I guess it depends on how you use your filters. I do have a canister filter,
but it is only part of my filtration system - the UG filter is just as
important. The UG drastically increases the biofiltration capacity of any
tank (if properly maintained).
The idea that the canister filter performs "better" is simply inacurate. the
canister filter is designed to perform a different function. Yes, it does
provide some biofiltrtation, but then almost everything does (including the
walls, decorations, nd pretty much any wet surface in an aquarium).
An example of how important the filters are can be demonostrated by
observing the water quality. When the canister filter slows down, the water
qualioty does not change significantly. As a matter of fact, at one point
the canister filter failed, and I didn't get around to rebuilding it for
about 3 weeks - no change in water quality. However, when I had an airpump
fail, and the UG filters flow was drastically reduced, the water quality
started deteriorating in almost immediately - there were noticable changes
within 2 days.
I am not saying that a UG filter by itself is a good filtration system. I
would not set up a tank with UG alone. I would also not set up a tank
without UG. The extra protection that UG filters provide is a lot more
valuable than the small extra expense needed at setup.
As far as sound - I run some sort of aeration all the time - I wouldn't even
think about setting up a tank without it. The sound of bubbles coming from
the UG tube isn't any worse than the sound of bubbles coming from an air
stone. Of course, I use airstones in my UG tubes - the small bubble size
greatly increases the lift capacity of the air tubes...
The lift tubes are easily hidden by plants, so they don't effect the beuty
of hte tank, and there is no additional maintenance needed - I vacuum on a
regular basis anyway.

UGF may not be something that everyone wants, but they are an option that
have definite advantages. In my opinion, the advantages far exceed the
disadvantages. Of course, in my case, the only disadvantage is spending an
extra $30 or so when I set up a 125 gallon tank - pretty insignificant when
I usually spend about $2,500 - $3,000 setting up a new tank..
-JD


"Tynk" wrote in message
ups.com...
On Sep 28, 7:04?am, "jd" wrote:
They are still aound, but not very popular any more. They got a lot of
bad
press when fanmcier (and much more expensive) alternates came out.
Undergravel filters are still a great low-cost option for drastically
increasing your biofiltration capacity. In my experience, they excel in
freshwater tanks, but are mediocre in sal****er.

However, you need sufficient water flow through the gravel. A decent
air-lift will do great if you regularly vacuum or stir up the gravel to
prevent "mats" forming and binding the gravel together. The gravel should
be
stirred or vacuumed every week or two to ensure that it hasn't matted.
Some
people have reported problems using undergravel filters when they have
live
plants - they either can't keep the plants alive or clog the UG filter. I
simply put my plants in
shallow pots - this gives the plants a place to anchor, and provides
boundaries for the vacuum (I don't vacuum the pots so I don't disturb the
plants roots). It also makes it a lot easier to apply fertilizer (if you
want to).

I always use UG filters in all of my freshwater tanks. My filtration
typical
setup is an UG filter and a canister (for particulates not
biofiltration). I
have tanks from 5 gal through 125, and haven't had any water quality
problems. I use two lift tubes per UG filter, and make sure that there is
good airflow (small bubbles provide more lift per volume of air - as the
stones clog, you need to clean/replace them).

My personal opinion regtarding the decrease in popularity of UG filters
is
because the sellers simply don't make as much money on them, and many of
the
aquariasts today want things with a high "gizmocity factor". A UG filter
is
simple, doesn't require much maintenance, and does what is supposed tp.
But
it doesn't look impressive or give bragging rights about the $X,000
filtration system.....

-JD


- Show quoted text -

Jd,...

IMO, you're not having any water quality problems because you're using
a cansiter filter.
You're putting a little too much praise on the effectiveness of an
UGF.
It's not about looks or how much something costs, it's about the
filtration system's effectiveness.
When you put a canister up against an UGF....hands down the canister
is a better filtration system.
You get mechanical *and* biological filtration as well. Just like any
other filter medium that isn't worn out, you rinse the canister's
filter pad out in old tank water. Nitrifying bacteria are all over
every surface in the filter too, so rinsing with old tank water is
recommended.
Refill with dechlorinated water.
If you got rid of that UGF, you wouldn't have a dirty tank. You'd have
an almost silent tank.
You'd have no gurgle noises, no ugly tubes, more room for plants and
fish to use, less work, a better looking tank, and best of all...no
more air pumps to deal with!
With your normal water changes and gravel vacuuming there would be no
"cons", just "pros" without it.