Must be all these day here the channel I've been keeping fish for 55 years and I love my undergravel filters I don't know why everybody thinks they're bad they balance the aquarium beautifully never had a problem only with the planet tanks that didn't have one.
I really appriciated your video and thank you so much for sharing you precious experience. I really think somethings in this hobby will never change: flooding the floor is the first, thinking our ways are better than others is the second… I hope i’ll still be messing on my tanks like you do when i’ll be 70!
Love this video... I have 2 planted tanks with external filters, and am going to set up a third (a 65litre nano) in my office at work. This will work great and lessen the chance of flooding the office. I'm looking forward to setting up and go back to the days when I first got into fish keeping.
right there with you man ,been doing it myself for more than fifty years.and if you like sponge filter so be it use both the bubbles are good for everything in water. got ure back mate.
I havent had aquarium tanks for many years, but had great success with undergravel filters and grew many large fish. 3inch to a Lb and and a half oscars, six inch angel fish and large fancy goldfish. I tried a tank with two hang ons and a sponge filter. the fish slowly died one by one. I blame myself , likely overfeeding. Im going back to a gravel filter even though I have a sun sun 302 never used. What do you think? Many say overfilter.
I have used undergravel with 100% success and ease of maintenance. I have used hang on the side or back filters and they work but require more often cleaning and not as much nitrification area.
I just use a suckion water gravel vacumm. I do not ever remove the filter plate unless I am moving the aquarium and need to remove the gravel and decorations. I do not have clogging problems over the 60 years I have used them. They are very trouble free and easy care and have allowed me to not be burned out by too much filter cleaning...just partial water changes.
I just set my 75 gal up with the Under gravel Filtration System but I put 2 130 gph power pumps on it & there at the end of the tank facing the other end to circulate the whole tank, Hope it does what they say it does keeps aquarium clean, filters the water, helps grow plant's.
You will have great difficulty growing plants because gold fish do quite a bit of digging and moving sand. It sounds like your water circulation will not be a problem. Feeding the fish in a manner that there is no excess food is very helpful.
I appreciate your support Melinda. There are many mistakes that I have made over 60 years and have learned personally from and many that I have avoided by reading from experts. Water quality is the basis for keeping most successful fish keeping and undergravel filtration does nitrification easier, better and cheaper than any other method I have used. It is not messy.
@@JamesKing2understandinglife One can never go wrong listening to the elders. Younger people often need to learn from experience, whether it is good or bad. I just ordered the Penn Plax filter for a 55 gallon tank. Back in the 80s our small local pet shop used them in the majority of their tanks. As will most things in life, using the KISS method is better…..younger folks…if you want to know what the KISS method is, it stands for Keep It Simple Stupid.
2 years ago I set up a UG system using a small pond pump in the bottom layer, plastic lighting grate to form a hilly platform, and a layer of filter floss to cover with gravel and clay kitty litter. It worked fabulously, but now the pump seems to have burned out. I realize I didn't account for an easy way to replace it without breaking down the whole tank :-( I don't know yet, but I'm wondering if there was a build-up of mulm? Anyway, I'm thinking of redoing it using a thicker Matten filter under the gravel... anybody have thoughts on this idea? Of course I would create a way to replace the pump this time!
I thnk an undergavel filter using air bubbles to mover the water will work for you. There is no good way to make it complicated and easy to amintain long term ,that I know of. Keep it simple and use air to mover the water.
@@JamesKing2understandinglife thanks for the reply. The good news is that my pump was not burned out and the system is doing well... until it really does burn out. But I am about to make a little grow out tank for shrimplets, and will definitely go simple!
@@Jorgie1944 actually it's all still going strong, but I think I am moving the water through too quickly and there isn't a good anaerobic bacteria colony under there. About a year ago I set up a 20 gallon in my office, and to this day it's never had algae at all. The UG water is being moved with a slow air stone, and I had added a light layer of flourite on top of the clay. I think that made a huge difference. It's stocked with some platys and gouramis, so they're eating it ,too. I don't know which variable is making the difference, but it sure is great not to ever have to deal with algae! Some day I'll break down this tank and redo it... but that's still a long way off :-)
Hello, Jon Martin here 64 years old We now have a 200 gallon tank & New to the hobby. How many plates would put into this tank? Do you cover the entire bottom?
