravel filters what you cannot see. That being heard helped me to keep it real simple.
I love how few moving parts come with an UGF and how even in air stops flowing for a little while it isn’t the end of the world. But that would be the case for a HOB filter or canister filter
So before you sit down in that jacket, you want to pull the back down as you sit so you end up slightly sitting on it. It keeps the shoulders from bunching up behind your head and gives you a smooth line. I use undergravel filters as slow moving plenums in anoxic systems on all my tanks now. Work great. I keep cichlids. Yup, just put a mesh layer down in the substrate (about an inch from the top) so they can only dig down so far. It also gives plants a chance to root down so when they move the gravel, they don't get uprooted.
Thank you for the suit tip. I had gotten up and down so many times getting rid I completely forgot to check how it looked. What plants are you growing with your cichlids?
@@TheAquariumLibrary In my cichlid tanks I just keep elodea and hornwart. I planted the elodea in sections like gardens. My cichlid tanks are not heavily planted. I keep meaning to add some ferns and moss to them too, but I haven't gotten around to it. I keep a couple non-cichlid tanks that are more heavily planted, mostly due to dwarf sag overrunning them. I just got into plants when I converted my tanks, so I started with the hardest things to kill and gave them a few weeks to establish before adding the fish. Occasionally the cichlids will yank a stem out, but that's why I chose elodea. It's fine floating until I get a chance to replant and they replant easily.
My Dad had several good size tanks when I was a kid, sad to say that was about 60 years ago. He used under gravel filters exclusively with air pumps. His tanks had lush live plants and were heavily stocked. I don't remember him having problems with the tanks and I also don't remember him doing a lot of maintenance? When I got my first tank about 30 years ago I didn't ask him for any advise, he has passed away now and I have spent a fortune trying to learn what he knew years ago. I have finally gone to under gravel filters and have had great success with them! I do run a sponge filter along with them. Good video, a bit long winded but I agree with the advice!
I'm sorry to hear that you were never able to learn from him his tricks to using UGF. I am actually setting up a new tank in the near future utilizing a UGF system talked about by Dr. Kevin Novak here on youtube and that very well might be a very similar set up to what your dad used. His videos would be worth a watch if you haven't seen them. Though if you thought this video was long winded, I don't know what you will think of his, as they are mostly as long if not longer than this one. lol
@@TheAquariumLibrary Thanks for getting back. I have watched some of kevin's videos and you are correct, he does make it look like you get right to the point, HA. I am considering setting up a tank following his directions. Unfortunately I retired recently and moved from 3600 square foot house to my cottage which is about a third of the space. I have three tanks running now, not quite begging space to install number four, but that may be required?
Very true I use a ugf as a slow moving plenem with clay capped with aqua slow with a cut down uplift tube using a low powered airpump to make it slow flow to convert phosphates n nitrates aswell as ammonia n nitrites can't beat it best filtration ever I also use hobs n canisters but ug is the best
@@TheAquariumLibrary no not anymore. But it was cheap and cool. If only we knew not to wash the gravel when changing water. All the good bacteria died every time 😂
I've always loved UGFs, with powerheads they really smash filtration. I have also used them in reverse, mechanical pre-filtering via a sump or cannister, then pushing the water down the uplift to feed the gravel bacteria. I also find plants grow much better with UGF, their roots are in the nitrate factory, it's so easy!
In years past when I had aquariums. I had Ug filters in all, great success.But once again its follow the money.Aquarium industry realised they need to dazzle and convince the public of new canister,hang on back, and whatever else they can think of to get your money. Im setting up a new 55 gallon, I have a Sun Sun 302not connected yet, two hang on backs and a sponge filter. 5 small healthy goldfish are helping to create the cycle. I'm waiting on an under gravel to set up properly, and will last for years with little maintenance that will last for years
Iam just getting back into the hobby after 25 years..my last tank, a 74 gal bowfront ended up as a planted tank mostly. I ran 2 powerheads on undergravel filters with an over the back filter. The water was cleaner than my tap water. I would go over a month between cleanings. I asked the local fish shop about undergravel filters and they laughed at me.
its an under gravel plant food concentrator... give me a break... thank you for making this... your logic and experience are decisive. the tie helped...
Excellent video Andrew we used to have underground filters back in the 60s and box filters I still use a couple of box filters on to small tanks. But on my big tank I have canister filter for my discus tank more videos please stay safe love to all the family .George in England👍😂🙏
Millennial here. And I use UGF (the interlocking type) for a blackwater, planted wild betta aquarium. And it's air-powered at that. There are crypts rooting & growing well, as well as JF, anubias & water sprite. Guess what? This aquarium has been running for 3 years. No sick fish. Plant growth has been phenomenal! No nitrate spikes. I perform minimal water changes (25% every 2 weeks) since S.E. Asian swamp habitats are very stable & experience minimal fluctuations, in the wild. And I vacuum only the unplanted areas of the substrate (coarse river sand harvested from a clean stream, 3/8" in diameter), during water changes. Bro! There is no better filter for creating very stable aquatic environments than a UGF. Think about it. A power-filter moves more water, turnover rate-wise but does that translate to it being "better" when it comes to biological filtration? No, duh! The beneficial bacteria are mostly in the substrate. Thus, it's only logical that we harness the power of substrate bacteria. The hate that UGF receives, I believe is solely from a marketing angle. LFS are profit-driven. UGFs are cheap. Terrible combination, business-wise. Thus, all those myths & rumors spread against buying UGF. And the new generation of fishkeepers today are mostly POSERS. Many of them have yet to even master the basics of aquaristics, yet there they go wasting money unnecessarily on all manner of tech & fancy gadgets deemed Instagram-worthy. They come & go while time-honored connoisseurs in the hobby still have their same old UGFs bubbling away for the last 30 years. Generations of fries raised successfully by "Boomer filters." Who cares if the UGF were the pleb's go-to aquarium filter? It works!
Have you had your crypts sending out runners and propagating? Completely agree, why not transform our entire substrate into a filter instead of adding an additional one onto it. I completely agree with what you said about the marketing angle. Selling someone a product once and having them come back 50 years later to buy a replacement is terrible for the business when they think about it short term. I think they are looking at it the wrong way. They seem to be in it for only the short term profit of selling a cheap filter that needs replacement cartridges, replacement parts, and eventually a new filter. Instead of that model, what if people found success with the hobby, stayed for a long time, started to want more challenging and expensive fish, and wanted to set up more tanks to enjoy more fish because they have had such good to success with their "cheap UGF". I'd love to hear who you think are posers. I have really been in the youtube game for 3 years, but have been keeping fish for 15 years at this point. I think, surprisingly, that people are starting to wake up and think for themselves when it comes to fish tanks and not trusting what their fish stores say. LONG LIVE THE PLEBS FILTER!
@@TheAquariumLibrary Runners? My crypts exploded in growth, just 3 months into life in my UGF-run 75 gallon long! I've got 3 varieties of the hardy C. wendtii in there (green, Tropica & Mi Oya). And tbh, I went el cheapo & bought a single pot of each variety; dividing every potted clump into individual plants. The overall look of the tank was sparse, back then. Today? I have to keep pulling out runners in order to maintain the size of each crypt colony! Pardon my crypt rant but when friends & fellow blackwater, wild betta geeks saw this UGF-run tank of mine? They were all *blown away* by how such a lush tank is possible without CO² injection & a power filter. The secret is this... Personally, I have visited the habitats of cryptocorynes in the wild, in South East Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, The Philippines & Thailand). And I've studied the substrate composition at each site. There are basically 2 types of crypts in Nature. Riverine crypts such as C. affinis that grow in river rapids that flow over a limestone topography. And? The swamp crypts that grow in sand/mud that's rich in organics from fallen leaf litter. So, the crypts can either source for carbon from the soil organics or in the case of riverine species, from calcium carbonate in their hardwater habitat. Ok! Back to our UGF topic of discussion. So, botanists typically recommend that a substrate of washed (coarse) river sand be used for the submerged cultivation of crypts in an aquarium. And I use lots of 'botanicals' (tree leaves, seed pods, etc) in my tank. This is where the UGF is just brilliant! As the botanicals slowly break down? The UGF pulls those little bits of organic goodies into the substrate. And you guessed it, the crypts love it! They're receiving nutrition as they would in the wild & the best part is since the whole substrate has water circulating through it, these organics do not get a chance to break down anaerobically. The nitrifying bacteria breaks down the organics into useable nutrients & the crypts mop 'em up! That's the "magic" of the UGF although, granted my tank is lightly stocked thus, it's able to cope with extra organic build up in the substrate. Still, the UGF would work perfectly well for a moderately & even slightly overstocked community tank. Dude, the LFS closest to my home, down the blocks have been in business for 4 decades. And it has been passed down from father to son - including the UGF! Their tanks are slighy overstocked & yet, the fish are healthy & happy. Every tank has a UGF! So, who are the posers slamming down the UGF hard like a bunch of zealots? I can tell you this. You won't find them on YT. Nor will you find them in real life. It's only in *online forum boards* where all of them congregate & unfortunately, troll! There is NO tangible evidence on part of these naysayers to suggest that the UGF does not work when, instead we can see an overwhelming number of undisputed proof that it actually does! So, who are these posers? They are just a bunch of internet edgelords with zero experience when it comes to UGFs; who yak on the same old regurgitated myths just so that they can hate on something. A very sick internet culture, if you asked me. And you're absolutely right! If they could enjoy more success than failures in this hobby, then we've got ourselves a new generation of experts in the making; just like those before us. And where did they start? UGFs. And box filters. Stuff works! So should these new kids on the block do too. And perhaps the best thing about these old-school "bubbler-type" filters is that in the event of a power cut, all one has to do is hook on a battery-powered air-pump & the filter continues to run! No fuss, no panic. Try that on a motorised power-filter! All you will see is a stressed out fishkeeper going, "Oh, God! Oh, no! Jesus Christ!" 😣😵 God: "Get a UGF..." 💁 🤣🤣🤣 Sorry, theists. Just joking but you get the idea, right? Simple is best. And I'm happy to see more people giving UGFs a go. As you said it, we can't depend on a retailer to tell us what is good or bad because in their eyes? Anything that yields the most profit is good! Sure, to them it's good but we are the hobbyists - custodians of our captive collection. The latter very often requiring modest demands to thrive, not a chock-full of unnecessary products on the market out there; a dizzying array at that. I liken a UGF to an introvert. It's quiet. Hidden. Seemingly doing nothing. It's performance, however is undeniable. That's what matters: stable aquarium conditions. And lastly, contrary to the myths the UGF isn't at all old-fashioned. In fact? The UGF has come a long way since it's predecessors (just Google Image search 'Hobby Gully Filters') & you'll see a green colored aquarium fossil - I still have those too! Lol! 🤣
If you only put sand without an undergravel system, the water down there in your tank will become stagnant. It's a dead water down there. You'll achieve the clearest water with an undergravel system, though it may slightly reduce your fish tank's height. Trust me I have been raising fish for over 32 years.
