A Defense of Undergravel Filters

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

👋Don't forget to subscribe for more awesome fish videos: kzbin.info/door/vPFi0M72NERe2QWgShrciw

[@Ttblondey]

Subscribe already. Thanks for the knowledge.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Awesome thank you for subscribing and hopefully you learned so new things or are thinking about them differently now.

[@raisinggoldfishonabudget7058]

@@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 ?

[@jonisolis9645]

❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[@jrmlex]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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.

[@mrWonderphilly]

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.

[@kimcook6646]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Thanks for sharing! How large are the tanks that have UGF on them?

[@incubatork]

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. KZbinrs cannot get much clawback by recomending a $20 UGF compared to $300 canister with all the replacable media you need to buy.

[@Lonewolf-ei5yv]

Amen, bro, amen!

[@fk319fk]

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.

[@jimbaquirin5688]

Your defense of UGFs made me subscribe to your channel. Old school here....

[@brockhajek4884]

same here

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

I appreciate it.

[@EGlasofer]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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!

[@jeffalbillar7625]

You can still buy them, but hurry because every place I've seen them at are on clearance.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

I haven’t been seeing as many of them as I used to but I haven’t seen them on clearance.

[@jeffalbillar7625]

@@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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

What causes algae?

[@IWantU2Know]

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!

[@jamesholbrook7785]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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.

[@jamesholbrook7785]

@@TheAquariumLibrary I anxiously await your results.

[@thomasashe2681]

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.

[@shaneferdz82]

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

[@BRBTechTalk]

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.

[@reklamador27]

if it's healthy it's not smelly or smell fishy.

[@BRBTechTalk]

@@reklamador27 No, when it is healthy it smells earthy.

[@freshwaterdreamingAquariums]

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!

[@josephdusan4322]

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!

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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.

[@josephdusan4322]

@@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

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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.

[@mikem8396]

One of the best resources about (and the best articulated defense of) UGFs I have come across. Well done and thanks for sharing.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

You’re welcome and I’m glad you enjoyed it. Do you have UGF up and running currently?

[@mrskipadedodah5094]

Thumb up for the use of “Malarkey” and for the sharp suit!

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Thank you! Malarkey is such a fun word to say and use.

[@ricokowalski4403]

22:20 Yet ,,Bada Bing, Bada Bum" is the real giveaway that he is a member of the aquarium mafia.

[@MikeSwirled]

A few more malarkey and we’d have a drinking game 🤔

[@juliorivera870]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Huh. That’s a pretty good idea. Have you been able to look under your tank and see how few solids were there.

[@acmeradioinc]

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

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

You’re very welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mbtravel7294]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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.

[@mrWonderphilly]

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!!

[@tropicaltanklover2160]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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.

[@raisinggoldfishonabudget7058]

@@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.

[@lea7rsi]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Glad you found the video helpful!

[@eveningclicks7767]

Whats the smallest mm grain size that can be used with ug filters? I hear barbels on loaches are sensitive so i know people argue about what substrate is best for loaches.

[@eveningclicks7767]

I found the answer just recently. 3mm grains are smallest for a ug filter and as long as it is smooth it should be good... such as caribsea super naturals which is marketed to be safe on the bellies of bottom fish...

[@estrosynth]

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!

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Awesome! Hope it works as well as it does for you as it does me. P

[@rinaldyfaustino643]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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.

[@kat15471]

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.

[@rdred8693]

I bought a Penn Plax UGF for my 20 gallon long, and I love it. I got back into fish keeping after a absence of decades and was surprised they fell out of favor

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

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!🙏🌿🐟🌿

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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 know someone that has always used reverse flow UG in planted tanks. I can put you in touch...........LOL :)

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

@@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!!💚🌿🐟🌿

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

@@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 💚🌿🐟🌿

[@davidramsay1055]

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

[@aprilbarnesaprilbarnes7374]

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!!!!

[@dorisdady8758]

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

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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.

[@zorro30]

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!

[@patriciarangel9915]

I used to have a ten gallon aquarium as a teen. I am 65. I really like it. Worked great!

[@skonne7]

I demand more suited youtube courtroom defense videos

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

It was quite the fun video to make and I hope to make some more in the future

[@catcozy]

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!

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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.

[@MrZnarffy]

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...

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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.

[@AquariumShed]

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!!

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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.

[@oneksalami7791]

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.

[@iratevagabond204]

In a planted tank, how do you vacuum the substrate without ruining the plants? Do you not need to vacuum in a planted tank?

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

I really don’t vacuum the gravel in a planted tank. I would go around the surface of the gravel when doing a water change but never vacuuming the gravel like a would in a fish only tank.

