I have a 10 gal tank and I had 2 gold fish in it for a couple years. It is empty now but I was curious as to what I can do now? I really like colorful active fish as I have 3 kids and my 2 youngest love fish I really want to be able to get at least a couple different kinds of fish what would recommend for a smaller tank such as mine I was considering guppies but not sure how many and what other type or types of fish I could put in there with them also would I beable to put any type of algae eaters in it like snails or something? Any help would be appreciated thank you
I set up an old school 20L tank with undergravel filters just to test what the hate was all about. They work great. Water is crystal clear. Maintenance is easy. Bought some pea gravel from the home improvement store and away I went. Even plants do well for me. Don't like the bubbles popping making a mess? Throw a power head on there. You have to gravel vac anyway and pea gravel is way easier to deal with than fine substrates. They aren't in style but I wouldn't count undergravel out.
Combine an undergravel and deep(ish) substrate and one could possibly achieve a true "cycle". Anaerobic bacteria only grow in low oxygen low flow areas (such as in an undergravel filter). People generally refer to this as a plenum. It is old school technology but it is what we did before these new fangled filters and chemicals. And no, I'm nowhere close to 60 years old. Yet. Just been keeping fish for 40 years.
I ran an under gravel in every tank in the 90s. I had a 100 gallon with just 2 plates, covering maybe half of the bottom. I had about 4 inches of gravel in that baby. I had the reverse powerhead with the elbow that lets the flow go down the tube instead of up. I would reverse the flow and let the air on and bubble's would start coming out of the ground. It was really cool. I ran that aquarium for over 5 year's. I also used 2 Aquaclear 50s on the back. That was it. Worked like a charm.
@@fappingmachine100 I used cheap home improvement store pea gravel for my test. It's usually not completely inert. It depends on where they quarry it. I give it a vinegar test to see what I am dealing with. Probably better used with harder water fish for me.
Noise has been one of the main criteria for me, I could never "silence" air pump and some hang-on filters (Aquael, Blau). With canister filters it's just the outtake hose, with power heads it's the cable not touching anything it doesn't need to (it resonates).
John I am sorry for you not giving much attention to the undergraval filter, I am old school and I will always us them in any tank setup I can. I don't have any trouble with them at any time I just replace the air stones when necessary, I also have every filter that you have mentioned in this video and I say I love them all, I say it's up to the hobbyists to decide, love and respect for you and Lisa, keep up the great job on the video's.
You should also consider getting a UPS for your tank or get pumps and filters that have battery back-up. I love sumps and the best thing about them is you can get you some rubberized type of plastic box that can hold water to be your sump you don't have to use another aquarium or a manufactured product to make your sump with. Lets go a little more into under gravel filters. 1. Not over 60. 2. Under gravel filters look better than sponge, and other internal filters. 3. Under gravel filters don't really use valuable real-estate inside the tank, ok 1 inch of vertical space. 4. Periodic vacuuming could cause frequent water changes, or it may not, depends if you want to put in filter floss in the vacuum and return the water to the tank. 5. Powered by air pumps like sponge filters. Cons 1. you have to actually vacuum the gravel periodically. 2 As. pointed out finding them or even parts can be difficult.
Oh man! I love my UGF 😎 That's okay, I love my sponge and OTB filters too - lol Really a good video for newer hobbyists, nice explanations - thanks John💕👍
I am in love with canister filters. I have two on a 40. They are great for tight spaces especially if you're building furniture around the tank. I recommend the Cascade canister filter since you can dial the flow
I'm building a 2000L (280 gallon ish) aquarium. In the sump I use under gravel filtration to get the water to flow through the bio media more. I also use undergravel on my "bare bottom" it's covered in susswassertang and the neons love it. Under gravel filters have their place.
I just recently changed out my standard Tetra hang-on-the-back to a Tetra Whisper that is a hybrid of the internal canister/hang-on-the-back filters. I swapped it because the hang-on-the-back kept overflowing and leaking water. I'd come home from work with over a gallon of water on the floor. Not fun to clean up. The first time it happened admittedly was my fault because I hadn't cleaned the filter in 4-5 months. Since that first time however, every other week it would overflow with minimal grime on the filter cartridge. So I gave up and got the hybrid. The hybrid can't leak outside of the tank so I'm happy!
People will say they don't like indergravel filters but will never say why except that they're outdated or old fashioned... Any real information on those filters would be appreciated. I seriously don't care how outdated something is if it works.
I agree to disagree about under gravels, yes they are "dated" filtration, but, if set up and maintained correctly they can do the job just as good as a hang on back, sponge or internal. I've ran them for years with little to no issues, but just my opinion. I've had all the others mentioned in the video as well. They all do great with proper maintenance.
One of the best upgrades I did on an old tank was get a kit to convert an undergravel to an upflow. You flip the powerhead around, put a sponge on the intake then there is an adapter for the output of the power head to reverse flow the undergravel. It worked amazing - only downside is again, having a big sponge in the tank. I just hid 'em behind plants and went on.
I ran under gravel filters in all of my aquariums in the 90s. They work too well sometimes. I had problems growing certain plants, and I believe that they couldn't compete with the ugf's. So I only put 2 plates per 100 gallon tank. I had luck with aponegeton's. Ugf's are just fine. I do prefer to run a ugf, with a powerhead pulling the water, and an Aquaclear or 2 on back. I ran tank's with just that for year's.
hey there younger then you here and can honestly say under gravel filters work great, they are basically sponge filters that make use of your gravel instead of a sponge. great for graveled quarantine setups and shrimp tanks many bottom feeders will really appreciate an under gravel filter setup. all filters are great and have their uses ( i 100% agree that hobs are useless unless they are self priming) and places where they should be used over others.