My 300-gallon tropical freshwater tank uses an underground filter with 8 lift tubes into which flexible tubing connected to a massive and seriously overpowered air pump forces fine bubbles through airstones to create a turbulent and rapid turnover of the water column. I live close to the Equator way out in the sticks where there are NO aquarium shops, so finding the right plants from a nearby jungle river that will grow under moderately bright LED lights in a substrate of pure white river sand is a work in progress. The final look I envision for this tank will entail installing as few plants as I can get away with, such that there is no nitrate buildup over time.
A good way to clean underneath the filter is to drill the bottom of the tank before you add water and add a bulkhead and drainage system. Obviously a small hole will have to be made in the stand underneath to allow for the drainage . To clean you just turn on the tap and it drains the dirt trapped underneath the gravel filter. Only risk is if seal goes on bulk head the water will leak out.
This is true, but I personally don't see a great need to clean out underneath the plate, and any drilled part of an aquarium is just one more place for it to leak. So I try to avoid drilled aquariums when I can.
A sharp dressed man indeed👍😁 Great explanation on undergravel filters and how they work! Thank you, you brought the defense on the "old and outdated!" (I know that feeling 🤣) I had an undergravel filter in a cichlid tank years ago and it was a wonderful tank! Great topic and advice Andrew!! I have been considering doing a reverse flow under gravel in a planted tank🤔 I hope you're having a blessed day!! Thank you for sharing!🙏🌿🐟🌿
I have also considered doing a reverse flow undergravel filter but haven’t had the tank to try it in yet. I want to do it and have to equipment to, but haven’t yet.
It is also good to hear that you enjoyed the video and found the defense adequate. You mentioned earlier that you liked the thumbnail, which one was it? The every man’a filter or the current on. I am going back and forth on which one I like more.
@@AussieAquatic 🤣🤣I love you Colin....🤣🤣 I would have no idea who that is? 🤷🤔 I believe my research on the reverse flow led me to meeting one of my favorite people in the whole wide world🤗🙏🙌 I hope you're having a great day!!💚🌿🐟🌿
I love you made this video because I have a wonderful 125g tank that has gravel filters with sponge filters and they both have integrated plants in them it's like supercharged water filtration
I’m glad to hear that you enjoy it. I hate that people just bash to bash on UGF and there isn’t any other voices saying hold on, let me tell you something slightly different. Wow, that sounds like a dream tank. A 125 planted with some inexpensive filtration options on it. What plants do you have in it?
Starting using undergravel filters to breed shrimp. Worked so much better than my expectations. I've barely had to do any water changes since setting it up. (heavily planted)
@@TheAquariumLibrary yeah, the population just exploded. The tank hits it's bio-load limit and you start to see algae and a few dead shrimp, back off feeding and it self corrects. I think I've had to actually gravel vac and 1/2 water change every 4-5 months, and it's not a big tank.
If there’s any solids on the bottom of the gravel filter then your lift tube is not strong enough I can’t imagine that would be solid accumulating it’s a 24 hour draw they would eventually migrate to the lift tube and then go up
Solids are actually a lot more resilient than that and are swept away at the slightest current. I've seen solids accumulating around air stones where they aren't strong enough to move the solids even though the solids are 5 inches away.
You're quite right about the beneficial properties of an UGF. The real reason that they have seen to be outdated is big companies that like to part fools from their money with external filter systems (et al) and fancy media that needs to be regularly replaced. Domestic Fish keeping has been around for well over 100 years and in all that time UGF was the main stay of the hobby. The truth of this hobby is setting up an ecologically well balanced tank, not artificially induced crystal clear water that is too sterile. The well being and happiness of all living creatures within a tank (fish, plants, inverts, etc.) is of paramount importance to a dedicated fish keeper, striking the natural balance is a fine art that can only be accomplished with knowledge, dedication and good tank husbandry. Let the fools pay through the nose for unwarranted additional materials, I'll just stick with mother nature's simple rules, it works for me.
100% agree with you. If you make an ecologically well balanced tank and understand what is happening in your tank you are off to a really successful start. The sad thing is they may not even know that they are fools, and think they are really smart for using the external filters and additional materials. I hope some of them stumble across this video and reconsider all they know about UGF and realize there is another way that works well and might even work better than what they are using currently.
11:20 yes correct. i have tested on my 10 g tank. previously, i use canister filter (2L volume). i feel don't satisfying with water condition, i can see small things like dash flying on water. after installing UGF, my water is absolutely clear
I use a undergravel filter and a hang on filter. The undergravel filter is to make sure the air is always going in the tank and the hang on filter just help to keep the water clean and moving too. You are right if my hang on filter breaks down the undergravel filter will still be going. If the water is moving too much for the fish just turn one off no big deal
Honestly, the main reason UGF has got the shaft is probably because they take up a lot of shelf space at the store, and the profit margins per sale have to be miniscule, bordering on non-existant. You can fit a lot more, lot more profitable items in the same amount of space, so stores stopped selling them. There are other issues of course, the hobby of fish keeping has changed a lot in the past 20 odd years, now people like using dirt substrate for live plants, or fine sand - there are workarounds for these when using a UGF of course, but it may not be worth the hassle for most.
That is a deeper dive into what I was talking about for sure and I agree with you. It definitely is a lot more time to make a UGF work with sand or dirt, but not that much once you know what you need to do, ie all you need is weed fabric.
It's really strange I kept fish for over 20 years and always had under gravel filter systems in all but my smallest tanks. I come back 20 years later and i am like the heck happened to them. They work great! paired with a powerhead with air injection you can get a gorgeous, quite, crystal clear tank. here is the kicker I kept cichlids and they did great, I ran deep gravel but the digging was not that big an issue.
Yeah I’ve heard that same thing from a lot of people. I think UGF are making a resurgence and will start seeing more of them in usage as they do a great job with the tank. What type of cichlids were you keeping with that tank?
@@TheAquariumLibrary at the time I was lucky it was around 1990 and I had community tanks. my neighbor built a fish pond in his front yard. I did not really know him but liked fish so I walked over to check it out. Come to find out the dudes dad and him owned a huge comet gold fish farm!! the pond was just to hold feeders. He showed me his tanks, he had 3 huge ones in his living room . like two 500g and an 800 gallon full of Oscars, Jack Dempsey, Dovii etc. I saw one look, and was hooked as a young teen. So I started keeping Oscars and pike cichlid. the pike dug the most but I used the ridged trapaziod type UGF, so it really was not an issue. Even with a hole plenty of water was still flowing though the rocks. ended up moving over seas and that's why I got out but I am coming back :)
In 1995 i started a 20 gallon planted tank using Reverse flow Under gravel filter . I also flow the DIY sugar n yeast CO2 reactor . The power head chop up the co2 and flow it into the UGF . Therefore 100% of CO2 is absorbed. That was the most lush planted tank I ever have . Too bad , now you can’t even find UGF plate in the fish store .
everything you said was truth.... had oscars with my underground for 15+ years... no problem.... the tank split open and the filter was still ready to go
I like UGF for simplicity and "built-in" feel. Without UGF the gravel is "dead in the water" (pun intended) 😆. And yes, thanks for the insightful video.
