👋Don't forget to subscribe for more awesome fish videos: kzread.info/dron/vPFi0M72NERe2QWgShrciw.html

@Ttblondey

3 жыл бұрын

Subscribe already. Thanks for the knowledge.

@TheAquariumLibrary

3 жыл бұрын

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

@raisinggoldfishonabudget7058

Жыл бұрын

@@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

3 ай бұрын

❤🧡💛💚💙💜

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

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.

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

@Lonewolf-ei5yv

10 ай бұрын

Amen, bro, amen!

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

@brockhajek4884

2 жыл бұрын

same here

@TheAquariumLibrary

2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate it.

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

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

@TheAquariumLibrary

3 жыл бұрын

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

@ricokowalski4403

3 ай бұрын

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

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!

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

@TheAquariumLibrary

3 жыл бұрын

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

@jeffalbillar7625

3 жыл бұрын

@@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

2 жыл бұрын

What causes algae?

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

2 жыл бұрын

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.

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

3 ай бұрын

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

@BRBTechTalk

3 ай бұрын

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

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

@TheAquariumLibrary

3 жыл бұрын

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.

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!

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!!!!

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

2 жыл бұрын

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.

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.

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

@TheAquariumLibrary

2 жыл бұрын

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

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

Жыл бұрын

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

@@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

2 жыл бұрын

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.

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

@@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.

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

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.

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

@TheAquariumLibrary

3 жыл бұрын

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheAquariumLibrary I anxiously await your results.

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

3 жыл бұрын

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.

Very professionally explained. Superb. Thank for sharing bro.

@TheAquariumLibrary

2 жыл бұрын

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

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

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.

Well done

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

Жыл бұрын

You’re very welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!

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!!

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

Жыл бұрын

Glad you found the video helpful!

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

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.

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

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

@TheAquariumLibrary

Жыл бұрын

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

Excelente sistema

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...

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

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

Жыл бұрын

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.

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

2 жыл бұрын

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.

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.

*smiles* "This baby's got it all"

I use UGF and love them. They are the best

@TheAquariumLibrary

2 жыл бұрын

What fish do you keep in your UGF tanks?

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

2 жыл бұрын

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.

Great Job.....

@TheAquariumLibrary

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

@marypaigeflynn4512

3 жыл бұрын

@@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

3 жыл бұрын

@@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 💚🌿🐟🌿

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.

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

3 жыл бұрын

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!

In 1995 i started a 20 gallon planted tank using Reverse flow Under gravel filter . I also flow the DIY sugar n yeast CO2 reactor . The power head chop up the co2 and flow it into the UGF . Therefore 100% of CO2 is absorbed. That was the most lush planted tank I ever have . Too bad , now you can’t even find UGF plate in the fish store .

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

2 жыл бұрын

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.

Have UG and using it in reverse flow. Works great!

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

Жыл бұрын

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

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!

Excellent Video!!

@TheAquariumLibrary

2 жыл бұрын

I’m glad you enjoyed it! Are you currently using UGF?

@f8nomore

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheAquariumLibrary Yes, I just put one in my frog tank and I love it!

@f8nomore

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheAquariumLibrary Also, I have a question that I hope you can help me with. I have an American bullfrog and her tank has only 5 to 6 inches of water in it. I want to put an UGF in her tank, so do you think the uptake tubes will work properly if I cut them down in height to sit beneath that low of a water level?

@TheAquariumLibrary

2 жыл бұрын

@@f8nomore If you cut the uptake tubes they will still work properly. Probably work better because the air might not be able to lift the water that high above the water level without them being cut.

Agree 100% with your explanation. Other people want to do it another way, go for it. Your fish will die before mine. It’s going to be a matter of time. Your choice! Good luck

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

@TheAquariumLibrary

Жыл бұрын

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

brilliant reflection

@TheAquariumLibrary

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

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

@TheAquariumLibrary

2 жыл бұрын

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

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🙂

I demand more suited youtube courtroom defense videos

@TheAquariumLibrary

Жыл бұрын

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

That is awesome! Hope you enjoy your new tank!

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

Жыл бұрын

That’s awesome to hear.

@chesneymigl4538

Жыл бұрын

@@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.

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

2 жыл бұрын

Are you still using UGF in your current tanks?