I always used under gravel filter with two power heads! Back in the 80s. Using j-hook siphon hoses those were the days!!!!!! I had old hang on back like a breader box with noisy pump that stood up on bottom plate!Don't use them anymore! But I believe that you should always over filter your tank! I use canister filter. Cheap Aquarian 200 it has a hang on the back polishing pad on a 28 gallon tank and 55 a sun sun HW 3000 on 55.I only have to service them like every 2 -3○months I've had one running for about 3 years I just bought a new one . I do weekly water change and I definitely recommend sponge filters in every tank!! You guys are awesome love your humor and information! Very informative information made fun! I watched most of the shows and live stream. Stay safe! 🇺🇸 Everyone!!! Life is very different Now!!!
I feel like there's 2 types of people when it comes to sponge filters, you're either new or very experienced. I have a canister on my aquarium with 2 sponge filters, sponge filters are something I overlooked at first but are really versatile. If the power goes out, it's a lot easier keeping 2 sponge filters running with usb air pumps than one big canister as well as if I get fish I need to quarantine, I can take out a seeded sponge filter and put it into a quarantine tank and instantly have a quarantine tank ready.
I think the larger sizes of the Seachem Tidal is a great choice. It’s not under pressure like a canister, but it makes up for it in volume turnover. The removable basket is large enough to hold plenty of media and clean up is so easy you will actually do it…..lol
Good video. I just got my first aio tank. I’d guess the chamber in the back would be considered a sump. I’ve probably used about every type of filter too. I agree one type isn’t better than the other.
I'm a newbie. 😂😂😂 I have a 75-gallon tank with 2 back filters each one 90-gallon capacity and 3 sponge filters inside!!! 🙈🙈😂😂😂 This video is a great help!!! I believe I have a lot of filtration 😅😅😅
I have a sump on my 180 gallon tank. While technically it is under the tank, it is in my basement, and super easy to work on. Also the ugf is usually used wrong, and thus not liked. I liked a comment on bcb with ugf. I have one on a small tank, and it is almost bullet proof. Grows plants very well, and keeps fish thriving.
Hey J Have a 100g acrylic all male cichlid tank. I have 2 Tidal 110s on it turning 900 gals an hour. Tank is always crystal clear...Nice and easy with great results...
I have sponge filters, hang on back, cannister filters and 1 sump. Yes, the sump is the easiest to clean, but i have to depend on a cpr overflow since the tank isnt drilled.
Love this video! Thank you for your knowledge. Ive been scared of the word filter for awhile. My last tank i had a hang on the back filter, and i lost 3 guppies, a shrimp and a frog before i tied a little sponge onto the intake and eventually just threw the things away. Ill be looking at canister filters now. Thank you:)
Hello John I'm from the UK i have two tanks one is 4ft long by 1ft deep by 1.5ft wide and I have a 22L tank and because of your channel with all the top advice my tanks look better than ever thank you to both of you. Top youtuber and top advice/teacher
Great video. My biggest tank is a 40 breeder so I just have basic HOBs and sponge filters. I do have one 10g tank with an undergravel filter though!! Honestly I got it because I was curious. I use the tank for baby platy fish and I didn't want a strong flow or intake so that's why I put it there. I gotta say, it works great. Not only is the water always pristine, it sucks all the waste underneath. Excellent mulm-builder for plants. Makes a pleasant "bubbling" noise too, although I would HATE it in a bigger tank because the pleasant bubbling could become a roar pretty fast.
I ran an under gravel in 100 gallon for year's. But I used a powerhead instead of an airpump and air stone. I had a marineland powerhead with the reverse elbow. Powerheads are not loud at all.
Wahoo- thankyou for making what I want to do the decision. I am doing a new tank and setting up slow but want easiest and what you said - choose filter to your maintenance so I won't waste my money this tank. I am choosing 2 internal on 4ft with sponge filter as well. I change filter, 3/4 water change every month and do a really good gravel clean and keep plants healthy (plants tell me my water condition so I watch them carefully).
I have all the filters you listed, even the under gravel filter 🤦♂️. Like you said at the end of the video, really based off the aquarium and inhabits. You forgot a type of filter thou, aquatic plants are another good type filtration. Fired Up Video!!!
I use an undergavel filter in my 125g oscar tank but it is hooked up to 2 aquoen 400 canister filter. It draws the water through to the plants roots and i only have to do every other week water changes
I'm a huge fan of the Fluval 2, had mine for about 8 years. Its currently being used in a tank with a filter built into the top of the tank after watching one of your videos where you suggested 2 filters ( thank you )
Use the under gravel to pump water to over head sump planted with grass. Cut grass for nutrient export. Mini aquaponics works wonderfully. Under gravel filter with the proper thickness and size of gravel causes mineralization of the fish poo. Feeds plants wonderfully. Equals minimal nitrates and phosphates. Lol, I have aqua clear 110 on my 40 breeder with Pothos.
I remember undergravel filters in the 80s and 90s, lol! I'm so glad we have cannister filters now. BTW, my cannister is gonna cost a whole third more than my tank and stand combined, lol! But I'm hoping to get a shoat of bosemani rainbows, a shoal of neon dwarf rainbows, a show of denison barbs, and maybe a shoal of rummynose tetras in a 75 gal walstad. Gonna get a fluval FX4. No such thing as overfiltering, right?
I got my very first fish yesterday. I got 7 baby Mickey Mouse platys from a friend, and they live in my 20 gallon. I already love them like my tiny kids!
