can i add an undergravel filter to my aquarium safely?
I have a 10 gallon freshwater tropical fish tank. I have gravel, and a large ornament with hiding places etc. I did a fishless cycle then added fish. I have monitored chemicals for months and everything has stayed good and the fish are healthy. I have a basic filter running the whole time. I do 20% water changes every 4 days.
I now find out that undergravel filter is better for small tanks. Is this true? Also, as the old filter has all the good bacteria in it will it be OK to just add the undergravel filter in, then take the old filter out in a months time? How long should I wait to take the old filter out? Also in general is it OK to just add a 2nd filter that hasn’t cycled?
Thank you for reading x
Edit: Also, how thick does the gravel have to be to have an undergravel filter? I only have about 3/4 of 1 inch, is that enough?
Personally, I wouldn’t add an undergravel filter if you have an established tank with good chemistry. There are many people on both sides of this argument and all I can tell you is what my experience has been. I don’t really think that even for a small tank, the undergravel filters are any better.
Undergravel Filter (set up) tutorial – HD
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Hagen A867 Clear Flow Economy 10G UG Filter $8.22 Clearflow Undergravel – Economy – 10 gal- Fits 20 x 10 bottom- 2 plates 25 cm x 25 cm x 1.8 cm each- 2 stem sets- 1 diameter tube- Sliding attachment allows quick and secure riser stem attachment- Exhaust cap provides excellent flow direction… |
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Lee’s 5-1/2 Original Undergravel Filter, 7-1/2-Inch by 15-Inch $6.93 Lees Aquarium Original Undergravel Filter The Lees Aquarium Original Undergravel Filter is a trouble-free biological filter that is designed with adjustable 1″ diameter uplift tubes for better water circulation and multiple-plate construction for easy installation. The advanced design of the filter allows a separate plate installation and also a optional flow-thru set-up for use with a power head…. |