I have a really large air pump and was thinking about getting undergravel filters for my tanks. Right now I just have the hang on power filters.

Does anybody use these undergravel filters? What are the pros and cons of them. Any advise on these would be great. Thanks

What fish are you keeping and how many?

What size is the tank?

What hobs do you have and what are their rates?

With out info I would say if your tank 0is healthy do not add the extra burden...

I guess I just wanted to know how the undergravel systems worked? and if they are any good? I have several ideas floating around in my head. Not sure any of them will work out until I get some answers to how these systems work.

I know you still have to clean the tanks with these, but how? what do you do when cleaning a tank with an undergravel system.

Right now I do water changes, clean gravel, clean the glass and then once a month I clean the filter bags in used tank water. Whats different about an undergravel system? Anything? How do you clean the gravel with these? The same way? Just wondering.......

Pros & cons?

Ok, I have been reading on the net. To my understanding these under gravel systems are not the greatest thing in the world to have....

Unless someone else has got some good things to say about them, then I am scrapping my idea of using them.

I did however read some good things about sponge filters. So, I may try some of those out on my smaller tanks.

My main objective here is to use this huge air pump. I can run whatever off of it. I already have put several airstones in some of my tanks and would like to get more use out of it for the buck. If it could help in filtering the tanks and other things that would be great..... You know, save time and money.....always thinking....

A sponge filter is very efficient at biological filtration as is a properly maintained under gravel filter.

The basic idea is that all the water is pulled through the gravel. The gravel acts as the "sponge" it makes for a very effective mechanical and biological filter if you are one who keeps up on your tank. If you have a species that likes to dig, cichlids for one family, then stay away.