Any advise on filtration system ?

planning to start new tank, maybe 10 or 20 gallons.Any pros and cons about undergravel filters as opposed as those that you clamp on side of tank ?


What is the best option as far as efficiency,noise and maintenance ?


Thank youAny advise on filtration system ?
Undergravel filters do nothing, except for providing ugly tubing in a corner of your aquarium.





Like the above answerer said, get a HOB filter. They're easier to clean, take care of, and easy to use. For a 10-20 gallon tank, I'd recommend the AquaClear 30 or 50. They both do a great job at filtering water, and are easy to clean as well.





E-mail me for any questions!Any advise on filtration system ?
The only advantage I see with an undergravel is that when you do a water change, you are also servicing the filter. I personally hate undergravel, not the best for mechanical filtration IMO, nor does it allow you to have a smaller gravel or sand substrate. HOB or hang on back filters are noisier, but in my personal experience with them I like the aquaclears the best. And you can get away with having smaller substrate. Personally on my tanks for noise control, canister filters are the best, and they offer better flow rates which in turn filter your tank far better. Aquaclears are pretty easy to clean, and every now and then you just need to clean out the motor. Canister are probably the most maintenance, but well worth it in the long run. For a 10-20 gallon you can buy just a small fluval canister like the 103 or 104, and it will be great.
Go with HOB(hang on back), which is what you called a clamp on side. The UGF(undergravel filter) is old technology. And the powerheads they use are noiset most of the time. And they aren't that efficient. I recommend getting a Tetra Whisper 30 or an Aquaclear 110(30) for either a 10 or 20 gallon tank, because it helps to have a filter rated for a larger tank than yours. And the HOBs are much more quieter.
I'd go for the clamp on one as they are just so simple, just clamp it on the side turn it on and your done! but with under-gravel filters you have to be carefull of what fish you buy as some fish like to dig in the substrate(gravel) and could come to harm if they got into the filter.So I would chose the clamp on one!!
UGF's are used by no one know there so bad.





Sponge filters are excellent bio-logical filters and very underrated but take up space in the tank.





Internal filters are mainly mechanical in nature and provide little bio-logical support which is 80% of your filters job





A canister is always the best but may be over kill for that tank.





HOB is probably the way to go.





Aqua clear 30 is probably the best filter of the bunch. It gives you total control of the media you choose which allows you to control everything.


It's quiet once it slimes up and has an adjustable flow. It feels like really cheap plastic but they go forever. Stick with a sponge a 50 series kit of bio-max and a 30 series kit and you have a biological powerhouse of a filter. Both need to be replaced every 2 years not month. Dip in a sack of black diamond carbon every now and then if needed. Again you have full control.








Bio-wheels are loud and ugly and a time bomb but they work but they need cartridges and any filter that demands cartridges is a money pit.











good luck!!!