[@iratevagabond204]

@@TheAquariumLibrary Can you just run an undergravel filter indefinitely in a planted tank? I run undergravels with my shell dwellers, but it's only got a couple plants in it, so I still vacuum it. Just wasn't sure if it was more trouble than it's worth to use them in a tank I plan to heavily carpet and 'scape.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

@@iratevagabond204 I ran my main show tank for three years with minimal gravel vacuuming while using an UGF

[@Georgeolddrones]

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👍😂🙏

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video George! What made you change from undergravel filters to the canister filters?

[@robindhood9125]

I was unclear on how to clean an undergravel filter in a heavily planted tank. How do you clean or vacuum the gravel?

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

I usually just do a surface cleaning if I really feel the need. My dad with his would vacuum the entire tank when he did a water change. Really depends on what your substrate allows for and how clean you want your tank to look.

[@ncbniks547]

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 🇮🇳

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Always glad to have someone else join who loves undergravel filters as there are not many of us around.

[@TinoushGTR]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Are you still using UGF in your current tanks?

[@TinoushGTR]

@@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 😂

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

😂😂 yeah that is a pretty big whoopsies 🤣

[@jorgediaz8382]

Great presentation 👍 Excellent video. Thank you for the information, I also subscribed so keep em coming.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Keep your eyes peeled for my new video about a DIY UGF coming out in a couple weeks.

[@sebastianwoldanski8187]

Excellent video. Show! I have one question: can I plug this filter with carnister or sump?

[@diannaleigh9914]

Will you tell how you set up the air tubes at the top. We had an air tube in each end in the back, but I can’t remember what we had on the top or pumps, etc.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

So the airline tube is run down inside the lift tube for the UGF. I chose an airstone that fit snuggly inside the uplift tube to prevent fish and shrimp from getting into the bottom of the tank or getting stuck and dying. The air pump I am using is a Fluva Q2 though an air pump would be fine and I have used a tetra whisper before as well.

[@diannaleigh9914]

@@TheAquariumLibrary thanks. I just couldn’t remember how the tubes were at the top. I do remember what Cory showed in his picture. I need to see more setups though. Again, thanks for your input.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

You’re welcome.

[@lvitntnmrcls]

Great video! What brand of undergravel filter was that black perforated one? Thank you and have a good dy

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

I actually don’t know. I got them second hand from someone else who got them second hand from someone else and he doesn’t know. In the near future I am going detail how I am making my own DIY UGF with materials that I have in hand.

[@hardybryan]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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?

[@hardybryan]

@@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.

[@vidhyadharsansare7278]

Hello sir, From India, Can we fit Or add sponge filter with Undergravel Net??????🤔If possible make us video please🙏

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Yes you can use an undergravel filter and sponge filter in the same tank no problem. Only reason I would see wanting to use a sponge with an Undergravel filter is to prevent fish or shrimp from swimming down the standpipe but to still allow for water movement through the sponge.

[@TechNAquatic]

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

[@JonVlogs123]

Well done defense! If I need an aquarium lawyer, I will give you a call. :)

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Haha! You can put me on retainer if you want to. I wouldn’t be opposed.

[@finnic7959]

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!

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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!

[@chesneymigl4538]

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]

That’s awesome to hear.

[@chesneymigl4538]

@@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.

[@aprilbarnesaprilbarnes7374]

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.

[@davidperry5697]

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!

[@damenwhelan3236]

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.

[@damenwhelan3236]

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.

[@pushpanathantharumalingam699]

Very professionally explained. Superb. Thank for sharing bro.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed it. Do you use an UGF?

[@richardlatham5171]

Makes perfect sense to me & I am old school anyway. Just setting up under gravel as reliability is paramount and I intend to travel.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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

[@inabit1956]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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.

[@diannaleigh9914]

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.

[@ElimiXebian]

I totally agree. I've never not used undergravel for 30 ought years. Always have clear water.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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.

[@marthanewsome6375]

They are friggin great! Been using them since the 80's.

[@rinaldyfaustino643]

ohhh. I have a question. is it true that it is hard to grow plants if UGF is being used as opposed to other types of filters. they said it has something to do with the downward waterflow. pls share your thoughts.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

My plants have done very well in my UGF tanks. I haven't noticed any drop offs in growth when planted into them.

[@jors800]

I have set up a tank (125L) with an under gravel filter two months ago, after a hernia of about 46+ years. I am using gravel (5mm size). I have adjusted the airflow to make the waterflow slower. I have succeeded to reduce my Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrates to zero. I have dode an in-fish cycle for two weeks with Seachem Prime and Stability. I have 66 fish (small). My tank is planted. I feed daily.

[@jors800]

My UGV is air driven with two up pipes.

[@paulgill8690]

Can you use both a underground filter and a canister filter together

[@gravite1977]

Can you tell something about how to build up the substrate layers above the ugf for a planted tank?

