Michigan Cichlid Association

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Maize-N-Blue-D on February 04, 2013, 01:17:39 PM

Title: Undergravel Filtration and Cichlids ???
Post by: Maize-N-Blue-D on February 04, 2013, 01:17:39 PM

Just wondering,  how many people are using under gravel filter in the cichlid tanks ?    From all that I have read, most of the recommendations say DO NOT USE UNDER GRAVEL FILTERS with cichlids...
Title: Re: Undergravel Filtration and Cichlids ???
Post by: four_by_ken on February 04, 2013, 01:21:52 PM
From what I have been told, it is because so many cichlids like to dig in the gravel.  Once they get to the plates... filtration is all over.
Title: Re: Undergravel Filtration and Cichlids ???
Post by: Maize-N-Blue-D on February 04, 2013, 01:22:48 PM
Do you use UG Filters ?
Title: Re: Undergravel Filtration and Cichlids ???
Post by: linuxrulesusa on February 04, 2013, 01:24:24 PM
From what I have been told, it is because so many cichlids like to dig in the gravel.  Once they get to the plates... filtration is all over.

This is the main reason.

Another reason IMO is that HOB filters (or canisters, to a lesser extent) are easier to clean without tearing your tank apart.  On the other hand, HOBs/canisters use more power and can cost a good bit more.
Title: Re: Undergravel Filtration and Cichlids ???
Post by: four_by_ken on February 04, 2013, 01:26:43 PM
Do you use UG Filters ?

I have in the past... but not with the current setups.  One tank, the rocks are very heavy and didnt want to worry about cracking the under gravel. 

The others it is because of the digging and I didnt want to worry about it.

Hang on are my first choice.  Big or very stocked tanks, I am adding a canister filter.
Title: Re: Undergravel Filtration and Cichlids ???
Post by: Fish Hobbiest on February 05, 2013, 09:07:21 PM

Just wondering,  how many people are using under gravel filter in the cichlid tanks ?    From all that I have read, most of the recommendations say DO NOT USE UNDER GRAVEL FILTERS with cichlids...
I have had great success with under gravel....If you have a digger I have slid a piece of slate on top of that area with gravel under ...Some times I have used fishing line to attach nylon window screen over the plate with alittle gravel between....Or plenty of river stone , slate , breeding caves. Some times 2 to 3 inches of gravel. Be sure to use a gravel siphon for water changes and DO NOT OVER FEED OR POPULATE !