I apologize for not helping you. I cover as much of the bottom as the plates will fit. My 50s take 4 plates and cover mine quite well. Filter plates are quite inexpensive and last for my life time so far. Use a 2 inch gravel or very coarse sand over them. When starting a new aquarium you must do a thing called cycling your aquarium to avoid deadly poison ammonia build up. Nitrification bacteria is needed to be on the gravel and it takes a gradual cycling to do so. Wow! a 200 gallon tank. I have that much if I add some of my tanks for a total. You will love the undergravel system. Gravel vacumming may be difficult in such a large tank during regular partial water changes. Chlorine in city water supplies must be conditioned out so as to not kill or injure your fish during every water change. You can find answers to many questions on you tube. I have made many mistakes in keeping fish for over 65 years...I am 72. Starting your fish population slowly will help. Your baby koi Are sure to grow MUCH LARGER THAN MINE!
James, if your 71 years old you remember how inefficient UGF's are, it took tremendous air pump pressure to pull the week micro detritus up and pumped right back into the tank, soo lets see your 2021 product update here, >📽🎞🎞 @4:50 single plate frames per airtube, i would find a load of debris sitting under the far reached edges; NEW- the charcoal tip, only lasts about a few weeks (less with those slimy Koi's); and still water changes; i really like your camera work Jim, even when soft spoken it picks up video's voice 🐟.
I love food. I agree that I am much fatter than I want to be. I am pre diabetic, I am 72 years old, have a very slow metabolism, I control glucose and insulin levels with a very low carb keto diet. I have decided to not remain fat the rest of my life and have lost exactly 10.0 pounds this month in the last 13 days. I have chosen to lose weight by never over eating and it is working. I use self hypnosis from a you tube video to give me an advantage over my desire to eat more food than I need to. If I lose 10 more I will be about the same I think as in my electric catfish video. Thank You for noticing the weight gain and saying so. It was fun responding to your comment for me.
@@JamesKing2understandinglife I would've ignored this comment, or only answered briefly. This comment is off topic, rude and doesn't deserve your time. Thanks for the video, I myself am getting back to UGF and appreciate others sharing tips from their experience. Have a great day!
Sponge filters are a much better and up to date alternative. I know you may be set on your ways but overstocking a 55 gallon with koi with only a undergravel filter is just plain dumb. Keep doing you though mate. Always like watching you're videos
Dylan I agree that in some situations sponge filters work better than undergravel does. I have surprisingly fantastic results the ways I keep fish and I am glad to hear you like watching!
I ran mine with power heads and that worked really good
It is amazing how much water can be moved with a bubbler instead of a power head.
I have run under gravel filters in my 55 gallon tanks throughout the years they work Wonderful
They never fail if the air does not quit.
Must be all these day here the channel I've been keeping fish for 55 years and I love my undergravel filters I don't know why everybody thinks they're bad they balance the aquarium beautifully never had a problem only with the planet tanks that didn't have one.
The undergravel system is so easy, effective, and trouble free and inexpensive.
I really appriciated your video and thank you so much for sharing you precious experience.
I really think somethings in this hobby will never change: flooding the floor is the first, thinking our ways are better than others is the second…
I hope i’ll still be messing on my tanks like you do when i’ll be 70!
Keeping it easy, clean and effective prevent fish keeping hobby burn out that many people get.
Thank you James! I'm going to setup a 10 gallon tank, with undergravel filter. 👍🏻
They are easy cheap and incredibly effective.
Love this video... I have 2 planted tanks with external filters, and am going to set up a third (a 65litre nano) in my office at work. This will work great and lessen the chance of flooding the office. I'm looking forward to setting up and go back to the days when I first got into fish keeping.
I recommend under gravel systems, for reliabilty , effectiveness and ease pf maintenance.
Great video and yes undergravel filters are awesome . Cheap and effective good ol days
Yes they are!
right there with you man ,been doing it myself for more than fifty years.and if you like sponge filter so be it use both the bubbles are good for everything in water. got ure back mate.