@TinoushGTR

2 жыл бұрын

@@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

2 жыл бұрын

😂😂 yeah that is a pretty big whoopsies 🤣

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!

100 % agree

Love the UVI reference!

@TheAquariumLibrary

2 жыл бұрын

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

@Sam100Gardens

2 жыл бұрын

We design all of our systems that way.

There are plenum of good reasons to use an under gravel filter ;)

@TheAquariumLibrary

2 жыл бұрын

Excellent pun good sir.

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

3 жыл бұрын

Unbelievable!

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

You are so right, everyone else is still catching up

@TheAquariumLibrary

Жыл бұрын

Let’s hope so. I hate to see and hear people struggling with aquariums with all their different products they’ve been sold.

Substrate directly on the bottom of your tank presents more issues than people would like to know.

@TheAquariumLibrary

2 жыл бұрын

But a lot of people don't want to research things thoroughly.

Got to love UGs!

@TheAquariumLibrary

3 жыл бұрын

Yup old reliable. I really like your designs using acrylic for UGF, unfortunately I don’t have the space to be able to put totter stuff like that and let my imagination run wild with ideas.

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

2 жыл бұрын

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.

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

@AussieAquatic

3 жыл бұрын

@@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

3 жыл бұрын

@@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

3 жыл бұрын

Dr. Novak has a ton of info on this.

@TheAquariumLibrary

3 жыл бұрын

@@rockfella27 Yup I am familiar with his work

Under gravel dileter is the best, I use it in all 7tank of mine.for years now!

@TheAquariumLibrary

3 жыл бұрын

They are amazing filters. That is for sure.

everything you said was truth.... had oscars with my underground for 15+ years... no problem.... the tank split open and the filter was still ready to go

@TheAquariumLibrary

Жыл бұрын

That’s awesome, well everything except the tank splitting apart.

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

2 жыл бұрын

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!

You're quite right about the beneficial properties of an UGF. The real reason that they have seen to be outdated is big companies that like to part fools from their money with external filter systems (et al) and fancy media that needs to be regularly replaced. Domestic Fish keeping has been around for well over 100 years and in all that time UGF was the main stay of the hobby. The truth of this hobby is setting up an ecologically well balanced tank, not artificially induced crystal clear water that is too sterile. The well being and happiness of all living creatures within a tank (fish, plants, inverts, etc.) is of paramount importance to a dedicated fish keeper, striking the natural balance is a fine art that can only be accomplished with knowledge, dedication and good tank husbandry. Let the fools pay through the nose for unwarranted additional materials, I'll just stick with mother nature's simple rules, it works for me.

@TheAquariumLibrary

3 жыл бұрын

100% agree with you. If you make an ecologically well balanced tank and understand what is happening in your tank you are off to a really successful start. The sad thing is they may not even know that they are fools, and think they are really smart for using the external filters and additional materials. I hope some of them stumble across this video and reconsider all they know about UGF and realize there is another way that works well and might even work better than what they are using currently.

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

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.

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

@@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.

UGF be used as plenum and Anoxic filteration system. Ultimate biological filter.

@TheAquariumLibrary

2 жыл бұрын

Those are certainly some good ways to use an UGF.

Very true I use a ugf as a slow moving plenem with clay capped with aqua slow with a cut down uplift tube using a low powered airpump to make it slow flow to convert phosphates n nitrates aswell as ammonia n nitrites can't beat it best filtration ever I also use hobs n canisters but ug is the best

@TheAquariumLibrary

2 жыл бұрын

What soils did you use in your system? I am about to make a very similar system.

Used these in bay area starting in 1978 with hob and power heads had to start with dirty water or cycled tankwater

Thanks for yr reply, I thing that his point is that when you rise the ugf from the bottom you well have a better oxigenated substrate and what he says is that the substrate should have 2 to 3 inches, the reason of this is the roots and the substrate will need the oxigen to be healthy, and the roots will process the amanhã to nitrite and as the nitrite tralves through the gravel it will be converted to nitrate and then at the bottom of the tank the bacteria that lives in places with a very low amount of O2 that will convert the nitrate into harmless gases that well be eliminated from the top of the water, with this full circle nitrates at 10 parts per million or less, with this water changes only to replace old water with new minerals, so what can be done, is in this space below the ugf you can put, lava rock anything that you want because this bacteria well be established before and under the ugf, I ordered a new tank for me of 180 gallon tank with the ugf making the biological filtration and the mechanical filtration well be do with a right side sump, I think that people in the US don't use this system, very much for the mechanical filtration with this making by ugf work for ever Take care, be safe

