UNDERGRAVEL FILTERS? Worth not using dirt?

I happened to stumble upon some free undergravel filters and was wondering if these were worth not having dirt for. I like how it pulls fish waste into the substrate, because I like a lot of plants anyways. I'm wondering if it outweighs the pros and cons of having dirt? I'd like some feedback, thanks. : )

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Permalink Reply by yamachopper on June 15, 2012 at 3:45am

I've played with them before and I wasn't impressed. I'll take a good H.O.T.B. filter and quaility substrate anyday. But I am interested to hear if a reverse flow powerhead with an UGF system would work well with plants. especially if you injected Co2 right into the downtube.

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Permalink Reply by seth roach on June 15, 2012 at 5:35am

never really that impressed with the regular bought UGFs but i currently have a little system of pvc pipes connected to a powerhead in one of my tanks...i like to think it creates better flow in the tank and cuts down on dead spots but it could just be wishful thinking. I had it not planted for a year or so and it made cleaning the gravel way easier because stuff would only settle in between where the pipes were. That tank is pretty heavily planted now and they seem to like it; dare i say even more than my dirted tank i'm not quite sure yet seems to depend on species...but as for the regular commercial ones i wouldnt bother you'll just destroy your root systems if you need to move anything.........

that reverse flow with co2 injection sounds like it could be pretty fly though.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Jango on June 18, 2012 at 1:43am

At one time undergravel filters were considered the biologically responsible system for tanks. Their beneficial effects have taken a big hit over the years though. Like the other responders, I think a reverse flow system might be worth a try. But I don't use filters; so I'm sorry I can't help you more.