Undergravel filter

[jj]

Ok i am looking into some two lined sals as my first sal and I'm planning on usig a undergravel filter. I read that it needs a powerhead. The only problem is I have no idea what one is. Idk what a powerhead is and I don't know how to hook up the filter. How do I install it. Whats the powerhead for?

 

[justin]

An undergravel filter is a waste of money. It works fine for short periods of time but requires frequent cleaning. Using a powerhead ( a small submersible pump) creates a backflow under the gravel which keeps the waste suspended in water. Later on tonight i will post pics on how to make a cheap and very effective filter, in fact it is more functional than any power filter you will buy in its size range. (it is what i use on my tanks and pond)

(Message edited by j21kickster on July 11, 2005)

 

[jennifer]

Mop, for a comparison of various kinds of filters for aquatic sals, see:
http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/filters.shtml

With an undergravel filter, you need something to make the water move up the big tubes - this can be either an airstone or a powerhead. The powerhead attached to the top of the big tube(s) and pulls water up through the gravel bed. If none of this makes any sense, you need to go to a pet shop and ask someone experienced to explain it. An undergravel filter is probably not the best for the kind of tank you are setting up.

 

[jj]

Then what is the best? I heard that Two-lines could get trapped in some types.

 

[jj]

Is an internal filter good? Is the current ok for two-lines. They live in streams but I'm not sure what kind of current it creates.

 

[jennifer]

If you are careful with tank maintenence, you could probably use just an airstone, or a small box filter.

(Message edited by jennewt on July 13, 2005)