John, I have seen very little on using "small" pools sand filters as the front end mechanical filters followed by a canister full of biological media. The Cons are the cost, but the Pro is it is extremely easy to back flush the sand filter before to much of the waste can break down and begin the nitrogen cycle. Combine this with an ATO system and it takes me 5 min (max) flushing/cleaning my mechanical filter, then walking off while my tank refills. I would love to hear what you think of this (and hopefully get some manufactures to make smaller pool sand filters, so I can get this system set up on tanks 55 gallons and smaller). I currently am using this system on a 150 and a 90. I am working to find a smaller sand filter so I can develop this system for my 55's.
ok, you really hurt me. I haven't had an aquarium for at least twenty years I had moved to Koi ponds. Now I am looking to get back into an aquarium and I am researching what is new and improved. I always used undergravel filters in the past and was very happy with the ease of using them as well as their ability to filter the tank. I understand that there have been many improvements and I am learning with your help but when you said only people over 60 would use an undergravel filter it simply made me feel old. You know one day you will be over 60 too, perhaps over 65 too like me. Wow, I feel so old now. by the way, I am really enjoying your videos with minor exceptions and look forward to more.
I used hang on back for most Oscar tanks I have had. I got a Fuval 405 and was very impressed all the way around. I thought it was way more convenient to maintain. It moved more water and I really liked it. It died in less than a year though. I went back to hang on back.
Hi, I have a Native Tank but have learned a lot from you. I have 2 Crappie Fish that have a white bump on his lip can you make suggestions on treatment?
Hang on back filter is my favourite... even I lost 3 due to overheating due to dry run post power cut... I found it out if you have water level max possible level then they such up water effectively after restart...
37 years using undergravel filters with no issues. These "old fashion" filters really works and maintenance is easy. Of course I know these filters are not good for the bussiness.
QUESTION: Love the videos! Years ago I had a 55 gallon (30years ago); call myself a 'newbie' cuz its been awhile. My question is: Why is it no one has a "picture" on the back of their aquariums?
I had 2 small 2 inch orandas in my 5 gallon ( Yes I know it's small, One they grow I'll get a bigger one ) and everything was happy until one of them died. The tank has a hang on filter and has sponges inside of it. There are also 2 plants and a light in the tank. I feed the fish large pellets that I cut up and plop in the tank. Could yall give me advice? Thanks! I've also kept 1 Betta in a small tank before, kept it for 2 years.
I have undergravel with two fugal 4fx and works great but here we have a lot of power outages and when it go’s down I just put batteries in back up air for undergravel and do not lose a fish. Works great for me.
I put an under gravel filter in my SUMP my gravel is many bags of BioHome with a layer of cheap pinky or blue filter cut to size a course filter and filter floss above all of the Biohome. I’m guessing the under gravel is pulling water down Thru all of this very slowly. The other section of my sump is Planted. Nitrates have been great water is crystal clear cleaning up is just a matter of replacing the filter floss
I bought a PetSmart 10gal starter set about 7 years ago (for my son, it's dad's now) it had a hang on back power filter, and is still going strong. So I guess I'm with the group that thinks "whatever works for you.". Thanks for the videos, I enjoy the information that you share.
Under gravel filters were the thing back in the day. I have 8 tanks right now - no under gravel - lol. I have 3 canisters for my larger tanks, 4 sponge filters, and an internal filter.
I just bought an aquaClear filter for my 20 gallon aquarium. I got the one that goes up to 50 gallons. I'm thinking about maybe going with the tidal instead... Mainly because of the self-priming feature. What size would you recommend? The 35 or the 55? I have about 16 fish in it currently and it's a relatively new setup and I am dealing with nitrites and nitrates currently. The fish are all small except for four black tetras. I should add that I also have a sponge filter and an internal filter that has a UV light. My aquarium came with a tetra whisper HOB filter but I don't like the front to back feature. It doesn't hold much ...I just forced a sponge, polyfill, ceramic rings and Purigen In it but I need more room. I also like the idea of the basket with handles to pull all the media out easier.
I’m using best of both worlds in my 20 gallon. Have a Fluval 50 HOB and a sponge filter inside. Plus 6 types of plants inside the tank that are thriving and filtering the water as well.
I love the hanging back filter because it actualy cleans my tank so clean i feel like drinking the water it does take long for it to work again after a power down that why its suction tube i dont let it go down to the botom of the tank
Undergravel filters have some appeal to me. If what you want to achieve is happy healthy fish and you don't mind your tank looking like an indoor pond, then It is brilliant. I can see the appeal of running a rustic, non polished, eco set up, as it mimics nature, warts and all. Not sure if it could handle large stocks of cichlids like you have, in fact I would say absolutely not, so of course some situations require more complex equipment. What we should remember, is that our fishy companions set up, should be what it likes, before what we want. If we can achieve the balance, then perfect.
I have a hob with a pre filter sponge on the intake, submerged uv water pump, and a submerged box filter, and lava rocks, I use multiple filters bc if you have live plants then you can’t add chemical media like active carbon in your tank. So extra filtration makes up for that
To me, the perfect filter is not yet made. I envision it to be an FX-6 with a skimmer. I would love to have a FX-6 find someway to work with my existing hang of back skimmer box and sump system on my 125g tank. Not sure it will work. I think the max. flow for my dual overflow tubes is 600gph and the FX-6 pushes over 900gph. I use a manual float switch like you would use for an RO/DI unit drilled into side of my sump to auto top off the water level. I had how noisy my return pumps are in my sump, so would lover to find some way to retrofit replacement of the return pump using an FX-6 still using the sump with overflow. I just can't seem to think of a way to make it work correctly. Unless I can drill a new hole into side of sump and use that is the intake to the fluval FX-6, it might work. Just not sure the FX-6 will pull the water up a foot or so to restart if needed.