You hit it on the head, as to why UG filters have fallen out of favor at pet stores, in my opinion. They're inexpensive and there's nothing else to buy, other than an occasional air pump......No monthly filters, carbon Ammo chips, filter media ect.
Thanks for yr reply, I thing that his point is that when you rise the ugf from the bottom you well have a better oxigenated substrate and what he says is that the substrate should have 2 to 3 inches, the reason of this is the roots and the substrate will need the oxigen to be healthy, and the roots will process the amanhã to nitrite and as the nitrite tralves through the gravel it will be converted to nitrate and then at the bottom of the tank the bacteria that lives in places with a very low amount of O2 that will convert the nitrate into harmless gases that well be eliminated from the top of the water, with this full circle nitrates at 10 parts per million or less, with this water changes only to replace old water with new minerals, so what can be done, is in this space below the ugf you can put, lava rock anything that you want because this bacteria well be established before and under the ugf, I ordered a new tank for me of 180 gallon tank with the ugf making the biological filtration and the mechanical filtration well be do with a right side sump, I think that people in the US don't use this system, very much for the mechanical filtration with this making by ugf work for ever Take care, be safe
Yup I I figured that was what that word was mixed in there. That makes sense, but I guess what I am saying have people shown that raising it up actually makes a different, or is it more dependent upon the amount of air you have at the top pulling water through or a power head pumping water through. I might experiment with it one day but currently don’t have the space to try things out like that. In your opinion, why do people in the US not use UGF. I have my thoughts, that were shared in the video, but would love to hear what you think from a third party perspective.
You say that but I am very tempted to do both. Would need to get some better mood lighting to really sell it and get the library/smoking lounge vib going
Definitely subscribing your channel for this video. I love to use Under gravel filter coz it's affordable, easy, keeps the water crystal clear and it's old school 😁 Love and respect from India 🇮🇳
Great content! I’ve used UGF, HOB, and trickle filters, and all have been good. At this point, I like UGF for aquatic animals that need low current (eg bettas, African dwarf frogs, etc). I think that, as long as they’re optimized, HOB might be more effective at biological filtration. I did an experiment years ago with a large brood of firemouth cichlid fry; half were grown out in a 29-gallon with UGF, the other half in a 29-gallon tank with HOB. All else was equal. The fry in the HOB tank grew faster. Why? Not really sure. Could’ve been better oxygenation, better filtration, both, or some other factor. Ever since then, I have generally preferred souped-up HOB, but I still use UGF for some tanks with low-flow denizens.
Hello Sir, I am Sarvesh a mechanical engineer from India. I am in aquarium hobby from last 8 years. I really enjoyed your video. Its very techno-informative & unbiased in my opinion. I would love to hear from you regarding the cheaper but efficient filtration method for medium to large tanks with large or heavy eater fishes like koi, arowana, oscars, sharks, as I am planning to do so. Really enjoyed your video, waiting for more like this.
I am glad to here you found the video informative and as unbiased as possible. I think that an UGF should be able to handle those larger fish without a problem. I have seen people utilize UGF in pond set ups with much success. I haven’t watched his videos on the subject matter because I don’t have space for larger tanks but Kevin Novak’s videos might be informative to help you create larger scale systems utilizing UGF. I think with larger systems like you are detailing the trouble will be finding UGF “plates” that are larger enough but that will just require some clever thinking and seeing what other materials you have around. Hope it works out well and if you have any other questions, let me know and I’ll try my best to help!
I'v always used under gravel filters. However, I'm not a fan of the ones that are premade and run by air. I custom make them and they work awesome. If fish like to dig, maybe more gravel is needed in the tank. Also, having an under gravel does not mean you no longer need to maintain and vacuum your gravel bed. So the gravel can be maintained to cover the filter bed bare spots regularly. I build them so they have intakes that split off to create suction into the center of the gravel bed and so they are not only causing suction from the edge where the suction tube meets the filter. They create suction from multiple directions in the center of the gravel bed making them much more efficient. I think the store bought options are actually junk and have a poor design. With the gap underneath the gravel, it also creates a more efficient pull for suctioning out the gravel as the vacuum is not bottoming out on the glass on the bottom of the tank. People who don't care for them probably need to have experience with a well built one before they form an opinion about how well they work. Mine work awesome!
So then how do you power yours if not by air? Do you use a powerhead, or do you just not like the premade ones that run on air, and yours do a better job but also run on air?
Ever heard of the saying … keep it simple, stupid, Seems like people who kept fish in the 80s used this method with success, totally agree with what you say about what people like to show off their stuff, I’ve come back to the hobby after 20 years and was relieved to find I can still get this kind of filter, for about £20 , obviously with a good pump, I’m keeping it simple stupid lol it works
Yes, thank you! Just follow the money and you'll find out why the industry loves filters that require regular "maintenance" purchases such as charcoal and floss pods.
I had a 75 g late 80s to early 90s i had UGF 4 up tubes two on the end had power heads the two in middle had air stones powered by a second nature whisper 1000 a marineland hang on back waterfall type with crushed coral and live rock undulate trigger niger trigger and a jeweled moray Eeel crushed coral kept ph perfect added a little salt every two weeks or so and 25 % water change once a month@@TheAquariumLibrary @TheAquariumLibrary on twoon two
Agree 100% with your explanation. Other people want to do it another way, go for it. Your fish will die before mine. It’s going to be a matter of time. Your choice! Good luck
👋Don't forget to subscribe for more awesome fish videos: ua-cam.com/channels/vPFi0M72NERe2QWgShrciw.html
Subscribe already. Thanks for the knowledge.
Awesome thank you for subscribing and hopefully you learned so new things or are thinking about them differently now.
@@TheAquariumLibrary I'm just getting into the fish hobby
& have been doing a lot of research on the under gravel filters
I think from what you described is just what I'm looking for.
I have a 75 gal I've got a lot of live plant's to put in it & I took
time to look at the comments on here & I'm interested in how
would I connect a power head on the tubes (I'm only using 2).
The tubes don't fit the power head on the pump, do I use a hose
that will fit the tube & the power head or how does that work?
cause I'm lost on this kind of thing, can you help me out ?
❤🧡💛💚💙💜
Thank You, I have been an aquarist since I was a kid and always without an exception used UGF. I see all these guys on youtube constantly worrying about about ammonia spikes or high nitrates and I don"t give that a second thought. I check water parameters maybe once to twice a month and everytime 0 across the board. The filter companies distracted us from what works so they can continue to make money from us. UGF perfectly mimics nature. Unfortunately, most people DO NOT GET IT. Thanks for putting the word out. Be well.
You’re welcome. And I completely agree with what you said about the filter companies. Not a lot of money in a one time purchase that lasts for decades. Can’t say that about too many other filters out there.
Been keeping fish since I was 13. UGFs have always been solid for me. There is something to the deep substrate/anoxic approach (those people hate UGFs) but you can do both in your aquarium if you set it up right.
I have used undergravel filters for over 40 years. I will continue to use them. Depending on the fish tank I MAY use additional outside filter. Most of the time I have ONLY undergravel. No issues. Low maintenance. More natural. I also use LIVE (and a minimal amount of plastic) plants. I have both salt water and fresh water tanks.
Thanks for sharing! How large are the tanks that have UGF on them?
Best low maintenance filter I have ever used, First thing I noticed when I changed to a canister(wife complaining about the noise) is that all my very healthy plants slowly withered and died. Its also a great method for starting off the nitrogen cycle, just take a handful of gravel from a well established tank, spread out over the new gravel and away you go. As long as you don't go crazy with over stocking it will never fail.
Another good filter is the hamburg matten filter, basically a UGF on its side if you think about.
UA-camrs cannot get much clawback by recomending a $20 UGF compared to $300 canister with all the replacable media you need to buy.
Amen, bro, amen!
Your defense of UGFs made me subscribe to your channel. Old school here....
same here
I appreciate it.
I was out of the hobby for the last 30 years, and now that I'm back, I'm surprised to see that UGFs have been phased out. For 20 years before, I used UGFs WITH my HOBs for mechanical filtration. (I think that people don't like the UGFs because they trap the detrius under the gravel. THAT'S THE POINT! The detrius turns into beneficial bacteria, and is GOOD for the fish. Just gravel-vac the gravel, and let the filters take care of the rest...) You are spot on with all your comments and opinions. THANK YOU.
I also have been surprised at the drastic swing away from UGF and their fallout with most fish keepers. I just set up a new tank that is going to have an undergravel filter with a power head and spread bar. Talk about fancy! I feel as though there are a lot of people that use them but don’t say much about them for fear of people calling them out about how bad they are for using such an outdated filtration system. I hope you find enjoyment in the hobby after so many years away!
