Opinions on Under gravel filters?

I have a thread over on pfk about my Ranchu possibly eating some white clouds, and was asking whether it would be safer to get more so they're in a larger shoal, etc.

Anyway, like most threads surrounding fish keeping on such sites (thankfully I've never seen it here!) it soon boiled down to saying that I'm not looking after the fish, need new filters, asking whether I know about the nitrogen cycle and several other comments.

Of course they don't know what I know about and why things are the way they are in my tank.

What I'd like to know is your opinions on under gravel filters?

As far as I'm aware they're a great filter for a tank like mine, low stocking, gravel bottom, planted, and that they work by dragging the water and detritus through the gravel, to the filter below and underneath. The detritus then stays underneath the filter and is used as food for the plants and gradually builds up a river-bed like bottom. Very simple and old school, but with the main principles.

There were also issues about the depth of my gravel at the sides...

I'm sure you guys on here know that I want to do the best by my fish and want them to be happy and healthy.

My parameters are:
Ammonia 0
NitrIte 0
NitrAte 20ppm
pH is 8 (high I know, but I use slow acclimatising with a drip method, and aven't had any deaths, apart from a betta a few months ago - most likely unlinked)
My water is also very hard, but this has never been a problem either due to where the lfs fish are bred, etc.

I Personally prefer to use internal or external filters because it anoys me having to take all the substrate out to get to them and i use sand in all my tanks. I personally wouldnt use them but then i know andy gets on well with them and has used them for a marine tank. All i can say though is at the end of the day if the water quality is go which it is then it must be working so theres no need to change it.

I agree - if your parameters are good dont worry.

But on the other hand, I adored my undergravel filter and I never had to change it or remove it, all I had to do was change the carbon cartridge occassionally.

I have both a 3 stage and a undergravel filter in my ten gallon tank and even with both I have to do w/c's. Only have an undergravel filter in my 2gl. hex and its just fine with w/c's.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but ought to keep it to themselves! lol! I
wonder how many have actually used the undergravel system that voiced their
opinions!

Well, my tank has been set up for about 5 weeks now It went from holding 5 WCMMs, to the current stocking:
6 WCMMS (went up to 10, then back down 'cause some became lunch :/)
5 Golden Zebra Danios
2 Japanese Ranchu
1 Teeny Black Moor
2 Apple Snails

I do 20% Water changes every 5 days, and my stats are stable (Ammonia and nitrite nil, and Nitrate 10).

The Undergravel filter seems to be working for me, and the plants are really thriving, some of the roots systems are pretty extensive :D I also have fish eggs and apple snail eggs, so everything seems to be thriving

Quick pics.

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So, I'm feeling pretty positive about it all

Looks great And sounds fine if the water is perfect. How big is the tank? there could be a problem with 3 fancies once they get fully grown because they get big and messy so the UGF might struggle.

Nice looking setup. You've done a real nice job IMO!

Thanks guys

It's a 125L, but Multiple Tank Syndrome has struck me, so :P

If my stats start to rise, then i'll likely put in a secondary filter, whether internal or external

Sounds like a good plan to me

You could try an external filter, they tend to have a high LPH turnover, but if your perameters are fine then I wouldn't worry!

And I agree with you about sites like that... it invariably boils down to someone rudely telling you you know nothing/are overstocking your tank/quoting one gallon per inch of fish rule at you even though it's ridiculously outdated and they know nothing about your setup.

Your tank looks great anyway, the ranchu are cute

Thanks a lot I think the same way. Very proud of my tank though!