I've only ever used hang-on-back filters the entire time I was fishkeeping. I've wanted to get the internal canister one (I've only ever had small tanks) when my current filter dies, but I have a good brand of hangback filter that's still holding out right now. I have a fish that thrives in slow-moving water, so I like that i can adjust the power to my filter, but cleaning the box itself is kind of a hassle, and if you don't take it apart to clean the pieces once in a while, i feel like the sludge is going to clog it!
I love my sponge filter. I have a betta in about an 8 gallon. I'd like another tank that is a 16 gallon bookshelf tank with Chili Rasboras and Green Kubotai Rasboras. Maybe a few shrimp or little bristle nose.? Thinking of trying an internal canister filter. It would also be planted. Even my betta has a planted tank.
Great video. I have a 65 gallon aquarium. Heavily stocked. And lots of plans. 2. Hang on the back filters. Two internal filters. In one canister filter. Do you think that's enough? Thank you.
Sponge filter for life. I filter my 90g with over 30 juvenile African cichlid with 2 sponge filter and 3in1 overhead sum. Honestly I run the overhead sum for Oxygenation and polishing the water my 2 sponge filters did the biological job. I'm confident I could turn of the overhead sum and the tank will run just fine.
Any thoughts on Homberg Matten filters? I built my own to replace my canister filter that leaked and ruined my carpet. It was the simplest alternative I could find that would circulate as much water and be equivalent in amount of biofiltration. I have been very pleased with the performance and the maintenance is zero.
I might be wasting money but I like to over filter my tanks, on bigger tanks (75 gallons or more) I use a hang-on power filter, a sponge filter, and a canister filter.
I am offended! Long not 60 and I use an under gravel filter. Easy reason: not enough space plus dwarf shrimps. (Adult 2cm!). Everything else is “dangerous” for them as the inflow is too strong (20g long). On the bar is plenty of moss planted so no one can see it and my shrimps love to hide in it. It’s very cheap and easy to maintain (don’t switch air pump off). Other tanks: I put in all other filters (hob+canister) pre filters on. I hardly have to clean the main filter, just the pre filter every other week (to 4weeks).
I am new to this first 2 months in. I bought a kit topfin 36 gallon bow front. I have live plants growing natural rock(dragon scale). And organic substrate. It's stocked with 5 neon tetras. 4 shrimp. Two angels. And one mystery snail. Problem is the ph stays low 6.8. I do 20 % water change every week. The fish seems healthy the water is clear. Should I go with the tidal 55 to replace my topfin p40 for better filtering. Is the ph a issue? I love the hobby and it helps me with my PTSD. I just want my fish happy. Also can I add more smaller fish? Any advice I'm all ears
awesome video man but i am a beginner and out of curiosity since we are all trying to create the idea we have in mind for our aquarium, I am in need of something that can house/grow a staggering amount of food for my freshwater 55 gallon, mainly stuff like rotifers, detritus worms, and the MVP for my stock, the detrivorous cyclops. So basically I want way for food to grow based on the "demands" of my tank, like more fish, more waste, more food is produced from the waste like a continuous loop. Any advice you could give me? thanks for any1 that comes up with great advice towards my project if you got experience :)
QQQ: How much do you "clean" a sponge filter? I saw the part where you squeezed it a few times in a bucket of dechlorinated water. But won't that "squeeze" out the bacteria you're trying to preserve? Yeah I know all surfaces in the tank will house your bacteria too. Thx.
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I have a 10 gal tank and I had 2 gold fish in it for a couple years. It is empty now but I was curious as to what I can do now? I really like colorful active fish as I have 3 kids and my 2 youngest love fish I really want to be able to get at least a couple different kinds of fish what would recommend for a smaller tank such as mine I was considering guppies but not sure how many and what other type or types of fish I could put in there with them also would I beable to put any type of algae eaters in it like snails or something? Any help would be appreciated thank you
@@andrewsmith1093 I have a 10gal PetSmart that I picked up as a starter set several years ago. I have 5 black neon tetras and 3 otocinclus.
Fluval or nothing! Are you going to RANT in a live stream about me now?
I set up an old school 20L tank with undergravel filters just to test what the hate was all about. They work great. Water is crystal clear. Maintenance is easy. Bought some pea gravel from the home improvement store and away I went. Even plants do well for me. Don't like the bubbles popping making a mess? Throw a power head on there. You have to gravel vac anyway and pea gravel is way easier to deal with than fine substrates. They aren't in style but I wouldn't count undergravel out.
Combine an undergravel and deep(ish) substrate and one could possibly achieve a true "cycle". Anaerobic bacteria only grow in low oxygen low flow areas (such as in an undergravel filter). People generally refer to this as a plenum.
It is old school technology but it is what we did before these new fangled filters and chemicals.
And no, I'm nowhere close to 60 years old. Yet. Just been keeping fish for 40 years.
I use an undergravel as well as a canister filter, life couldn’t be better. True anerobic conditions
I ran an under gravel in every tank in the 90s.
I had a 100 gallon with just 2 plates, covering maybe half of the bottom.
I had about 4 inches of gravel in that baby.
I had the reverse powerhead with the elbow that lets the flow go down the tube instead of up.
I would reverse the flow and let the air on and bubble's would start coming out of the ground.
It was really cool.
I ran that aquarium for over 5 year's.
I also used 2 Aquaclear 50s on the back.
That was it.
Worked like a charm.
what substrate did you use? was it inert or active?
@@fappingmachine100 I used cheap home improvement store pea gravel for my test. It's usually not completely inert. It depends on where they quarry it. I give it a vinegar test to see what I am dealing with. Probably better used with harder water fish for me.
Noise has been one of the main criteria for me, I could never "silence" air pump and some hang-on filters (Aquael, Blau). With canister filters it's just the outtake hose, with power heads it's the cable not touching anything it doesn't need to (it resonates).