Thanks Dave. I really appreciate your experienced input. Some experts only know what other experts have said.
I havent had aquarium tanks for many years, but had great success with undergravel filters and grew many large fish. 3inch to a Lb and and a half oscars, six inch angel fish and large fancy goldfish. I tried a tank with two hang ons and a sponge filter. the fish slowly died one by one. I blame myself , likely overfeeding. Im going back to a gravel filter even though I have a sun sun 302 never used. What do you think? Many say overfilter.
I have used undergravel with 100% success and ease of maintenance. I have used hang on the side or back filters and they work but require more often cleaning and not as much nitrification area.
Do these eventually get clogged on the underside of the filter plate? What kind of maintenance do you do with an under gravel filter?
I just use a suckion water gravel vacumm. I do not ever remove the filter plate unless I am moving the aquarium and need to remove the gravel and decorations. I do not have clogging problems over the 60 years I have used them. They are very trouble free and easy care and have allowed me to not be burned out by too much filter cleaning...just partial water changes.
As long as you don't crazy overfeed fish or have way too many fish in the tank, it will not happen.
I just set my 75 gal up with the Under gravel Filtration System but I put 2
130 gph power pumps on it & there at the end of the tank facing the
other end to circulate the whole tank, Hope it does what they say it does
keeps aquarium clean, filters the water, helps grow plant's.
You will have great difficulty growing plants because gold fish do quite a bit of digging and moving sand. It sounds like your water circulation will not be a problem. Feeding the fish in a manner that there is no excess food is very helpful.
Hey everybody, don’t talk down to James! You don’t keep fish for 60+ years and not learn a few things. He has “been there, done that”.
I appreciate your support Melinda. There are many mistakes that I have made over 60 years and have learned personally from and many that I have avoided by reading from experts. Water quality is the basis for keeping most successful fish keeping and undergravel filtration does nitrification easier, better and cheaper than any other method I have used. It is not messy.
@@JamesKing2understandinglife One can never go wrong listening to the elders. Younger people often need to learn from experience, whether it is good or bad. I just ordered the Penn Plax filter for a 55 gallon tank. Back in the 80s our small local pet shop used them in the majority of their tanks. As will most things in life, using the KISS method is better…..younger folks…if you want to know what the KISS method is, it stands for Keep It Simple Stupid.
What sz substrate do you use?
I would call it very very small gravel or extremely coarse sand.
You collect gravel of the road?
I did this time. I only needed 7 gallons.It was very dirty and needed lots of rinsing.Store bought gravel would be a much better choice.
Do the two plates have to be connected with the other two plates
No they do not need to be connected.
Switched to undergravel filter bc of you works great
2 years ago I set up a UG system using a small pond pump in the bottom layer, plastic lighting grate to form a hilly platform, and a layer of filter floss to cover with gravel and clay kitty litter. It worked fabulously, but now the pump seems to have burned out. I realize I didn't account for an easy way to replace it without breaking down the whole tank :-( I don't know yet, but I'm wondering if there was a build-up of mulm? Anyway, I'm thinking of redoing it using a thicker Matten filter under the gravel... anybody have thoughts on this idea? Of course I would create a way to replace the pump this time!
I thnk an undergavel filter using air bubbles to mover the water will work for you. There is no good way to make it complicated and easy to amintain long term ,that I know of. Keep it simple and use air to mover the water.
@@JamesKing2understandinglife thanks for the reply. The good news is that my pump was not burned out and the system is doing well... until it really does burn out. But I am about to make a little grow out tank for shrimplets, and will definitely go simple!
@cherylmockotr maybe the filter floss got clogged and burnt out the pump?
@@Jorgie1944 actually it's all still going strong, but I think I am moving the water through too quickly and there isn't a good anaerobic bacteria colony under there. About a year ago I set up a 20 gallon in my office, and to this day it's never had algae at all. The UG water is being moved with a slow air stone, and I had added a light layer of flourite on top of the clay. I think that made a huge difference. It's stocked with some platys and gouramis, so they're eating it ,too. I don't know which variable is making the difference, but it sure is great not to ever have to deal with algae! Some day I'll break down this tank and redo it... but that's still a long way off :-)
Could you use one inch of sand to cover area if you use some fabric to cover filter ✌️🙏🇨🇦
Most fabric would rot over the years. I find the filter plate quite adequate to prevent the sand or gravel that I use.