@TheAquariumLibrary

3 жыл бұрын

Yup I I figured that was what that word was mixed in there. That makes sense, but I guess what I am saying have people shown that raising it up actually makes a different, or is it more dependent upon the amount of air you have at the top pulling water through or a power head pumping water through. I might experiment with it one day but currently don’t have the space to try things out like that. In your opinion, why do people in the US not use UGF. I have my thoughts, that were shared in the video, but would love to hear what you think from a third party perspective.

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

@TheAquariumLibrary

2 жыл бұрын

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

@ComhghallMurray

6 ай бұрын

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

If you only put sand without an undergravel system, the water down there in your tank will become stagnant. It's a dead water down there. You'll achieve the clearest water with an undergravel system, though it may slightly reduce your fish tank's height. Trust me I have been raising fish for over 32 years.

I like the idea of replacing the clear life tube with black PVC against a black background (with a black powerhead).

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

@@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?

We still use UGF for commercial shrimp maturation tanks

Yes, thank you! Just follow the money and you'll find out why the industry loves filters that require regular "maintenance" purchases such as charcoal and floss pods.

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

It's really strange I kept fish for over 20 years and always had under gravel filter systems in all but my smallest tanks. I come back 20 years later and i am like the heck happened to them. They work great! paired with a powerhead with air injection you can get a gorgeous, quite, crystal clear tank. here is the kicker I kept cichlids and they did great, I ran deep gravel but the digging was not that big an issue.

@TheAquariumLibrary

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I’ve heard that same thing from a lot of people. I think UGF are making a resurgence and will start seeing more of them in usage as they do a great job with the tank. What type of cichlids were you keeping with that tank?

@DeminicusSCA

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheAquariumLibrary at the time I was lucky it was around 1990 and I had community tanks. my neighbor built a fish pond in his front yard. I did not really know him but liked fish so I walked over to check it out. Come to find out the dudes dad and him owned a huge comet gold fish farm!! the pond was just to hold feeders. He showed me his tanks, he had 3 huge ones in his living room . like two 500g and an 800 gallon full of Oscars, Jack Dempsey, Dovii etc. I saw one look, and was hooked as a young teen. So I started keeping Oscars and pike cichlid. the pike dug the most but I used the ridged trapaziod type UGF, so it really was not an issue. Even with a hole plenty of water was still flowing though the rocks. ended up moving over seas and that's why I got out but I am coming back :)

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

Жыл бұрын

What UGF are you using with the sand?

I too lazy to use full version in my working tank So i just dig a hole in gravel, planted a PVC tube in that hole and put a airstone in It's not perfect but it's working

@TheAquariumLibrary

2 жыл бұрын

Huh. That’s definitely a different way to do UGF

My 300-gallon tropical freshwater tank uses an underground filter with 8 lift tubes into which flexible tubing connected to a massive and seriously overpowered air pump forces fine bubbles through airstones to create a turbulent and rapid turnover of the water column. I live close to the Equator way out in the sticks where there are NO aquarium shops, so finding the right plants from a nearby jungle river that will grow under moderately bright LED lights in a substrate of pure white river sand is a work in progress. The final look I envision for this tank will entail installing as few plants as I can get away with, such that there is no nitrate buildup over time.

I love undergravel filters! Wont set up a tank without one.

@TheAquariumLibrary

3 жыл бұрын

They are amazing. What type did you like better the interlocking plates or the large panels?

@yenriver5255

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheAquariumLibrary I used interlocking now

@TheAquariumLibrary

3 жыл бұрын

Was there a reason why you switched to them? I like them because they are more versatile on more tanks but didn’t know if that was also your reasoning.

@yenriver5255

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheAquariumLibrary can buy lots and size to fit in any tanks. Like condoms.....one size fits all bahahahahahahahahahaahaa

@TheAquariumLibrary

3 жыл бұрын

Oh gosh 😂😂

Used them for years with power heads