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

In my tanks I don't do layered substrate. I will be doing a semi-layered substrate in the near future, but it is just two substrates and I am using the more aesthetically pleasing substrate on top as it is more expensive than the one that will be on the bottom.

[@Englishhegemony]

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 ?

[@TheSteelArmadillo]

What UGF are you using with the sand?

[@chantelemartinez5187]

I need help please!! Im a first time under gravel user and the cartridges arent passing water through them

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Are you referring the the carbon cartridges at the top of the UGF? If so those aren’t necessary and can be removed. Is your airstone clogged or airline kinked that is not allowing air to pass through it.

[@chantelemartinez5187]

@@TheAquariumLibrary yes im talking about the carbon filters so mine has 4 tubes and 4 filters air stones are not clogged they are working. Its hard to tell if i got the suction together properly for the tubes, i checked for kinks didn't see any. When i set up the filter tank was empty put the tray in then the air tubes and air stone then i put the tops on and then the cartridges. Now when i plugged in the air pump the stones started blowing bubbles and tubes started to fill but the tubes wont fill up all the way they are maybe an inch from the top to where it will flow into the carts

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

I’d try lowering the height of your uplift tubes to be inside the water and see if that helps. You might have too much space between the top of the tubes and the top of the water that is preventing water from being lifted that high above the water line. Alternatively you might have a loose fitting depending on how your airline tube runs in. I have one that has a much larger hole than the airline tub and I get very little water going out the tops when the lift tube is out of the water. But when it is in the water it works very well.

[@bevfrigon7142]

If the uplift tube gets dirty, is it hard to take apart to clean and reinsert? Do you run a air stone in the tube? If I put a finer cover over it, could I use like eco complete and top with sand? Thank you

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

If it is too dirty for your liking just take a pipe cleaned and run it up and down inside the tube. You could also use a weed fabric on top of the UGF to allow for the usage of sand and dirt.

[@gladiatormechs5574]

would you consider a BOX FILTER with an air stone to be an under gravel filter ?

[@Moocow9991703]

Great video but are you saying i should or should not vacuum my heavily planted aquarium with undergravel filter? FYI It's been up and running for about 18months 👍

[@davidbogard4826]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

That is awesome! Hope you enjoy your new tank!

[@michaelcoffey2314]

Hello, Great video. Can you please tell me what brand that UGF filter is you are holding and where do I purchase? I have a 20 gallon long. Thanks

[@jigglypuff57puff55]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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.

[@leebartelt2802]

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...

[@bretthines6893]

I love my 40 Breeder and the UGF! However, I am getting very high Nitrate readings. I do have live plants and I thought they would take care of this issue, but they are not. By the way the plants are thriving... Any suggestions for the constant issues with Nitrates??

[@14paste14]

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

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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?

[@rockfella27]

Unbelievable!

[@sarveshsawant1666]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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!

[@NoKaOiBoiInDa805]

I plumbed the lift tube of my UG filter into the intake of my canister filter and have been running it that way for years. I am thinking about doing a planted tank and there is discussion amongst those with planted tanks that most say an UG filter is bad (dispelled in this video) but there are also some that say a UG is good but they recommend the opposite way I use it with a cannister filter - they say reverse the flow and plumb the return from the cannister filter to go into the lift tube of the UG filter. Any suggestions are welcomed.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Reverse flow or normal flow I don’t think makes a huge difference. You might have less compaction with reverse flow than normal flow depending on the size of you gravel. I am going a different route with my UGF and going with a slow moving system to create anoxic zones like Kevin Novak shares. This will also be a planted tank. I like the results he’s getting so I think it is worth trying and seeing what happens.

[@RealCptHammonds]

Please tell me the manufacturer's name or share a link to the underground filter that you show yourself holding in the thumbnail for this video. I desperately want to buy some before I set up the last aquarium in my life.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Unfortunately those UGF came to third hand and the people I asked who had them previously don’t know the name of the company either.

[@tonys.5940]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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.

[@tonys.5940]

@@TheAquariumLibrary The 1960s are being stingy with their slate-bottomed Metaframes...

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Can you put the 1980s back on? I like them better 😂

[@bernarga]

Hi, your video is very informative. Do you recommend to use Under gravel filter for planted aquariums?

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

100% I would recommend it. My tank is an undergravel filter (UGF) planted tank and has been widely successful in growing plants while minimizing algae. I made a stupid mistake and introduced a marimo moss ball -- actually an algae, not a moss -- into my tank. Eventually that algae started to grow from where it was attached and now that is the type of algae that I battle still in my tank.

[@bernarga]

@@TheAquariumLibrary Thank you for your prompt reply.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

@@bernarga You are most welcome

[@jesselox3470]

Do you do gravel vac for example on the fish tank in this video? Its planted beautifully, so does it need that?

