The one thing that with guarantee healthy and vibrant fish above everything else is crystal clear water in your aquarium.  And the only pierce of equipment capable of producing the pristine environment is the fish tank filter.  It is the most vital tool for every fish enthusiast and along with a fish tank heater, recreates the environment from where the fish originated.

One filter that has stood the test of time is the undergravel filter.  Though it is mostly used by beginners to fish breeding, it is able to provide water filtration that is reliable and efficient comparable to any other filter.The filter functions by drawing water through a layer of gravel. The gravel rests on a slightly raised platform away from the base of the tank.  This creates a division between the unfiltered water at the top and a layer of clean water at the bottom, with the gravel acting as a filter. 

Mechanical filtration is performed when large debris, excess food and fish waste is trapped by the gravel.  Biological filtration is done by beneficial bacteria that colonizes the gravel.Here are 8 reasons why I consider the undergravel filter to be among the best types of filters on sale today.

Reason #1:  Temperature Regulation

Water is sucked from the bottom of the fish tank and then pumped back in from the top.  This will mix the water up continuosly, as long as you do not turn off the filter.  This circulation of water causes every area of the fish tank to experience the same temperatureBecause of this water circulation, every part of the aquarium maintains the same temperature.  Additionally, you could also place your aquarium filter beside the lift tubes, which will warm the water as it rises and provide excellent temperature balance in your fish tank.

Reason #2:  It Aerates The Water

As the filtered water rises from the bottom through the lift tubes, it will come in contact with outside air.  This provides excellent aeration to the tank, even better than the bubbles can.

Reason #3:  Excellent Mechanical Filtration

In this system it is the gravel that acts as the filter media, trapping large debris, food waste and excess perfectly.

Reason #4:  A Good Biological Filter

Once the gravel has been given time to age, usually within six weeks without help, it will begin to be colonized by beneficial bacteria.  These Organisms reduce organic proteins into nitrate which can simply be discarded each time you change the tank water.  Your aquarium plants will also benefit from the nitrate that is produced.

Reason #5:  It Is Capable Of Chemical Filtration

This is one factor ignored by most people, that undergravel filters are capable of being fit with cartridges that perform chemical filtration.  These cartridges usually contain activated carbon that removes heavy metal, complex proteins, odor, color and even chemical treatment.

Reason #6:  A Bigger Capacity For Waste

Because it is the entire area of gravel at the base of the tank that actually filters the water, undergravel filters can hold the most waste before it needs to be cleaned.

Reason #7:  Easy To Maintain

Eventually, a layer of muck will build up over the top of the gravel and this layer of muck needs to be cleaned or it will choke the filtration system.  How do you clean it?  Just by vacuuming the dirt from the gravel.  A simple method of doing this is by using a rubber hose as a siphon to suck up the muck when you plan to do your water change.

Reason #8:  Cheap

Now that is one of our main concerns, isn’t it?  Buying an entire set is usually cheaper than other reliable filtration systems.  Because the gravel is the filter media, it never needs to be changede.  The parts are quite sturdy and even if you need to replace a part, they are cheap.

There you have it.  8 reasons to convince you how good the undergravel filter is.  If you’d like to know more of the option available for you and to capitalize on some great discounts, visit Fish Tank Filters now.