You can still buy them, but hurry because every place I've seen them at are on clearance.
I haven’t been seeing as many of them as I used to but I haven’t seen them on clearance.
@@TheAquariumLibrary the PetSmart(s) and Petcos in my area have them on clearance.
I haven't seen any ugf's in any of the fish store's I've been to lately.
I stand by ugf's even though I'm not using one now.
The only thing that I can think of that would be a detriment is the lack of anaerobic area's in the aquarium.
I'm not an expert though.
What causes algae?
I use an under-gravel filter and an over-the-back (side) filter.
For me I wanted a way to clean the gravel without touching it, but also like water circulation the over-the-back provides.
Thumb up for the use of “Malarkey” and for the sharp suit!
Thank you! Malarkey is such a fun word to say and use.
22:20
Yet ,,Bada Bing, Bada Bum" is the real giveaway that he is a member of the aquarium mafia.
A few more malarkey and we’d have a drinking game 🤔
Man I am SO happy I found this video! I always thought they were a no brainer but never have used one cause I was always talked out of it, but now I know!
I am so thankful I have found your channel. You are confirming so many things I thought I had a grasp on. I was starting to believe HOB filters or sponge filters were superior to the under gravel filters I used in the late 80’s and early 90’s for my Jack Dempsey’s, Convicts and Oscars.
I am slowly making my way through your videos. Thank you for so much reassurances and teaching.
You’re very welcome. I am actually going to be trying out an even older way of using UGF promoted by Dr. Kevin Novak that seem to me to make the most sense. More sense than the traditional high flow UGF with powerheads or lots of air. I ran a mini experiment with one of my tanks just to see how it compares and it is crazy that differences. The level of compaction and flow between a low flow and high flow with a power head was leagues of differences. And overall the tank has performed better than my high tech tank even though they have the same plants.
I’m setting up a new tank here shortly and am going to try it the slow flow way and see how it does. Based on everything he has talked about and other peoples results it should work out splendidly.
@@TheAquariumLibrary I anxiously await your results.
UGF for the win! I just got back into the hobby (AGAIN!) a few years ago and initially went with the trend of HOB ... I have since replaced them all with sponge filters and as I rebuild/expand my fishroom (40 tanks and counting) I will be changing over all non breeding tanks to UGF that I will custom build using pvc. UGF are still, imo, the best filtration for anything other than bare-bottomed breeding tanks. I'm not a fan of bare tanks, lots of plants and no water changes are the way to go, but for the best breeding results I have found that bare bottom and a sponge to handle all the excess wasted food that goes along with breeding are the best. Great video, thanks!
Agreed, I've used hang on back, over head and under gravel so far and nothing beats an under gravel filter.. i also put my siphon pipe into the lift tubes to siphon water from under the filter and use a gravel vacuum for the gravel cleaning and ice never had issues with ammonia
I literally just got a 135 planted discus tank set up and I have 3 under gravel filters in it and a tidal hang on back and couldn’t be happier. The hang on back is just for more surface agitation and water movement! These are great for planted tanks!
Did you follow any specific instructions for you discus tanks when setting up the UGF? I think they are also great for planted tanks and about to set up a 65 gallon with one.
@@TheAquariumLibrary I just put the plates in the tank with thick layer of pea gravel and sand . I have jar stones at the bottom of my lift tubes with elbows at the top that I removed the carbon from. As long as you have good air pumps that are strong enough for a tank that size you’re good I think. Also would you recommend I clean out the waste under the plates every now and again or just let my plants use it ? I’m still getting used to running under gravel filters on something this size! Thanks for the video made me feel more confident in this experiment lol
I haven’t bothered with trying to clean the stuff under my UGF for three years and don’t plan to start now. Glad it gave you some confidence to continue on in you experiment.
We had the power go out and the over the tank filters didn't start right away because they needed to be primed by filling them with water from the tank and if your not at home to prime the filter the fish go without air until you can. We have the battery powered air pumps and the underground filters kept going until the power came back on
That’s another great reason why air filtration, specifically UGF, are so good. Thank you for sharing that. There is definitely more peace of mind knowing that if you are gone and the power even flickers that your filtration will start back up again without needing to be primed.
I had a UGF years ago and loved my tank. When I decided to get back into having a fish tank, the store sold me on a canister filter, UGF's aren't available in stores in my area. I hated the canisters and HOB's. I finally decided to look for a UGF online and found them. I now have a newly set up UGF aquarium and can't wait for everything to cycle. Looking forward to basic maintenance...vacuuming and glass cleaning.
The Aquarium Library, if you have plants, you wouldn't need to clean the filter because the plants use the muck collected under the plate. Right? That's why I love undergravel filters in a planted tank.
My tanks have been running undergravel filters with powerheads for more than 30 years. No problems with any fish from small community types to a pair of tiger oscars that grew to 13" in a 55g. Just vacuum the gravel every other week or so and replace the 10 - 15 gallons that get siphoned out with the substrate cleaning. The system requires no additional maintenance and is completely silent. After all these years, even the original powerheads are still working fine.
That is what I hear so often from people. They've had them running for years now, they still are working, and still enjoy using them.
I will look into getting the needed equipment. I hope that Northwest seed will have it. Nobody else will, plus they want you to buy filters that require purchasing new filters every week or so and they don’t work well. Besides, with under gravel filtration there are no ugly over the back filters to hide with plants. Just the two back corners.
I love undergravel filters, I use mine connected to a hangover filter, that way the under gravel filter cleans the the water and the hangover filter cleans up the gunk under the bottom of the under gravel filter.
Huh. That’s a pretty good idea. Have you been able to look under your tank and see how few solids were there.
just want to share a story. as a 9year old kid in the 90s all I ever known is UGF and it works great never had to do any maintenance to it ever. water is always crystal clear even with cichlids who love to dig then around early 2000s overhead filters became popular and I hated it. it was nowhere close to the performance of UGF, then I got busy with life and school so I stopped the hobby. and a couple yrs back when I looked into fish keeping again in the late 2000s, I was surprised that UGF is not a thing anymore and overhead filters are the new norm. it was saddening.
Around Dec last year I got back into fish keeping and started an outdoor Walstad tank. Happy and excited to get back into this hobby again.
I have heard very similar stories from other people about that. I think UGF will start coming back into "style" if you will as more people get frustrated with their HOB.
19:55 I think this is a very valid point. I have used undergravel filters for years and my water is always crystal clear. People that visit and see my tank quite often comment how clear my water is. I do use my tank vacuum and clean 1/2 the gravel when I do a water change. People may think I am crazy but I can tell how healthy my tank is by how the filter media smells.
if it's healthy it's not smelly or smell fishy.
@@reklamador27 No, when it is healthy it smells earthy.
this makes so much sense... when I first started out in this hobby circa 1989 UGFs where what I used successfully. Taking a 12 year break from the hobby, when I came back to it everything was about external filters and I bought into it. However, I really wished I had stayed with worked when I started out in the hobby. If nothing else, you significantly lower the risks of leaks and flooding.
Oh well... if I ever get a 3rd tank or re do my 350 litre/ 92 US gal tank- I'm going to go back to using an UGF.
And lowering that risk is a very large thing to do when dealing with even just 10+ gallons of water. If you have a second tank, you're probably going to end up with a third tank and can put the UGF in it. After I see people go past one tank it is usually just snowballs into many more tanks.
@@TheAquariumLibrary I have 2 a 30 gal & a 75
but I also have 5 more on my porch that's empty
I just added a ugf to it with power heads & it's
looking awesome, now maybe my plants will start
growing better being that's my main goal.
I totally agree. I've never not used undergravel for 30 ought years. Always have clear water.
And that is a common theme that I have been hearing from so many people with undergravel filters. That they work and they work for a long time.
One of the best resources about (and the best articulated defense of) UGFs I have come across. Well done and thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome and I’m glad you enjoyed it. Do you have UGF up and running currently?
I am starting a new tank and the first thing is a ugf never had a problem with them . And your so right the water is always crystal clear it’s own filter and very informative video thanks
You’re very welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the video. Now I'm more confident to use under gravel filter. The thing I will add to the system is an fix hose under the filter to pump out the poop.
Glad you found the video helpful!
I've used an under gravel filter on everything big and small! It's simple and very affective. Just use a small 10 gallon submersible filter with adjustable head for more water movement for some tanks
Ugf's make me feel so nostalgic. Me and all my friends had them back in the 70's. Got back into the hobby and haven't really seen them much nowadays.
They are still out there if you look hard enough; they just aren’t pushed by stores because they make very little money on them.
I love that I found this video. Been keeping fish for 33years (since I was a kid) and I have been using UGFs since I discovered them. Never had an issue. Also on filter media in my other filters.. I never buy new media... Just rinse and reuse!!