[@MikeSwirled]

Are the white, corrugated style with the slits still available? Those were great because they supported themselves really well.

[@rmuffin]

I'm an avid old school undergravel filter lover exclamation. Where did you get that black UGF your holding throughout the video?

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

I got it third or fourth hand from a friend and it doesn’t have any identifiers to tell me where it came from.

[@greggw2gs]

@@TheAquariumLibrary Bummer I like that one as well...

[@zenguitar65]

Hello Andrew new sub here. Really enjoying your content. Can you steer me in the right direction regarding the substrate setup you use to allow plants to thrive in conjunction with a UGF? Thank you!

[@conspiracythings]

GREAT VID❗ What Brand is the Lrg Blk UGF in your right hand @ Time Stamp 2:21 ...THANKS :) ***CORRECTION *** tiny one @ TS 2:30 😉

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

I unfortunately don’t know. I bought them third hand from someone and he doesn’t remember who he got them from or the name of the brand.

[@conspiracythings]

@@TheAquariumLibrary Thanks for the quick reply 👍

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

You’re welcome.

[@djguppyfish]

Dude...great info..going to try one... ... I getting "masterpiece theater" flashbacks.....I like it...

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Haha. Appreciate the compliment. Hope you enjoy your UGF!

[@pomak6511]

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.

[@SonnyBurnett2012]

Do you think Pool filter sand can be used over the undergravel filter? Will It clog?

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

In order to use sand I think you need to put down a weed barrier to keep the sand from getting into the UGF. If you add just the sand, it will just go through the holes in the UGF and effectively break the UGF

[@SonnyBurnett2012]

@@TheAquariumLibrary yeah i know. But im afraid It compacts the sand, instead gravel where the water flow is more huh fluid..

[@SonnyBurnett2012]

I suspect sand is more Dense than gravel

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

@@SonnyBurnett2012 It isn't that sand is more dense, it is that sand is physically smaller so when they are in a layer there is less space between each individual piece of sand compared to the same amount of gravel. Hopefully that makes sense.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

@@SonnyBurnett2012 Putting the landscaping fabric isn't going to make the sand more compact than sand would be on the bottom of the tank. The fabric is just a barrier. I have never messed around with sand, but I know that other people on this video or my other videos have mentioned how they utilize sand with UGF successfully without the compaction issue you mention.

[@johnpeters5994]

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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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.

[@franciscorobledo510]

Where do I get the one on his hands. Still available out there??? Thank you

[@gordonmarvin9993]

On saltwater aquariums, they are quite good as a secondary form of filtration with a hang on back filter or protein skimmer

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Huhh, I haven't really heard of them being used in saltwater aquariums, let alone as a secondary form of filtration.

[@ComhghallMurray]

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

[@Sam100Gardens]

Love the UVI reference!

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

I wondered how many people would know what I was referencing.

[@Sam100Gardens]

We design all of our systems that way.

[@dorisdady8758]

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

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Yeah having two filters to rely upon definitely makes it easier to sleep at night or to travel away from the tank on vacation.

[@reneesnugent3358]

I've been searching for a great 20 and a 29-gallon UGF, and I'm trying to find power head to fit but unsure what will fit UGF. Any suggestions please? Also do you cover the entire bottom of aquarium aquarium? I've look at UGF and the measurements wouldn't fit the entire bottom of the aquarium. I'm not sure what to purchase, I've got angelfish currently. Please consider helping me try to figure it out.

[@FarsheedShastri]

Questions.. once you install an under gravel filter .. would you still have hang on the back filter as well? At the moment I have a 30gal tank and I change water/clean the gravel every 2 months .. will the undergravel filter change that?

[@AussieAquatic]

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]

Haha, you just politely disagree 😂. Do you do reverse flow on all of yours or just regular flow? Or a combination?

[@AussieAquatic]

@@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.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

@@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.

[@rockfella27]

Dr. Novak has a ton of info on this.

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

@@rockfella27 Yup I am familiar with his work

[@aycfes]

newbie here i'm planning on making a pond with an undergravel filter, with a pump sucking the water from it and out trough a waterfall, are there any clear problems with this idea, or does it sound viable? also thinking about sending the waterfall water directly into a sort of miniaturized wetland filter (basically, imagine a planted undergravel filter, but fed by gravity and flowing backwards) any other obvious traps there?

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

Yeah that sounds feasible. I'd check out some of the aquascape pond building videos as that sounds almost exactly what they do. Their kits are expensive but the same principles can be applied to a cheaper build.

[@larrythompson2967]

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!

[@TheAquariumLibrary]

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

[@larrythompson2967]

@@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?

[@Waverlyduli]

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🙂

[@BassManStrikes]

What kind of UG filter is that you have in the thumbnail I can't find anything that looks like that.