In this episode of "The Aquarist's Edge," we explore the enduring question: Are undergravel filters still a thing? Join host Arthur Preston as we delve into the history of these classic filtration systems which gained popularity due to their simplicity and effectiveness. We'll discuss the pros and cons of undergravel filters, including their low maintenance and cost-effectiveness, while addressing common misconceptions about their performance. Are they still relevant in today's aquarium hobby dominated by advanced filtration technologies?
Tune in to discover niche applications where undergravel filters excel and learn essential tips for using them effectively in your aquarium. Don't miss this insightful episode that might just change your perspective on this classic filtration method!
[00:00:04] Welcome back to The Aquarists Edge, your go-to podcast for all things about home aquariums.
[00:00:10] Thank you for joining us today.
[00:00:14] Today we're going to take a look at undergravel filters and try and answer the question,
[00:00:19] are undergravel filters for the thing?
[00:00:22] Yeah, there was a time when almost every aquarium would have an undergravel filter.
[00:00:26] In fact, I remember that in my first aquariums that I kept as a youngster,
[00:00:32] this was the only real option that was available, particularly when you were on a budget.
[00:00:37] So let's have a look at where this started.
[00:00:39] It kind of happened around the 1960s.
[00:00:42] This was a significant period for home aquariums.
[00:00:45] More people started to keep fish at home and there was obviously then a growing need for effective filtration.
[00:00:50] And while traditional methods like edge and sponge filters were common,
[00:00:54] but they had limitations in terms of their efficiency and their ease of use.
[00:00:58] And so the undergravel filter entered the scene.
[00:01:01] At the time, this was a revolutionary design that utilized the natural properties of gravel
[00:01:05] to promote biological filtration.
[00:01:07] The concept was really quite simple and yet also effective.
[00:01:12] A plate, often it was plastic that had looked a bit like it had either holes or slats in it,
[00:01:19] was placed beneath a layer of gravel, allowing the water to flow through it.
[00:01:22] And this created an environment where beneficial bacteria could thrive, breaking down harmful waste.
[00:01:29] In the 1970s and 80s, undergravel filters were synonymous with home aquariums and they were praised for several reasons.
[00:01:37] Firstly, they were very simple.
[00:01:39] Setting up an undergravel filter was relatively easy compared to other systems.
[00:01:42] Secondly, it was really cost effective.
[00:01:45] They weren't expensive.
[00:01:47] They required minimal investment up front and there were no ongoing costs for any replacement media.
[00:01:53] Then of course, there was the biological filtration.
[00:01:56] The gravel substrate provided ample surface area for beneficial bacteria, which helped maintain the water quality.
[00:02:02] Many aquarists found success using undergravel filters in various setups, from freshwater tanks to saltwater environments.
[00:02:10] Their popularity skyrocketed as foam aquarium hobbyists gave tips and experiences of their use of undergravel filters.
[00:02:19] However, as the aquarium hobby evolved, so did the technology around filtration.
[00:02:24] And newer systems like canister filters and hang-on back filters offered advanced features such as adjustable flow rates, multi-stage filtration, and ease of maintenance.
[00:02:35] And these innovations began to overshadow undergravel filters, leading many aquarists to question their effectiveness.
[00:02:43] But let's take a quick look at the pros and the cons of undergravel filters.
[00:02:47] Firstly, we'll look at the pros.
[00:02:50] Firstly, low maintenance.
[00:02:52] One of the most significant benefits of these filters is that they require very little maintenance.
[00:02:58] Once established, they can operate effectively with very little intervention.
[00:03:02] Beneficial bacteria colonize the gravel bed, breaking down the waste product, and they don't need frequent cleaning or media replacement.
[00:03:11] Then, of course, they are cost-effective.
[00:03:14] Very low entry costs, very budget-friendly.
[00:03:16] They don't require expensive filter cartridges.
[00:03:18] They don't require replacement media.
[00:03:20] And so, for beginners, this is a very attractive choice.
[00:03:23] And perhaps also for those who are looking to maintain multiple tanks without breaking the bank.
[00:03:28] Then, of course, there's the issue of the biological filtration itself.
[00:03:33] The gravel that you would put in anywhere is a substrate to many people.
[00:03:36] And that acts as a natural filter medium that promotes biological filtration.
[00:03:39] The beneficial bacteria thrive in this environment, converting harmful ammonia from fish waste into less toxic compounds.
[00:03:48] And as most of you will know by now, this idea of cycling and producing the correct amount of beneficial bacteria is crucial, maintaining water quality and ensuring a healthy environment for the fish.
[00:03:59] Undergravel filters are also versatile.
[00:04:02] Undergravel filters are also versatile.
[00:04:02] They can be adapted into various tank setups, from community tanks to breeding tanks.
[00:04:06] They can support both freshwater and saltwater environments.
[00:04:10] So, those are really four probably the top pros that I can think of why you would choose an undergravel filter.
[00:04:19] But for every pro, there's a con, so let's have a look at those.
[00:04:22] Well, the obvious first one is just in the name itself, an undergravel filter.
[00:04:27] That assumes that you're going to be using gravel as a substrate.
[00:04:30] But as we know, there are multiple options for substrates and only using gravel may very well be limiting and it may not be the look you're going for, best for the animals you go to keep in your aquarium.
[00:04:40] If you prefer to use sand or larger decorative substrates, you may want to reconsider using the undergravel filter.
[00:04:48] Another issue that happens with these filters is the accumulation of uneaten food and waste that can accumulate on top of the filter place if not managed properly.
[00:04:57] But of course, this buildup can lead to poor water quality if it isn't dealt with.
[00:05:01] Another con to the use of these filters is the potential for anaerobic zones.