The 1980s called, and they said they'd be willing to donate some undergravel filters 🤣.
Yep, there seems to be a "keeping up with the Jones's" attitude among some aquarists. Old, simple, and cheap doesn't always mean inferior.
I’ll take their undergravel filters and the metaframe tanks they have laying around while they are at it.
I completely agree and don’t think this hobby needs to be a “keeping up with the Jones’s”. Give me a good linear air piston pump, sponge filters, undergravel filters, and box filters and I’d be perfectly happy, and be out less money for it than all this new equipment.
@@TheAquariumLibrary The 1960s are being stingy with their slate-bottomed Metaframes...
Can you put the 1980s back on? I like them better 😂
Totally agree. I've now been using UGs for 60 years. Started making my own using plastic plumbing and plastic corrugated sheets etc. Now using the clip together type so can adapt to any tank size/shape. Now using twin power heads in a 45 gallon tank. Have kept everything from guppies to oscars. Never had to clean out beneath grid. I now use sand as a substrate and water flows thru no problem even with compacted play sand. This way never have to vac ever into substrate just lightly over surface. Just set up a new tank and as an experiment dumped soft mortar sand straight in ,filled tank, so much silt you couldn't see diddlysquat. Turned on power heads and 24 hours later water crystal clear, What's not to like ?
What UGF are you using with the sand?
I had never heard about this type of filtration before finding this video, very cool. Will be trying this on the next tank i set up!
Awesome! Hope it works as well as it does for you as it does me. P
Thanks for the great video about UGF!
There is a problem Undergravel filter that the UGF has narrow slots in the plates, which over time become covered with silt and dirt and cannot allow water flow through them.
And if aquarium tubes can be easily cleaned with a brush, then I have no idea how to clean the narrow slots of the UGF.
I will be glad if the author removes my fears!
*smiles* "This baby's got it all"
I demand more suited youtube courtroom defense videos
It was quite the fun video to make and I hope to make some more in the future
Interesting video. I've never used undergravel filters, although always considered them. Instead I used in tank motor filters, that I only cleaned partly every time, to keep the bio filtering. I also rarely changed the water, with a very well stocked tank, and the plants grew like crazy.. To remove excess nitrate I just removed the plant "surplus". :)
The worry I had for undergravel filter was I wanted very fine substrate, and I've never seen fine meshed undergravel filters...
Plant are a good way to combat nitrates.
I’ve made an UGF that should work with fine substrate like sand. It’s doable and will be posting it shortly.
Never argue with a man in a suit!!
I confess that a plastic UG tray has always been the foundation of my aquarium systems.
38 years later, and my tanks do pretty good :)
Haha, you just politely disagree 😂. Do you do reverse flow on all of yours or just regular flow? Or a combination?
@@TheAquariumLibrary Oh no, I don't disagree at all.
I think the misunderstanding about UGs, all stems from what the concept of "filter" is.
Call them substrate circulation systems, and that's exactly what they are. Water circulation in the substrate.
It then happens that the water can be clarified of floating particulate matter and a vigorous beneficial bacterial culture will be established in the enormous surface area of the substrate.
I like planted tanks, so I have always run trickle flow in reverse, from the Eheim developed UG system of the 1980's.
My plant growth is lush.
@@AussieAquatic Yeah, would also have to agree that a lot of people don't understand what a filter actually is or does. Therefore they don't understand how an undergravel filter works, or a substrate circulation system, which sounds better in my opinion.
Dr. Novak has a ton of info on this.
@@rockfella27 Yup I am familiar with his work
I added one to my turtle set-up with an inch clearance and on a can.
Turts seem to enjoy the habs with them for digging as they don't get cloudy.
For turts. Up the power on the lift. Drop a hallow or 2 down a funnel at the down.
Turn everything off.
Syphon once settled.
Totally agree! I used them in the 70s and they worked great. My local aquarium shop had them in all his tanks. I am starting up a big tank and definitely will be using an undergravel filter. I will be using the shop vacuum for cleaning the system once a month.
That is awesome! Hope you enjoy your new tank!
Well done defense! If I need an aquarium lawyer, I will give you a call. :)
Haha! You can put me on retainer if you want to. I wouldn’t be opposed.
Hello and thanks for your video. I use canister and HOB filters. But I have always seen the aquarium stores using UGFs. I have come to like the simplicity of the UGF. I am planning in my next tank to use one and I might have an idea or two to try and make it a better Filter. But we’ll see. Much love for UGFs. And thanks again for your vid.
Fantastic video and defense! I have long been a fan of all forms of air driven filtration, and I think you hit the nail on the head when you spoke about the business models of other types of filtration. Of course we're going to be marketed filters and systems that have supplementary puchases associated with them, much more so than we're going to be marketed a filter (sponge, box, or undergravel) that lasts for years and years and years. In turn, the more something is marketed to us, the more we as consumers believe the hype surrounding something. Even if you were to look at the external filter market in isolation, there is very little difference between a brand new model and one that was released ten years ago. But of course the marketing will suggest that it has the latest technology, scientifically proven.... blah blah blah. The reality is, in it's simplest form, the aqurium industry is not as profitable for manufacturers and our knowledge base pays the price as a consequence. Anyhow, that was a rambling way of saying - Nice work! And thanks!!
Thank you, I am glad you appreciated the video.
You said it well, that an informed and knowledgable person realizes that all they need for their tank is a simple air driven filtration system to do the biological and potentially mechanical filtration for the tank. Not a filter 10x the cost to purchase and many more times to operate.
I hate watching utube videos. I am so impatient and i don't focus easily on learning videos either. I'll always find the video that is a minute or two. Yours was lengthy but yet i was captivated and coukdnt focus on anything but what you were saying. I loved it so thank you. I am also old school and have always had tanks with this filtration and i keep cichlids so u are correct in all that you said and i hope more people pay attention to this complaint and try for themselves. They will save money... time..and save the lives of many more 🐠 i believe. So if you want to promote a healthy aquatic environment... Listen to this video people ...he's not wrong!!!!
I used to have a ten gallon aquarium as a teen. I am 65. I really like it. Worked great!
I love UGFs. I see them as an oversized box filter. I use the modular UGF in the back of my tank and it also gives me the lift during aquascaping. I can save on fill rocks and substrate, and the filter also pulls water and small debris down towards the roots. Every 6 months or so I just stick tubing down the uplift tube. If the water flow is too high, it can cause some root trimming to tender roots but like you said, if flow and oxygen kill roots aquaponics wouldn't work or plants where the body of water is situated above a ground water table or aquifer.
Can't leak if it's in water!
Huh. I hadn’t thought of them as an oversized box filter before. That is another plus side that I forgot to mention in the video is that the plates use up more space so less substrate has to be used. Also you can put rocks directly onto the UGF plays and not worry about pressure points on an aquarium bottom.
Exactly. Some roots very well could be sloughed off if the flow is too high, but I’ve never noticed root pieces coming out of my UGF.
I think the best part of sponge filters, box filters, and UGF is they don’t leak out of the tank when they break or crack because they are in water as you said!
Yes, yes and yes. Under gravel filtration is best. Used it in aquaria for a long time, myself, am also setting up a pvc pipe UGF system for a big pond in the yard at this very minute. UGF is lower maintainence; my water parameters are PERFECT, plants and fish are thriving, and the operating costs are a fraction relative to canisters and other methods. I love the guys down at the local aquarium shop but the put down of UGF is 90% about the industry's inability to upsell product to people using this type of filteration. I'd also like to add that a lot of the industry is directed toward newbies who spend a lot of money then leave after a year or two then move on. Unfortunately, many of those hobbyists just don't bump into a proper advocate of UGF to learn about its many advantages.However, for those who have enjoyed this culture for years it's a no brainer. I 'd just like to add one more extremely important positive about UGFs if I could: They have the potential to colonise considerably more aerobically active surface area for nitrofying bacteria than canister filters because they're engaging the surface contents of the entire tank substrate. One commentator here put it perfectly when he punned 'if your not using UGF, your substrait is dead in the water'. BTW, I love the suit🙂
Well done
I love your video!! Thank you so much for sharing. I keep hearing about plants with a root system clogging up the UGF. I have both rooted planted and others that don't require that like anubius. Just wondering cuz you're making me a believer and realizing what I've always known for fact but never admitted it. That is, it's all about money and continuous buying to keep it going! Thank you!
Yeah I hear people say that clogging up the UGF is a common thing as well but I lacks any merit in my opinion and from my experience.
I can understand not believing it because for awhile I didn’t think it would work either. I decided so what if my plants die I want to see if this actually works or not and not have other people telling me it doesn’t.
Undergravel filters are hard to beat. Have never had issues with them and I can go longer without water changes. Will never spend hundred of dollars on canister filters when UGF’s are just as good or better IMO.
And might I add.... Those back hanging filters .. Seem to filter what you can see...the undergravel filters what you cannot see. That being heard helped me to keep it real simple.