The USB air pumps that are out now are almost silent.
John I am sorry for you not giving much attention to the undergraval filter, I am old school and I will always us them in any tank setup I can. I don't have any trouble with them at any time I just replace the air stones when necessary, I also have every filter that you have mentioned in this video and I say I love them all, I say it's up to the hobbyists to decide, love and respect for you and Lisa, keep up the great job on the video's.
You should also consider getting a UPS for your tank or get pumps and filters that have battery back-up.
I love sumps and the best thing about them is you can get you some rubberized type of plastic box that can hold water to be your sump you don't have to use another aquarium or a manufactured product to make your sump with.
Lets go a little more into under gravel filters.
1. Not over 60.
2. Under gravel filters look better than sponge, and other internal filters.
3. Under gravel filters don't really use valuable real-estate inside the tank, ok 1 inch of vertical space.
4. Periodic vacuuming could cause frequent water changes, or it may not, depends if you want to put in filter floss in the vacuum and return the water to the tank.
5. Powered by air pumps like sponge filters.
Cons
1. you have to actually vacuum the gravel periodically.
2 As. pointed out finding them or even parts can be difficult.
Oh man! I love my UGF 😎 That's okay, I love my sponge and OTB filters too - lol
Really a good video for newer hobbyists, nice explanations - thanks John💕👍
I am in love with canister filters. I have two on a 40. They are great for tight spaces especially if you're building furniture around the tank. I recommend the Cascade canister filter since you can dial the flow
Which brand do you recommend? Do you have a link for one by chance?
I'm building a 2000L (280 gallon ish) aquarium. In the sump I use under gravel filtration to get the water to flow through the bio media more. I also use undergravel on my "bare bottom" it's covered in susswassertang and the neons love it. Under gravel filters have their place.
I miss typed it's about 580 gallon.
They work great.
Thank you, John. I value both your and Lisa's opinions and that you keep us educated on all fronts!
I just recently changed out my standard Tetra hang-on-the-back to a Tetra Whisper that is a hybrid of the internal canister/hang-on-the-back filters.
I swapped it because the hang-on-the-back kept overflowing and leaking water. I'd come home from work with over a gallon of water on the floor. Not fun to clean up.
The first time it happened admittedly was my fault because I hadn't cleaned the filter in 4-5 months. Since that first time however, every other week it would overflow with minimal grime on the filter cartridge. So I gave up and got the hybrid. The hybrid can't leak outside of the tank so I'm happy!
Iam just getting back in the hobby again and i just love these kind of videos! Keep up the good work!! 😊👍
People will say they don't like indergravel filters but will never say why except that they're outdated or old fashioned... Any real information on those filters would be appreciated. I seriously don't care how outdated something is if it works.
I agree to disagree about under gravels, yes they are "dated" filtration, but, if set up and maintained correctly they can do the job just as good as a hang on back, sponge or internal. I've ran them for years with little to no issues, but just my opinion. I've had all the others mentioned in the video as well. They all do great with proper maintenance.
One of the best upgrades I did on an old tank was get a kit to convert an undergravel to an upflow. You flip the powerhead around, put a sponge on the intake then there is an adapter for the output of the power head to reverse flow the undergravel. It worked amazing - only downside is again, having a big sponge in the tank. I just hid 'em behind plants and went on.
I ran under gravel filters in all of my aquariums in the 90s.
They work too well sometimes.
I had problems growing certain plants, and I believe that they couldn't compete with the ugf's.
So I only put 2 plates per 100 gallon tank.
I had luck with aponegeton's.
Ugf's are just fine.
I do prefer to run a ugf, with a powerhead pulling the water, and an Aquaclear or 2 on back.
I ran tank's with just that for year's.
@@jeffalbillar7625 You better of moving the water slowly through UGF and using the BCB basket. Too much flow isn't good for UGF.
@@na1du it worked well for me for year's.
Never had a problem.
I agree with you as well 👍 💯 👏.
hey there younger then you here and can honestly say under gravel filters work great, they are basically sponge filters that make use of your gravel instead of a sponge. great for graveled quarantine setups and shrimp tanks many bottom feeders will really appreciate an under gravel filter setup. all filters are great and have their uses ( i 100% agree that hobs are useless unless they are self priming) and places where they should be used over others.
I always used under gravel filter with two power heads! Back in the 80s. Using j-hook siphon hoses those were the days!!!!!! I had old hang on back like a breader box with noisy pump that stood up on bottom plate!Don't use them anymore! But I believe that you should always over filter your tank! I use canister filter. Cheap Aquarian 200 it has a hang on the back polishing pad on a 28 gallon tank and 55 a sun sun HW 3000 on 55.I only have to service them like every 2 -3○months I've had one running for about 3 years I just bought a new one . I do weekly water change and I definitely recommend sponge filters in every tank!! You guys are awesome love your humor and information! Very informative information made fun! I watched most of the shows and live stream. Stay safe! 🇺🇸 Everyone!!! Life is very different Now!!!
I have 2 Fluval FX6 canisters on my saltwater aquarium 125 gallon tank and will never go back to a sump! great video.
FYI getting ready to setup my new tank and you guessed it I’ll be using a under gravel filter.
When you showed the Seachem tidal filter I was looking,so I could build my own tank just for me,i got 2 75 tidal and 1 35 seachem filters
I feel like there's 2 types of people when it comes to sponge filters, you're either new or very experienced. I have a canister on my aquarium with 2 sponge filters, sponge filters are something I overlooked at first but are really versatile. If the power goes out, it's a lot easier keeping 2 sponge filters running with usb air pumps than one big canister as well as if I get fish I need to quarantine, I can take out a seeded sponge filter and put it into a quarantine tank and instantly have a quarantine tank ready.
i always had your thought process on filters. i used all too. love them all awesome video
I love the tidal 110, but was really surprised how noticable the noise is. It's not loud, just louder than I thought.