[00:05:07] And what this means is that if the water flows through the substrate is insufficient, anaerobic bacteria can develop in stagnant areas beneath the gravel.
[00:05:16] And these bacteria produce harmful gases like hydrogen sulfide, which can be detrimental to the fish health.
[00:05:22] Of course, for those who are looking for a particular look, perhaps a bit of more of an aquascape in their aquariums, these tubes that go from the undergravel filters don't look great.
[00:05:35] Many people find that the visible aquas tubes detract from the aesthetic of their tank.
[00:05:40] And there's certainly ways to hide the tubes with plants or decorations.
[00:05:43] This just requires you to be aware of it.
[00:05:45] And it's just another thing to concern yourself with.
[00:05:48] Though for many people, in fact, using, as it is sometimes, to be honest, with sponge filters, people don't like them because they feel it affects the overall aesthetic.
[00:05:59] I guess we need to ask the question, are undergravel filters still relevant?
[00:06:03] And so let's have a look at that.
[00:06:05] Well, first, let's look at what filters are available today.
[00:06:08] And in recent years, advancements in filtration technology have introduced various options that offer enhanced features compared to the traditional undergravel.
[00:06:18] Your canister filters provide multi-stage filtration with customisable media options, adjustable slow racks.
[00:06:24] Where hang-on back filters are relatively easy to maintain, and they offer both mechanical and chemical filtration.
[00:06:30] And of course, there are the sump systems.
[00:06:33] And they allow advanced filtration while providing lots of extra water volume.
[00:06:39] Some of these modern filtration filters also come with built-in heaters and skimmers that obviously enhance the water quality.
[00:06:47] But despite the fact that these new technologies are on the market, many experienced home aquarium owners will appreciate undergravel filters and use them.
[00:06:57] And, you know, either just because it's convenient, it's what they know, it's what they trust, or perhaps for one or two other reasons.
[00:07:03] For example, those who prefer a low-maintenance setup without complex equipment or high-tech gadgets.
[00:07:08] For example, people who have specific types of breathing tanks.
[00:07:12] Undergravel filters create stable environments with minimal disturbance.
[00:07:16] Also, community tanks.
[00:07:17] You want to have a beautiful community tank but don't want to be dealing with other kinds of fancy filters?
[00:07:22] Well, this might be the one to go.
[00:07:24] I saw a question on a forum recently from a very experienced aquarist.
[00:07:29] And the comment read,
[00:07:30] I've had undergravel filters go years without cleaning.
[00:07:32] They don't break down and require no regular maintenance.
[00:07:35] Well, yeah, that may be somewhat of a simplification.
[00:07:39] But I think it highlights the sentiment as to why many hobbyists still prefer them,
[00:07:44] even in the midst of all these incredibly advanced and exciting new filtration methods.
[00:07:51] So, if you do decide to take on board the use of an undergravel filter,
[00:07:56] here's some tips that you need to know.
[00:08:00] You need to choose the right substrate.
[00:08:02] Make sure that you use medium-sized gravel that allows water flow
[00:08:06] while at the same time providing enough surface area for the bacteria to grow.
[00:08:10] Avoid the fine substrates that could clog the filter plate or repeat the water movement.
[00:08:15] Make sure that you're monitoring your water flow.
[00:08:17] Adjust your air pump or the power head to create sufficient flow
[00:08:21] so that the water flows through the gravel.
[00:08:23] Take for any dead zones where the debris might accumulate.
[00:08:26] Some people think that having an underground filter means less maintenance
[00:08:29] or even no maintenance.
[00:08:32] But it's important to periodically vacuum the substrate surface
[00:08:35] or to suction out accumulated debris.
[00:08:38] Check the uplift tubes or blockages that may stop the filter from performing well.
[00:08:45] The difficulty, of course, with an undergravel filter is that
[00:08:47] if you want to really clean it, you have to lift it out of your tank
[00:08:50] so that you would obviously save for a major tank overhaul.
[00:08:54] But certainly your basic maintenance, don't forget to do that.
[00:08:58] You could also consider adding another type of filter with your undergravel.
[00:09:03] When you do this, you actually enhance your water quality
[00:09:06] because you're not providing mechanical and chemical filtration
[00:09:09] and it also offers redundancy.
[00:09:11] If one of those systems fails, you have another filter in place.
[00:09:15] Also bear in mind that undergravel filters work best in tanks with lower bioloads.
[00:09:20] Overcrowding can lead to excessive waste production
[00:09:22] that can overwhelm the biological filtration
[00:09:25] and always monitor your water parameters regularly.
[00:09:28] So in conclusion, while undergravel filters may not be as trendy
[00:09:31] as modern filtration systems,
[00:09:33] they still hold value in specific aquarium setups today.
[00:09:37] Their simplicity, cost-effectiveness
[00:09:40] and proven biological filtration capabilities
[00:09:43] make them viable options for many aquarists
[00:09:45] looking to maintain a healthy aquatic environment.
[00:09:49] So whether you're setting up your first tank
[00:09:50] or looking for reliable solutions
[00:09:52] for breeding special and maintaining community tanks,
[00:09:55] don't overlook these classic filters.
[00:09:57] But thank you for joining me on this episode of Aquarius Edge.
[00:10:00] I hope you found this information informative.
[00:10:03] And if you enjoyed this episode,
[00:10:05] please go ahead and follow us, subscribe to this podcast.
[00:10:09] Help us to grow the podcast by sharing it with friends
[00:10:11] who are also interested in this engaging hobby.
[00:10:14] And so until the next episode of the Aquarius Edge,
[00:10:18] this is Art signing out.
[00:10:19] Keep discovering, keep learning.
[00:10:22] See you next time.