Thanks never thought of rot on the cloth Thanks for the reply 👍✌️🇨🇦
Ho often u clean dirt from gravel
& Often u change water
It should be done about once a month more or less during partial water changes.
Hello, Jon Martin here 64 years old We now have a 200 gallon tank & New to the hobby. How many plates would put into this tank? Do you cover the entire bottom?
I apologize for not helping you. I cover as much of the bottom as the plates will fit. My 50s take 4 plates and cover mine quite well. Filter plates are quite inexpensive and last for my life time so far. Use a 2 inch gravel or very coarse sand over them. When starting a new aquarium you must do a thing called cycling your aquarium to avoid deadly poison ammonia build up. Nitrification bacteria is needed to be on the gravel and it takes a gradual cycling to do so. Wow! a 200 gallon tank. I have that much if I add some of my tanks for a total. You will love the undergravel system. Gravel vacumming may be difficult in such a large tank during regular partial water changes. Chlorine in city water supplies must be conditioned out so as to not kill or injure your fish during every water change. You can find answers to many questions on you tube. I have made many mistakes in keeping fish for over 65 years...I am 72. Starting your fish population slowly will help. Your baby koi Are sure to grow MUCH LARGER THAN MINE!
James, if your 71 years old you remember how inefficient UGF's are, it took tremendous air pump pressure to pull the week micro detritus up and pumped right back into the tank, soo lets see your 2021 product update here, >📽🎞🎞 @4:50 single plate frames per airtube, i would find a load of debris sitting under the far reached edges; NEW- the charcoal tip, only lasts about a few weeks (less with those slimy Koi's); and still water changes; i really like your camera work Jim, even when soft spoken it picks up video's voice 🐟.
I am set in my way. UGF Are better for most applications where live plants and non digging fish are being kept.
@@JamesKing2understandinglife Alll right
That's why you use a top/back mouted filter as well as an IHG. Filters from top and from bottom
@@dustinwoolsey3292 True, but Jim has a newly designed grid, you hear him saying he tried to break open the connecting frames for more accuracy.
When watching your video, I wondered what would happen if you did not gravel vac?
The gravel bed would load up and poison gas (methane ) could be produced.
hows that shock eel mate
It passed away after eating a spiny placo.
@@JamesKing2understandinglife sorry to hear that
Um did you say you scraped up the gravel off the road? Well that's one way to do it 😅
What kind of fish are those
Koi!
a very nice video
i think u will very much enjoy dr. novak's channel, that is if u haven't already...
Thank you. I will search for it. Found it. He has some great filtration methods.
I saw your video in which you were getting shock from electric catfish. You looked so slim. Seems like you've gained weight through years.
I love food. I agree that I am much fatter than I want to be. I am pre diabetic, I am 72 years old, have a very slow metabolism, I control glucose and insulin levels with a very low carb keto diet. I have decided to not remain fat the rest of my life and have lost exactly 10.0 pounds this month in the last 13 days. I have chosen to lose weight by never over eating and it is working. I use self hypnosis from a you tube video to give me an advantage over my desire to eat more food than I need to. If I lose 10 more I will be about the same I think as in my electric catfish video. Thank You for noticing the weight gain and saying so. It was fun responding to your comment for me.
@@JamesKing2understandinglife I would've ignored this comment, or only answered briefly. This comment is off topic, rude and doesn't deserve your time. Thanks for the video, I myself am getting back to UGF and appreciate others sharing tips from their experience. Have a great day!
They're even better with power heads.
Power heads do work very well. I like the air bubbler simplicity.
Sponge filters are a much better and up to date alternative. I know you may be set on your ways but overstocking a 55 gallon with koi with only a undergravel filter is just plain dumb. Keep doing you though mate. Always like watching you're videos
Dylan I agree that in some situations sponge filters work better than undergravel does. I have surprisingly fantastic results the ways I keep fish and I am glad to hear you like watching!
Its called the KISS method learn something before calling someones setup dumb .