Reptile & Amphibian Forums

HI. It's been years since I had an aquarium set up and I know there have been many product improvements made since then.

For Christmas, I am getting my son (14) started with his own stuff (10 gal.) and was wondering about filtration. I have liked the Penguin (I think that's it) filter with the biowheel and thought that's what I would start him with.

But what about under-gravel filters? Are those still in use and are they necessary for a healthy tank? Is their purpose to keep the gravel clean and/or to provide for beneficial bacteria (which is what the "Biowheel" does)?? Advice?

It's your choice when it comes to filtration. There are many different filters to choose from now a days. I think the biowheel filters just add additional surface area for the beneficial bacteria to live. No newly set up aquarium has the beneficial bacteria already unless you add a substance like biospira or cycle (or similar products).

Undergravel filters... I'm not a big fan of those. I'm not really sure if the siphons work to remove the toxins that are in the gravel, and I know that the undergravel filters don't remove everything. The toxins in the gravel are a big cause of fish deaths once the tank is established. I think just the biowheel filter that you want to purchase and regular water changes every 2 weeks (as well as a gravel cleaning at least every 3 weeks) will be just fine for a healthy system.

Of course, depending on the fish in the tank you may need a slow flowing filter, or a faster flowing filter. For example, my bettas never liked a heavy flowing filter, I would have to keep it on a very low setting. My semi-aggrssive tank (with barbs and a red tailed shark) didn't mind the heavier flowing filter.
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Phishie
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