Love that black and white betta in you intro!! Thanks for the helpful videos!❤❤
I'm 26 and I use undergravel filters
I run a 55 long with 4 goldfish...currently using a Tetra IQ 60 and Tidal 35..both set up with sponge & Seachem matrix..so far, great results!
I think the larger sizes of the Seachem Tidal is a great choice. It’s not under pressure like a canister, but it makes up for it in volume turnover. The removable basket is large enough to hold plenty of media and clean up is so easy you will actually do it…..lol
Good video. I just got my first aio tank. I’d guess the chamber in the back would be considered a sump. I’ve probably used about every type of filter too. I agree one type isn’t better than the other.
Good video John. Thank you
I'm a newbie. 😂😂😂 I have a 75-gallon tank with 2 back filters each one 90-gallon capacity and 3 sponge filters inside!!! 🙈🙈😂😂😂
This video is a great help!!! I believe I have a lot of filtration 😅😅😅
I have a sump on my 180 gallon tank. While technically it is under the tank, it is in my basement, and super easy to work on.
Also the ugf is usually used wrong, and thus not liked. I liked a comment on bcb with ugf. I have one on a small tank, and it is almost bullet proof. Grows plants very well, and keeps fish thriving.
Ugf like horse and buggies. Wow. That is a bit much. I don't use carbon with my ugf. I use a small uplift tube with bubbler. And I'm your age.
Hey J Have a 100g acrylic all male cichlid tank. I have 2 Tidal 110s on it turning 900 gals an hour. Tank is always crystal clear...Nice and easy with great results...
I have sponge filters, hang on back, cannister filters and 1 sump. Yes, the sump is the easiest to clean, but i have to depend on a cpr overflow since the tank isnt drilled.
Thank you John you cover all the topics from fish to filters media very helpful watching you from Australia 🇦🇺
Love this video! Thank you for your knowledge. Ive been scared of the word filter for awhile. My last tank i had a hang on the back filter, and i lost 3 guppies, a shrimp and a frog before i tied a little sponge onto the intake and eventually just threw the things away. Ill be looking at canister filters now. Thank you:)
Hello John I'm from the UK i have two tanks one is 4ft long by 1ft deep by 1.5ft wide and I have a 22L tank and because of your channel with all the top advice my tanks look better than ever thank you to both of you. Top youtuber and top advice/teacher
What kind of filter are you using in the 4ft tank?
I have an Aqua One Aquastyle 850, the filter is outside of the water as part of the lid and the power is in the water, perfect, love this tank.
Great video. My biggest tank is a 40 breeder so I just have basic HOBs and sponge filters. I do have one 10g tank with an undergravel filter though!! Honestly I got it because I was curious. I use the tank for baby platy fish and I didn't want a strong flow or intake so that's why I put it there. I gotta say, it works great. Not only is the water always pristine, it sucks all the waste underneath. Excellent mulm-builder for plants. Makes a pleasant "bubbling" noise too, although I would HATE it in a bigger tank because the pleasant bubbling could become a roar pretty fast.
I ran an under gravel in 100 gallon for year's.
But I used a powerhead instead of an airpump and air stone.
I had a marineland powerhead with the reverse elbow.
Powerheads are not loud at all.
Wahoo- thankyou for making what I want to do the decision. I am doing a new tank and setting up slow but want easiest and what you said - choose filter to your maintenance so I won't waste my money this tank. I am choosing 2 internal on 4ft with sponge filter as well. I change filter, 3/4 water change every month and do a really good gravel clean and keep plants healthy (plants tell me my water condition so I watch them carefully).
I have all the filters you listed, even the under gravel filter 🤦♂️. Like you said at the end of the video, really based off the aquarium and inhabits.
You forgot a type of filter thou, aquatic plants are another good type filtration.
Fired Up Video!!!
I wouldn’t solely rely on them though, but they are great in conjunction with the filters.
@@21specter they work well if your tank isn't over stocked
Thanks for sharing. What about horizontal top filters?
Very informative John your description on all the filters are excellent especially for the new fish keeper in the hobby 👍👍
6:52 - as an electrical engineer I shuddered at the level of the power board. Please be safe, I enjoy your videos!
@@dBakaj I mean the position of them is poor. Saltwater electronics are also basic wiring however the position of them is important.
I use an undergavel filter in my 125g oscar tank but it is hooked up to 2 aquoen 400 canister filter. It draws the water through to the plants roots and i only have to do every other week water changes
Thank your video
I have a sicce shark and hygger nano sponge filter from you guys on my 10 gallon. Love how well they work and put out a lot of oxygen in the water
I'm a huge fan of the Fluval 2, had mine for about 8 years. Its currently being used in a tank with a filter built into the top of the tank after watching one of your videos where you suggested 2 filters ( thank you )
Use the under gravel to pump water to over head sump planted with grass. Cut grass for nutrient export. Mini aquaponics works wonderfully. Under gravel filter with the proper thickness and size of gravel causes mineralization of the fish poo. Feeds plants wonderfully. Equals minimal nitrates and phosphates. Lol, I have aqua clear 110 on my 40 breeder with Pothos.
I remember undergravel filters in the 80s and 90s, lol! I'm so glad we have cannister filters now.
BTW, my cannister is gonna cost a whole third more than my tank and stand combined, lol! But I'm hoping to get a shoat of bosemani rainbows, a shoal of neon dwarf rainbows, a show of denison barbs, and maybe a shoal of rummynose tetras in a 75 gal walstad.
Gonna get a fluval FX4.