Makes perfect sense to me & I am old school anyway. Just setting up under gravel as reliability is paramount and I intend to travel.
I love how few moving parts come with an UGF and how even in air stops flowing for a little while it isn’t the end of the world. But that would be the case for a HOB filter or canister filter
So before you sit down in that jacket, you want to pull the back down as you sit so you end up slightly sitting on it. It keeps the shoulders from bunching up behind your head and gives you a smooth line.
I use undergravel filters as slow moving plenums in anoxic systems on all my tanks now. Work great. I keep cichlids. Yup, just put a mesh layer down in the substrate (about an inch from the top) so they can only dig down so far. It also gives plants a chance to root down so when they move the gravel, they don't get uprooted.
Thank you for the suit tip. I had gotten up and down so many times getting rid I completely forgot to check how it looked.
What plants are you growing with your cichlids?
@@TheAquariumLibrary In my cichlid tanks I just keep elodea and hornwart. I planted the elodea in sections like gardens. My cichlid tanks are not heavily planted. I keep meaning to add some ferns and moss to them too, but I haven't gotten around to it. I keep a couple non-cichlid tanks that are more heavily planted, mostly due to dwarf sag overrunning them. I just got into plants when I converted my tanks, so I started with the hardest things to kill and gave them a few weeks to establish before adding the fish. Occasionally the cichlids will yank a stem out, but that's why I chose elodea. It's fine floating until I get a chance to replant and they replant easily.
My Dad had several good size tanks when I was a kid, sad to say that was about 60 years ago. He used under gravel filters exclusively with air pumps. His tanks had lush live plants and were heavily stocked. I don't remember him having problems with the tanks and I also don't remember him doing a lot of maintenance? When I got my first tank about 30 years ago I didn't ask him for any advise, he has passed away now and I have spent a fortune trying to learn what he knew years ago. I have finally gone to under gravel filters and have had great success with them! I do run a sponge filter along with them.
Good video, a bit long winded but I agree with the advice!
I'm sorry to hear that you were never able to learn from him his tricks to using UGF. I am actually setting up a new tank in the near future utilizing a UGF system talked about by Dr. Kevin Novak here on youtube and that very well might be a very similar set up to what your dad used. His videos would be worth a watch if you haven't seen them. Though if you thought this video was long winded, I don't know what you will think of his, as they are mostly as long if not longer than this one. lol
@@TheAquariumLibrary Thanks for getting back. I have watched some of kevin's videos and you are correct, he does make it look like you get right to the point, HA. I am considering setting up a tank following his directions. Unfortunately I retired recently and moved from 3600 square foot house to my cottage which is about a third of the space. I have three tanks running now, not quite begging space to install number four, but that may be required?
Very true I use a ugf as a slow moving plenem with clay capped with aqua slow with a cut down uplift tube using a low powered airpump to make it slow flow to convert phosphates n nitrates aswell as ammonia n nitrites can't beat it best filtration ever I also use hobs n canisters but ug is the best
What soils did you use in your system? I am about to make a very similar system.
I'm here because I used them when I was a kid. And made one with corrugated sheets and a power head. Never knew they were so effective.
Are you still using UGF in your current tanks?
@@TheAquariumLibrary no not anymore. But it was cheap and cool. If only we knew not to wash the gravel when changing water. All the good bacteria died every time 😂
😂😂 yeah that is a pretty big whoopsies 🤣
I've always loved UGFs, with powerheads they really smash filtration. I have also used them in reverse, mechanical pre-filtering via a sump or cannister, then pushing the water down the uplift to feed the gravel bacteria. I also find plants grow much better with UGF, their roots are in the nitrate factory, it's so easy!
In years past when I had aquariums. I had Ug filters in all, great success.But once again its follow the money.Aquarium industry realised they need to dazzle and convince the public of new canister,hang on back, and whatever else they can think of to get your money. Im setting up a new 55 gallon, I have a Sun Sun 302not connected yet, two hang on backs and a sponge filter. 5 small healthy goldfish are helping to create the cycle. I'm waiting on an under gravel to set up properly, and will last for years with little maintenance that will last for years
Iam just getting back into the hobby after 25 years..my last tank, a 74 gal bowfront ended up as a planted tank mostly. I ran 2 powerheads on undergravel filters with an over the back filter. The water was cleaner than my tap water. I would go over a month between cleanings. I asked the local fish shop about undergravel filters and they laughed at me.
Substrate directly on the bottom of your tank presents more issues than people would like to know.
But a lot of people don't want to research things thoroughly.
its an under gravel plant food concentrator... give me a break... thank you for making this... your logic and experience are decisive. the tie helped...
Excellent video Andrew we used to have underground filters back in the 60s and box filters I still use a couple of box filters on to
small tanks. But on my big tank I have canister filter for my discus tank more videos please stay safe love to all the family .George in England👍😂🙏
I’m glad you enjoyed the video George! What made you change from undergravel filters to the canister filters?
Millennial here. And I use UGF (the interlocking type) for a blackwater, planted wild betta aquarium. And it's air-powered at that. There are crypts rooting & growing well, as well as JF, anubias & water sprite. Guess what?
This aquarium has been running for 3 years. No sick fish. Plant growth has been phenomenal! No nitrate spikes. I perform minimal water changes (25% every 2 weeks) since S.E. Asian swamp habitats are very stable & experience minimal fluctuations, in the wild. And I vacuum only the unplanted areas of the substrate (coarse river sand harvested from a clean stream, 3/8" in diameter), during water changes.
Bro! There is no better filter for creating very stable aquatic environments than a UGF. Think about it. A power-filter moves more water, turnover rate-wise but does that translate to it being "better" when it comes to biological filtration? No, duh! The beneficial bacteria are mostly in the substrate. Thus, it's only logical that we harness the power of substrate bacteria.
The hate that UGF receives, I believe is solely from a marketing angle. LFS are profit-driven. UGFs are cheap. Terrible combination, business-wise. Thus, all those myths & rumors spread against buying UGF. And the new generation of fishkeepers today are mostly POSERS. Many of them have yet to even master the basics of aquaristics, yet there they go wasting money unnecessarily on all manner of tech & fancy gadgets deemed Instagram-worthy. They come & go while time-honored connoisseurs in the hobby still have their same old UGFs bubbling away for the last 30 years. Generations of fries raised successfully by "Boomer filters." Who cares if the UGF were the pleb's go-to aquarium filter? It works!
Have you had your crypts sending out runners and propagating?
Completely agree, why not transform our entire substrate into a filter instead of adding an additional one onto it.
I completely agree with what you said about the marketing angle. Selling someone a product once and having them come back 50 years later to buy a replacement is terrible for the business when they think about it short term. I think they are looking at it the wrong way. They seem to be in it for only the short term profit of selling a cheap filter that needs replacement cartridges, replacement parts, and eventually a new filter.
Instead of that model, what if people found success with the hobby, stayed for a long time, started to want more challenging and expensive fish, and wanted to set up more tanks to enjoy more fish because they have had such good to success with their "cheap UGF".
I'd love to hear who you think are posers. I have really been in the youtube game for 3 years, but have been keeping fish for 15 years at this point.
I think, surprisingly, that people are starting to wake up and think for themselves when it comes to fish tanks and not trusting what their fish stores say.
LONG LIVE THE PLEBS FILTER!
@@TheAquariumLibrary Runners? My crypts exploded in growth, just 3 months into life in my UGF-run 75 gallon long! I've got 3 varieties of the hardy C. wendtii in there (green, Tropica & Mi Oya). And tbh, I went el cheapo & bought a single pot of each variety; dividing every potted clump into individual plants. The overall look of the tank was sparse, back then. Today? I have to keep pulling out runners in order to maintain the size of each crypt colony!
Pardon my crypt rant but when friends & fellow blackwater, wild betta geeks saw this UGF-run tank of mine? They were all *blown away* by how such a lush tank is possible without CO² injection & a power filter. The secret is this...
Personally, I have visited the habitats of cryptocorynes in the wild, in South East Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, The Philippines & Thailand). And I've studied the substrate composition at each site. There are basically 2 types of crypts in Nature. Riverine crypts such as C. affinis that grow in river rapids that flow over a limestone topography. And? The swamp crypts that grow in sand/mud that's rich in organics from fallen leaf litter. So, the crypts can either source for carbon from the soil organics or in the case of riverine species, from calcium carbonate in their hardwater habitat. Ok! Back to our UGF topic of discussion.
So, botanists typically recommend that a substrate of washed (coarse) river sand be used for the submerged cultivation of crypts in an aquarium. And I use lots of 'botanicals' (tree leaves, seed pods, etc) in my tank. This is where the UGF is just brilliant! As the botanicals slowly break down? The UGF pulls those little bits of organic goodies into the substrate. And you guessed it, the crypts love it! They're receiving nutrition as they would in the wild & the best part is since the whole substrate has water circulating through it, these organics do not get a chance to break down anaerobically. The nitrifying bacteria breaks down the organics into useable nutrients & the crypts mop 'em up!
