Whatever happened to undergravel filters?

When I was in high school (like 25 years ago) I had a fish tank and undergravel filters were pretty popular. Nowadays, I hardly ever see them. Why?

Maybe, as a kid in high school with not much money, I was just looking at options on the cheaper shelf. Or is it that they are actually not very good, and people finally got over the hype? I even remember the mystical reverse-flow undergravel filter where you connected the outlet of your canister filter to the downpipes, so you actually "pushed" water down into your gravel. Or maybe they're just a poor option for heavily planted tanks (which is my focus).

Just my thought for the day. I'd be interested to hear people's comments. Does anyone still use an undergravel filter? Any good?

 

We mostly use pump-powered filters or sponge filters. Catches more waste and reduces the amount of siphoning we need to do.

Deeply trapped waste can also decompose and create more nitrates so that is never good either.

 

They haven't completely fallen away, although the modern fishkeeper is much better equipped with a power filter for most uses.

I know of a handful of facilities - including in marine research - that still operate on undergravel filters. Reasons vary from cheap operation costs to convenience (you can throw them together DIY no problem, and quick replacement), as well as consuming minimal space. The drawbacks have been mentioned though, especially limited biological surface area and potential for anaerobic spots, although the blame for that falls on poor maintenance - even power filters can develop anaerobic pockets if neglected.

@JimmyHD I work on a system with substrate dwelling animals that uses that same reverse-flow undergravel filter you mention to ensure aerated gravel, ultimately to maintain animal health. What hasn't fallen away from the old days are corner box filters and sponge filters, which are still used extensively around the world. I have a stockpile of these for whatever occasion might need them.

 

Yeah, I remember those too. Also used to have one. Jammed full of filter floss.

 

Ja, I think sponge filters -- also driven by an air pump like the undergravel filters -- are as cheap and work better so are more popular these days. At least, they are easier to access and clean.

 

PS I remember once, ages ago, when I tore down and rebuilt my tank, I found a bunch of guppy fry (I think guppies, not sure) living under the undergravel filter. They were kinda stunted and malnourished, but alive. Poor buggers.

 

Under-gravel filters is actually making quite a big comeback with shrimp keeping. Think South Africa might just be a slight behind with it.
Personally I have setup a new tank with a UG filter now to play around with it. (Pics below)
I think theUG filter has also been improved quite a lot since the original old school styles that were out there, check out some of the pictures below from a more Asia style UG filter they are using for shrimp. Its almost the standard there.

Sulawesi UG Filter tank



Asian Style UG Shrimp Tank

 

Whoa, some of those are quite advanced. Almost like mini sumps packed underneath the substrate. Very interesting, thanks.

 

I still believe and use undegravel filters. They are very misunderstood. I use them in combination with trumpet snails no power filter could compare in my opinion.

 

@JimmyHD .

Hahaa 35 years ago I was also using under gravel filters but, as has been said, technology progressed and the first canister filter came along
About 29 years ago i used my first canister on my Oscar tank, it was a Fluval, cant remember the model long green box and that was a big upgrade and i was so excited
Worked like a dream

The pros and cons have been mentioned but the chances of anaerobic pockets forthcoming with an under gravel filter are much higher than a canister
I must admit i prefer the dirt to be taken out of the tank

Sometimes I still use those corner box air driven filters to quickly clear up water after a scape or adding pool filter sand and they work like magic

I think the bottom line is, it depends on what fish you keep

 

All the talk of UG filters made me want to try another one.

Going to replace my 7L nano cube, with 30cm cube with a fancy UG filter. Keen to see how it will cycle and filter with just lavarock and aquasoil as substrate.
Current 7L cube has not been touched in the 6 monhts since setup. (No WC, Feeding once a week, no ferts) Hoping that I can get the same results with a UG.

 

Nice. I guess one of the good things about them is that you don't really see them (aside from the uplift pipe) so they are fairly unobtrusive.

 

I suspect the UG in a planted tank was not seen as cool at some point, probably mainly because CO2 was being used to bump growth.

I am a big user of air stones and airlifts .. even when I still run canisters.

BTW has anybody had BBA with a well working UG?

Later Ferdie

 

Had some time during loadshedding today.

Pumice > Lavarock > Aquasoil. Keen to see how it goes.
Day 1 of cycle. Now the wait.

 

Nice what brand of UG is that?

Later Ferdie

 

Veny’s Premium Undergravel filter 29 (72.4cm x 29.2cm)

Bit of a higher quality one than normal. Get airstones and some nice fittings with it.

 

I have a 3ft project that is shouting for some UG love, thanks will look for them.

Later Ferdie