No such thing as overfiltering, right?
My first filter getting back into fishkeeping after a decade and a half off was a Fluval 207 filter for a 37 gallon tank, haha.
I got my very first fish yesterday. I got 7 baby Mickey Mouse platys from a friend, and they live in my 20 gallon. I already love them like my tiny kids!
John, I have seen very little on using "small" pools sand filters as the front end mechanical filters followed by a canister full of biological media. The Cons are the cost, but the Pro is it is extremely easy to back flush the sand filter before to much of the waste can break down and begin the nitrogen cycle. Combine this with an ATO system and it takes me 5 min (max) flushing/cleaning my mechanical filter, then walking off while my tank refills. I would love to hear what you think of this (and hopefully get some manufactures to make smaller pool sand filters, so I can get this system set up on tanks 55 gallons and smaller). I currently am using this system on a 150 and a 90. I am working to find a smaller sand filter so I can develop this system for my 55's.
Thank you for the Information. Do you eventually need to clean the sides of the tank? Or is there better ways for that?
ok, you really hurt me. I haven't had an aquarium for at least twenty years I had moved to Koi ponds. Now I am looking to get back into an aquarium and I am researching what is new and improved. I always used undergravel filters in the past and was very happy with the ease of using them as well as their ability to filter the tank. I understand that there have been many improvements and I am learning with your help but when you said only people over 60 would use an undergravel filter it simply made me feel old. You know one day you will be over 60 too, perhaps over 65 too like me. Wow, I feel so old now. by the way, I am really enjoying your videos with minor exceptions and look forward to more.
I used hang on back for most Oscar tanks I have had. I got a Fuval 405 and was very impressed all the way around. I thought it was way more convenient to maintain. It moved more water and I really liked it. It died in less than a year though. I went back to hang on back.
Hi, I have a Native Tank but have learned a lot from you. I have 2 Crappie Fish that have a white bump on his lip can you make suggestions on treatment?
Hang on back filter is my favourite... even I lost 3 due to overheating due to dry run post power cut... I found it out if you have water level max possible level then they such up water effectively after restart...
37 years using undergravel filters with no issues. These "old fashion" filters really works and maintenance is easy. Of course I know these filters are not good for the bussiness.
QUESTION: Love the videos! Years ago I had a 55 gallon (30years ago); call myself a 'newbie' cuz its been awhile. My question is: Why is it no one has a "picture" on the back of their aquariums?
I had 2 small 2 inch orandas in my 5 gallon ( Yes I know it's small, One they grow I'll get a bigger one ) and everything was happy until one of them died. The tank has a hang on filter and has sponges inside of it. There are also 2 plants and a light in the tank. I feed the fish large pellets that I cut up and plop in the tank. Could yall give me advice? Thanks! I've also kept 1 Betta in a small tank before, kept it for 2 years.
And I am the only one who's trying to keep aquarium without filters 😂 ,
*Secret ( overgrown plants with under stock fishes )
I have undergravel with two fugal 4fx and works great but here we have a lot of power outages and when it go’s down I just put batteries in back up air for undergravel and do not lose a fish. Works great for me.
I put an under gravel filter in my SUMP my gravel is many bags of BioHome with a layer of cheap pinky or blue filter cut to size a course filter and filter floss above all of the Biohome. I’m guessing the under gravel is pulling water down Thru all of this very slowly. The other section of my sump is Planted. Nitrates have been great water is crystal clear cleaning up is just a matter of replacing the filter floss
Here try a under gravel hook a hang on back down 1 tube and a power head on the other tube turns that into a whole new beast entirely.
Another great videos, KG! HOB is best for we nano-only keepers (me) so the HOB is best. I have live plants, and I need the surface agitation.
That's what I thought until I got my fluval 107, it's so nice to be able to use lily pipes and an external co2 reactor on my 15 gallon
I bought a PetSmart 10gal starter set about 7 years ago (for my son, it's dad's now) it had a hang on back power filter, and is still going strong. So I guess I'm with the group that thinks "whatever works for you.". Thanks for the videos, I enjoy the information that you share.
Under gravel filters were the thing back in the day. I have 8 tanks right now - no under gravel - lol. I have 3 canisters for my larger tanks, 4 sponge filters, and an internal filter.
I just bought an aquaClear filter for my 20 gallon aquarium. I got the one that goes up to 50 gallons. I'm thinking about maybe going with the tidal instead... Mainly because of the self-priming feature. What size would you recommend? The 35 or the 55? I have about 16 fish in it currently and it's a relatively new setup and I am dealing with nitrites and nitrates currently. The fish are all small except for four black tetras. I should add that I also have a sponge filter and an internal filter that has a UV light. My aquarium came with a tetra whisper HOB filter but I don't like the front to back feature. It doesn't hold much ...I just forced a sponge, polyfill, ceramic rings and Purigen In it but I need more room. I also like the idea of the basket with handles to pull all the media out easier.
I’m using best of both worlds in my 20 gallon. Have a Fluval 50 HOB and a sponge filter inside. Plus 6 types of plants inside the tank that are thriving and filtering the water as well.
Omg I fall in love with that pleco at 2:51 where can I get one? 🤩
keepfishkeeping.com/collections/plush-toys
Thank you that was very helpful
Very helpful vid. Thanks
Undergravels also stay in the tank! My favorite-yes I’m over 60 yrs old
Perfect Review, thank you
I love the hanging back filter because it actualy cleans my tank so clean i feel like drinking the water it does take long for it to work again after a power down that why its suction tube i dont let it go down to the botom of the tank
Y’all should do a video about trimming and maintaining plants :)
Undergravel filters have some appeal to me. If what you want to achieve is happy healthy fish and you don't mind your tank looking like an indoor pond, then It is brilliant. I can see the appeal of running a rustic, non polished, eco set up, as it mimics nature, warts and all. Not sure if it could handle large stocks of cichlids like you have, in fact I would say absolutely not, so of course some situations require more complex equipment.