That's the "magic" of the UGF although, granted my tank is lightly stocked thus, it's able to cope with extra organic build up in the substrate. Still, the UGF would work perfectly well for a moderately & even slightly overstocked community tank. Dude, the LFS closest to my home, down the blocks have been in business for 4 decades. And it has been passed down from father to son - including the UGF! Their tanks are slighy overstocked & yet, the fish are healthy & happy. Every tank has a UGF!
So, who are the posers slamming down the UGF hard like a bunch of zealots? I can tell you this. You won't find them on YT. Nor will you find them in real life. It's only in *online forum boards* where all of them congregate & unfortunately, troll! There is NO tangible evidence on part of these naysayers to suggest that the UGF does not work when, instead we can see an overwhelming number of undisputed proof that it actually does! So, who are these posers? They are just a bunch of internet edgelords with zero experience when it comes to UGFs; who yak on the same old regurgitated myths just so that they can hate on something. A very sick internet culture, if you asked me.
And you're absolutely right! If they could enjoy more success than failures in this hobby, then we've got ourselves a new generation of experts in the making; just like those before us. And where did they start? UGFs. And box filters. Stuff works! So should these new kids on the block do too. And perhaps the best thing about these old-school "bubbler-type" filters is that in the event of a power cut, all one has to do is hook on a battery-powered air-pump & the filter continues to run! No fuss, no panic. Try that on a motorised power-filter! All you will see is a stressed out fishkeeper going, "Oh, God! Oh, no! Jesus Christ!" 😣😵
God: "Get a UGF..." 💁
🤣🤣🤣
Sorry, theists. Just joking but you get the idea, right? Simple is best. And I'm happy to see more people giving UGFs a go. As you said it, we can't depend on a retailer to tell us what is good or bad because in their eyes? Anything that yields the most profit is good! Sure, to them it's good but we are the hobbyists - custodians of our captive collection. The latter very often requiring modest demands to thrive, not a chock-full of unnecessary products on the market out there; a dizzying array at that.
I liken a UGF to an introvert. It's quiet. Hidden. Seemingly doing nothing. It's performance, however is undeniable. That's what matters: stable aquarium conditions. And lastly, contrary to the myths the UGF isn't at all old-fashioned. In fact? The UGF has come a long way since it's predecessors (just Google Image search 'Hobby Gully Filters') & you'll see a green colored aquarium fossil - I still have those too! Lol! 🤣
If you only put sand without an undergravel system, the water down there in your tank will become stagnant. It's a dead water down there. You'll achieve the clearest water with an undergravel system, though it may slightly reduce your fish tank's height. Trust me I have been raising fish for over 32 years.
My 300-gallon tropical freshwater tank uses an underground filter with 8 lift tubes into which flexible tubing connected to a massive and seriously overpowered air pump forces fine bubbles through airstones to create a turbulent and rapid turnover of the water column.
I live close to the Equator way out in the sticks where there are NO aquarium shops, so finding the right plants from a nearby jungle river that will grow under moderately bright LED lights in a substrate of pure white river sand is a work in progress. The final look I envision for this tank will entail installing as few plants as I can get away with, such that there is no nitrate buildup over time.
A good way to clean underneath the filter is to drill the bottom of the tank before you add water and add a bulkhead and drainage system. Obviously a small hole will have to be made in the stand underneath to allow for the drainage . To clean you just turn on the tap and it drains the dirt trapped underneath the gravel filter. Only risk is if seal goes on bulk head the water will leak out.
This is true, but I personally don't see a great need to clean out underneath the plate, and any drilled part of an aquarium is just one more place for it to leak. So I try to avoid drilled aquariums when I can.
A sharp dressed man indeed👍😁
Great explanation on undergravel filters and how they work!
Thank you, you brought the defense on the "old and outdated!" (I know that feeling 🤣)
I had an undergravel filter in a cichlid tank years ago and it was a wonderful tank!
Great topic and advice Andrew!!
I have been considering doing a reverse flow under gravel in a planted tank🤔
I hope you're having a blessed day!! Thank you for sharing!🙏🌿🐟🌿
I have also considered doing a reverse flow undergravel filter but haven’t had the tank to try it in yet. I want to do it and have to equipment to, but haven’t yet.
It is also good to hear that you enjoyed the video and found the defense adequate. You mentioned earlier that you liked the thumbnail, which one was it? The every man’a filter or the current on. I am going back and forth on which one I like more.
I know someone that has always used reverse flow UG in planted tanks.
I can put you in touch...........LOL :)
@@AussieAquatic 🤣🤣I love you Colin....🤣🤣
I would have no idea who that is? 🤷🤔
I believe my research on the reverse flow led me to meeting one of my favorite people in the whole wide world🤗🙏🙌
I hope you're having a great day!!💚🌿🐟🌿
@@TheAquariumLibrary I've been trying to figure out which one I like the best 🤔🤣 I'm having a hard time picking which one was the best 🤣🙏 awesome 💚🌿🐟🌿
Very professionally explained. Superb. Thank for sharing bro.
You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed it. Do you use an UGF?
I love you made this video because I have a wonderful 125g tank that has gravel filters with sponge filters and they both have integrated plants in them it's like supercharged water filtration
I’m glad to hear that you enjoy it. I hate that people just bash to bash on UGF and there isn’t any other voices saying hold on, let me tell you something slightly different.
Wow, that sounds like a dream tank. A 125 planted with some inexpensive filtration options on it. What plants do you have in it?
Unbelievable!
Starting using undergravel filters to breed shrimp. Worked so much better than my expectations. I've barely had to do any water changes since setting it up. (heavily planted)
That’s awesome to hear.
@@TheAquariumLibrary yeah, the population just exploded. The tank hits it's bio-load limit and you start to see algae and a few dead shrimp, back off feeding and it self corrects. I think I've had to actually gravel vac and 1/2 water change every 4-5 months, and it's not a big tank.
If there’s any solids on the bottom of the gravel filter then your lift tube is not strong enough I can’t imagine that would be solid accumulating it’s a 24 hour draw they would eventually migrate to the lift tube and then go up
Solids are actually a lot more resilient than that and are swept away at the slightest current. I've seen solids accumulating around air stones where they aren't strong enough to move the solids even though the solids are 5 inches away.
Dude...great info..going to try one...
... I getting "masterpiece theater" flashbacks.....I like it...
Haha. Appreciate the compliment. Hope you enjoy your UGF!
You're quite right about the beneficial properties of an UGF. The real reason that they have seen to be outdated is big companies that like to part fools from their money with external filter systems (et al) and fancy media that needs to be regularly replaced. Domestic Fish keeping has been around for well over 100 years and in all that time UGF was the main stay of the hobby.
The truth of this hobby is setting up an ecologically well balanced tank, not artificially induced crystal clear water that is too sterile. The well being and happiness of all living creatures within a tank (fish, plants, inverts, etc.) is of paramount importance to a dedicated fish keeper, striking the natural balance is a fine art that can only be accomplished with knowledge, dedication and good tank husbandry.
Let the fools pay through the nose for unwarranted additional materials, I'll just stick with mother nature's simple rules, it works for me.
100% agree with you. If you make an ecologically well balanced tank and understand what is happening in your tank you are off to a really successful start. The sad thing is they may not even know that they are fools, and think they are really smart for using the external filters and additional materials. I hope some of them stumble across this video and reconsider all they know about UGF and realize there is another way that works well and might even work better than what they are using currently.
11:20 yes correct. i have tested on my 10 g tank.
previously, i use canister filter (2L volume). i feel don't satisfying with water condition, i can see small things like dash flying on water.
after installing UGF, my water is absolutely clear
There are plenum of good reasons to use an under gravel filter ;)
Excellent pun good sir.
I use a undergravel filter and a hang on filter. The undergravel filter is to make sure the air is always going in the tank and the hang on filter just help to keep the water clean and moving too. You are right if my hang on filter breaks down the undergravel filter will still be going. If the water is moving too much for the fish just turn one off no big deal
Yeah having two filters to rely upon definitely makes it easier to sleep at night or to travel away from the tank on vacation.
We still use UGF for commercial shrimp maturation tanks
Honestly, the main reason UGF has got the shaft is probably because they take up a lot of shelf space at the store, and the profit margins per sale have to be miniscule, bordering on non-existant. You can fit a lot more, lot more profitable items in the same amount of space, so stores stopped selling them. There are other issues of course, the hobby of fish keeping has changed a lot in the past 20 odd years, now people like using dirt substrate for live plants, or fine sand - there are workarounds for these when using a UGF of course, but it may not be worth the hassle for most.
That is a deeper dive into what I was talking about for sure and I agree with you. It definitely is a lot more time to make a UGF work with sand or dirt, but not that much once you know what you need to do, ie all you need is weed fabric.
