Every filter comes with its benefits and downsides for different tank types. If you’re stuck between deciding what’s best between an under gravel filter or a power filter, here’s detailed information that will help you make the right choice and according to your preference.
Undergravel filter or power filter?
First off, overall, power filters are very highly superior to undergravel filters.
At least, the vast majority of fish keepers think so.
The reason being that:
- Undergravel filters don’t perform impressively when it comes to filtering larger tanks.
- Undergravel filters are easy to set up; however, it’s a little laborious, as you must complete the setup process before you can lay the substrate.
- Undergravel filters require less cleaning than power filters, but cleaning them can be more wearisome.
- Undergravel filters do not support just any kind of rooted plants, and in some cases, you may find it hard to ensure the stability of anything that sits on the tank’s bottom.
Not yet convinced?
Here’s a detailed explanation.
Undergravel filter
List of the best undergravel filter
Last update on 2021-07-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mode of operation
This type of filter comes with a reasonably simple design. As with its name, undergravel filters are placed under the gravel of the tank- which controls the filtration process.
This filter has plates that connect to the tubings. As the filter pulls the water, the gravel works as a natural filter- it traps the toxins and sustains beneficial bacteria.
The tubing accommodates the freshly-filtered water and transports it upward into your aquarium. This filter might require an air pump because it allows water to circulate consistently.
Sounds great, right?
Maintenance
In terms of aesthetics, if you’re looking for a filter that won’t fault your tank’s view or you don’t like machinery, and several tubing, a pretty simple choice would be an undergravel filter. However, if you dislike several minutes of cleaning or don’t have much time, know that it takes some time to clean an undergravel filter- you must thoroughly vacuum the substrate every week, as it houses the filtered waste.
Price
Undergravel filter is cheap. You can purchase a decent one for as low as $20 or less.
Filtering capabilities
Undergravel filters are inarguably the cheapest filter types on the market. They are super easy to set up, perform surprisingly well, and are uniquely created to support small fish tanks. Your undergravel filter is useful if you own a tank that is undemanding- regardless of whether it is a quarantine tank, breeding tank, or a regular betta fish tank.
What you should be aware of
Some undergravel filters come with carbon cartridges that stay at the head of the lift tubes. They can be harmful.
These cartridges lack enough carbon to provide the right level of chemical filtration, if your filter is run using an air pump, enough water is not moving through the carbon to give the proper chemical filtration, plus the carbon will prevent or even stop the smooth flow of water through the filter. Make sure you’re aware of this.
Review the best aquarium undergravel filters
Power filter
Last update on 2021-08-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Power filters (also called a hang on back filter) are undoubtedly the most used filter by many aquarium fish keepers. They suitably support medium-sized tanks, as these filters can filter water in a way faster than it’s under gravel counterparts.
Mode of operation
If you’ve ever bought one of those small, cheaper aquarium sets before, it usually features a power filter. Power filters are not installed inside the tank but at the back of the tank.
Here’s how a power filter works:
This type of filter allows water circulation through a pump. The pump allows the entry of water into a filtration chamber. The clean water is sent back into the tank via tubes.
Sounds easy?
Yes, it is.
Power filters are averagely priced, simple to install, and because of where they are placed, they won’t suck up much space.
Most power filters enable you to store other type of filters- paving the way for a better filtration process.
Maintenance
If your tank is larger or heavily stocked, we recommend going for a power filter because of its quality- it takes some time for a larger amount of water to purify, but a power filter does a quick, thorough and effective job.
Price
While they are mostly inexpensive, this type of filter is more expensive than its undergravel counterparts- therefore, this might not be your perfect choice if you’re on a budget.
Filtering capabilities
Unlike the undergravel filter, you cannot submerge a power filter; else they won’t work. However, a power filter will never interfere with the interior of your tank- not only does this filter save spaces, but they are also a safe option for your plants and fish, which won’t get trapped inside. The major concern with power filters is cleaning-you have to disassemble them every few days to remove build-up, and you must replace the filter as soon as it performs less.
What you should be aware of
Remember, as with most filters, make sure you replace the carbon in the filter regularly, as saturated carbon may contain waste and release toxins.
Power filters vs. Undergravel filters – which is the best?
You’re probably still thinking: “which should I use between a power and an undergravel filter?”
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between these two, your selection should be based on your budget tank design/size, and your goal.
If you’re looking for quick water filtration for a large amount of water and not limited by budget, go for a power filter. But if you own a smaller tank with a subtle setup or you’re limited by budget, get an undergravel filter.
However, in terms of filtration efficiency, power filters usually do a better 3 stage filtration job. Furthermore, here’s where a power filter does better than an undergravel filter:
Power filters can filter out impure water and make it into a quality of an undergravel filter, and most times, even better.
They are usually hanged at either the side or at the back of the aquarium. Although the placement method is much like undergravel filters, the power filter still takes the win because an undergravel filter will still take up some space in the tank. Also, the power filter will never after your aquarium plant roots.
Going further, anyone that prioritizes the aquarium’s aesthetics should go for an undergravel filter because, after all, you will barely see it.
Also, if your tank is enclosed or features a good, it might be challenging to attach a power filter to the sides. In such a situation, an undergravel filter will be a preferred choice.
Bottom line is, both filter types serve a different purpose and your choice should be based on what you intend to achieve with the filter.
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