What we should remember, is that our fishy companions set up, should be what it likes, before what we want. If we can achieve the balance, then perfect.
John I saw your vampire pleco in one of the tank shots! Very nice!
I have a hob with a pre filter sponge on the intake, submerged uv water pump, and a submerged box filter, and lava rocks, I use multiple filters bc if you have live plants then you can’t add chemical media like active carbon in your tank. So extra filtration makes up for that
A sponge filter has a moving part, it is called an air pump and good ones are not that cheap.
Because....... Cars! Hahahahahahahaahahaha love it
I’m 37 years old 😉
my under gravel filter in my 73 gallon tank was the best
To me, the perfect filter is not yet made. I envision it to be an FX-6 with a skimmer. I would love to have a FX-6 find someway to work with my existing hang of back skimmer box and sump system on my 125g tank. Not sure it will work. I think the max. flow for my dual overflow tubes is 600gph and the FX-6 pushes over 900gph.
I use a manual float switch like you would use for an RO/DI unit drilled into side of my sump to auto top off the water level. I had how noisy my return pumps are in my sump, so would lover to find some way to retrofit replacement of the return pump using an FX-6 still using the sump with overflow. I just can't seem to think of a way to make it work correctly. Unless I can drill a new hole into side of sump and use that is the intake to the fluval FX-6, it might work. Just not sure the FX-6 will pull the water up a foot or so to restart if needed.
I've only ever used hang-on-back filters the entire time I was fishkeeping. I've wanted to get the internal canister one (I've only ever had small tanks) when my current filter dies, but I have a good brand of hangback filter that's still holding out right now. I have a fish that thrives in slow-moving water, so I like that i can adjust the power to my filter, but cleaning the box itself is kind of a hassle, and if you don't take it apart to clean the pieces once in a while, i feel like the sludge is going to clog it!
I love my sponge filter. I have a betta in about an 8 gallon. I'd like another tank that is a 16 gallon bookshelf tank with Chili Rasboras and Green Kubotai Rasboras. Maybe a few shrimp or little bristle nose.? Thinking of trying an internal canister filter. It would also be planted. Even my betta has a planted tank.
Thanks! Super helpful.
Great video. I have a 65 gallon aquarium. Heavily stocked. And lots of plans. 2. Hang on the back filters. Two internal filters. In one canister filter. Do you think that's enough? Thank you.
Sponge filter for life. I filter my 90g with over 30 juvenile African cichlid with 2 sponge filter and 3in1 overhead sum. Honestly I run the overhead sum for Oxygenation and polishing the water my 2 sponge filters did the biological job. I'm confident I could turn of the overhead sum and the tank will run just fine.
I love all your videos, you are made for this!
Can use both sponge and hob in 10 gallon tank
Kindly advise
Any thoughts on Homberg Matten filters? I built my own to replace my canister filter that leaked and ruined my carpet. It was the simplest alternative I could find that would circulate as much water and be equivalent in amount of biofiltration. I have been very pleased with the performance and the maintenance is zero.
Canister are awesome 👌🏾 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾😁
I might be wasting money but I like to over filter my tanks, on bigger tanks (75 gallons or more) I use a hang-on power filter, a sponge filter, and a canister filter.
I'm ok with a bit of noise since I have tinnitus.
What about tanks with built in filters at the back?
I'm not a fan at all of HOB filters, so all of my tanks have either sponge or internal filters depending on the tank
Under the gravel filter I used for years on my 20 gallon. And only had to clean tank Once a Month.
Top sump with power head? Quite common in my area.
I have a sponge filter and a small canister on my 57ltr betta tank
I am offended! Long not 60 and I use an under gravel filter. Easy reason: not enough space plus dwarf shrimps. (Adult 2cm!). Everything else is “dangerous” for them as the inflow is too strong (20g long). On the bar is plenty of moss planted so no one can see it and my shrimps love to hide in it. It’s very cheap and easy to maintain (don’t switch air pump off).
Other tanks: I put in all other filters (hob+canister) pre filters on. I hardly have to clean the main filter, just the pre filter every other week (to 4weeks).
Would the sponge filter with suction cupsbe enough for a 10 gallon for a tetra tank?
I am new to this first 2 months in. I bought a kit topfin 36 gallon bow front. I have live plants growing natural rock(dragon scale). And organic substrate. It's stocked with 5 neon tetras. 4 shrimp. Two angels. And one mystery snail. Problem is the ph stays low 6.8. I do 20 % water change every week. The fish seems healthy the water is clear. Should I go with the tidal 55 to replace my topfin p40 for better filtering. Is the ph a issue? I love the hobby and it helps me with my PTSD. I just want my fish happy. Also can I add more smaller fish? Any advice I'm all ears
awesome video man but i am a beginner and out of curiosity since we are all trying to create the idea we have in mind for our aquarium, I am in need of something that can house/grow a staggering amount of food for my freshwater 55 gallon, mainly stuff like rotifers, detritus worms, and the MVP for my stock, the detrivorous cyclops. So basically I want way for food to grow based on the "demands" of my tank, like more fish, more waste, more food is produced from the waste like a continuous loop. Any advice you could give me? thanks for any1 that comes up with great advice towards my project if you got experience :)
QQQ: How much do you "clean" a sponge filter? I saw the part where you squeezed it a few times in a bucket of dechlorinated water. But won't that "squeeze" out the bacteria you're trying to preserve? Yeah I know all surfaces in the tank will house your bacteria too. Thx.