It's really strange I kept fish for over 20 years and always had under gravel filter systems in all but my smallest tanks. I come back 20 years later and i am like the heck happened to them. They work great! paired with a powerhead with air injection you can get a gorgeous, quite, crystal clear tank. here is the kicker I kept cichlids and they did great, I ran deep gravel but the digging was not that big an issue.
Yeah I’ve heard that same thing from a lot of people. I think UGF are making a resurgence and will start seeing more of them in usage as they do a great job with the tank.
What type of cichlids were you keeping with that tank?
@@TheAquariumLibrary at the time I was lucky it was around 1990 and I had community tanks. my neighbor built a fish pond in his front yard. I did not really know him but liked fish so I walked over to check it out. Come to find out the dudes dad and him owned a huge comet gold fish farm!! the pond was just to hold feeders. He showed me his tanks, he had 3 huge ones in his living room . like two 500g and an 800 gallon full of Oscars, Jack Dempsey, Dovii etc. I saw one look, and was hooked as a young teen. So I started keeping Oscars and pike cichlid. the pike dug the most but I used the ridged trapaziod type UGF, so it really was not an issue. Even with a hole plenty of water was still flowing though the rocks. ended up moving over seas and that's why I got out but I am coming back :)
In 1995 i started a 20 gallon planted tank using Reverse flow Under gravel filter .
I also flow the DIY sugar n yeast CO2 reactor .
The power head chop up the co2 and flow it into the UGF .
Therefore 100% of CO2 is absorbed.
That was the most lush planted tank I ever have .
Too bad , now you can’t even find UGF plate in the fish store .
Used these in bay area starting in 1978 with hob and power heads had to start with dirty water or cycled tankwater
Have UG and using it in reverse flow. Works great!
everything you said was truth.... had oscars with my underground for 15+ years... no problem.... the tank split open and the filter was still ready to go
That’s awesome, well everything except the tank splitting apart.
I like UGF for simplicity and "built-in" feel. Without UGF the gravel is "dead in the water" (pun intended) 😆. And yes, thanks for the insightful video.
Haha. That’s actually a really good pun.
I’m glad it was an insightful video and it definitely feels more “built-in” than other filters.
You are so right, everyone else is still catching up
Let’s hope so. I hate to see and hear people struggling with aquariums with all their different products they’ve been sold.
You hit it on the head, as to why UG filters have fallen out of favor at pet stores, in my opinion. They're inexpensive and there's nothing else to buy, other than an occasional air pump......No monthly filters, carbon Ammo chips, filter media ect.
Exactly.
Thanks for yr reply, I thing that his point is that when you rise the ugf from the bottom you well have a better oxigenated substrate and what he says is that the substrate should have 2 to 3 inches, the reason of this is the roots and the substrate will need the oxigen to be healthy, and the roots will process the amanhã to nitrite and as the nitrite tralves through the gravel it will be converted to nitrate and then at the bottom of the tank the bacteria that lives in places with a very low amount of O2 that will convert the nitrate into harmless gases that well be eliminated from the top of the water, with this full circle nitrates at 10 parts per million or less, with this water changes only to replace old water with new minerals, so what can be done, is in this space below the ugf you can put, lava rock anything that you want because this bacteria well be established before and under the ugf, I ordered a new tank for me of 180 gallon tank with the ugf making the biological filtration and the mechanical filtration well be do with a right side sump, I think that people in the US don't use this system, very much for the mechanical filtration with this making by ugf work for ever
Take care, be safe
Yup I I figured that was what that word was mixed in there.
That makes sense, but I guess what I am saying have people shown that raising it up actually makes a different, or is it more dependent upon the amount of air you have at the top pulling water through or a power head pumping water through.
I might experiment with it one day but currently don’t have the space to try things out like that.
In your opinion, why do people in the US not use UGF. I have my thoughts, that were shared in the video, but would love to hear what you think from a third party perspective.
You should always wear a suit...it shows how sophisticated the hobbyist is. Maybe you should take to smoking a pipe?
You say that but I am very tempted to do both. Would need to get some better mood lighting to really sell it and get the library/smoking lounge vib going
Definitely subscribing your channel for this video. I love to use Under gravel filter coz it's affordable, easy, keeps the water crystal clear and it's old school 😁
Love and respect from India 🇮🇳
Always glad to have someone else join who loves undergravel filters as there are not many of us around.
Great content! I’ve used UGF, HOB, and trickle filters, and all have been good. At this point, I like UGF for aquatic animals that need low current (eg bettas, African dwarf frogs, etc). I think that, as long as they’re optimized, HOB might be more effective at biological filtration. I did an experiment years ago with a large brood of firemouth cichlid fry; half were grown out in a 29-gallon with UGF, the other half in a 29-gallon tank with HOB. All else was equal. The fry in the HOB tank grew faster. Why? Not really sure. Could’ve been better oxygenation, better filtration, both, or some other factor. Ever since then, I have generally preferred souped-up HOB, but I still use UGF for some tanks with low-flow denizens.
Under gravel dileter is the best, I use it in all 7tank of mine.for years now!
They are amazing filters. That is for sure.
Great presentation 👍
Excellent video. Thank you for the information, I also subscribed so keep em coming.
Keep your eyes peeled for my new video about a DIY UGF coming out in a couple weeks.
Hello Sir,
I am Sarvesh a mechanical engineer from India. I am in aquarium hobby from last 8 years. I really enjoyed your video. Its very techno-informative & unbiased in my opinion.
I would love to hear from you regarding the cheaper but efficient filtration method for medium to large tanks with large or heavy eater fishes like koi, arowana, oscars, sharks, as I am planning to do so.
Really enjoyed your video, waiting for more like this.
I am glad to here you found the video informative and as unbiased as possible.
I think that an UGF should be able to handle those larger fish without a problem. I have seen people utilize UGF in pond set ups with much success. I haven’t watched his videos on the subject matter because I don’t have space for larger tanks but Kevin Novak’s videos might be informative to help you create larger scale systems utilizing UGF.
I think with larger systems like you are detailing the trouble will be finding UGF “plates” that are larger enough but that will just require some clever thinking and seeing what other materials you have around.
Hope it works out well and if you have any other questions, let me know and I’ll try my best to help!
I'v always used under gravel filters. However, I'm not a fan of the ones that are premade and run by air. I custom make them and they work awesome. If fish like to dig, maybe more gravel is needed in the tank. Also, having an under gravel does not mean you no longer need to maintain and vacuum your gravel bed. So the gravel can be maintained to cover the filter bed bare spots regularly. I build them so they have intakes that split off to create suction into the center of the gravel bed and so they are not only causing suction from the edge where the suction tube meets the filter. They create suction from multiple directions in the center of the gravel bed making them much more efficient. I think the store bought options are actually junk and have a poor design. With the gap underneath the gravel, it also creates a more efficient pull for suctioning out the gravel as the vacuum is not bottoming out on the glass on the bottom of the tank. People who don't care for them probably need to have experience with a well built one before they form an opinion about how well they work. Mine work awesome!
So then how do you power yours if not by air? Do you use a powerhead, or do you just not like the premade ones that run on air, and yours do a better job but also run on air?
@@TheAquariumLibrary Powerheads!
Yeah powerheads will definitely move a lot more water than air lifts
@@TheAquariumLibrary I wonder how many people are opposed to under gravel filters due to not knowing how to set them up with powerheads.
I’d say most don’t know that it is possible.
They are friggin great! Been using them since the 80's.
Excellent video. Show! I have one question: can I plug this filter with carnister or sump?
I like the idea of replacing the clear life tube with black PVC against a black background (with a black powerhead).
Ever heard of the saying … keep it simple, stupid,
Seems like people who kept fish in the 80s used this method with success, totally agree with what you say about what people like to show off their stuff,
I’ve come back to the hobby after 20 years and was relieved to find I can still get this kind of filter, for about £20 , obviously with a good pump, I’m keeping it simple stupid lol it works
I've also heard it keep it stupid simple but also like keep it simple, stupid.
It really does work, and is really forgiving.
Yes, thank you! Just follow the money and you'll find out why the industry loves filters that require regular "maintenance" purchases such as charcoal and floss pods.
On saltwater aquariums, they are quite good as a secondary form of filtration with a hang on back filter or protein skimmer
Huhh, I haven't really heard of them being used in saltwater aquariums, let alone as a secondary form of filtration.
I had a 75 g late 80s to early 90s i had UGF 4 up tubes two on the end had power heads the two in middle had air stones powered by a second nature whisper 1000 a marineland hang on back waterfall type with crushed coral and live rock undulate trigger niger trigger and a jeweled moray Eeel crushed coral kept ph perfect added a little salt every two weeks or so and 25 % water change once a month@@TheAquariumLibrary @TheAquariumLibrary on twoon two
Agree 100% with your explanation. Other people want to do it another way, go for it. Your fish will die before mine. It’s going to be a matter of time. Your choice!
Good luck
Excelente sistema