Wholesale Matting

What is the best type of filter...?

for a Goldfish tank, I have 2 tanks, one is 18"x12"x12" the other 30"x12"x12", I have Clear Seal submersible jet filters but have been told under gravel filter mats are better, any views please? Cheers.

Public Comments

1. Under gravel filter are good but the problem with them is there quiet a "fuff" under gravel filter will get most of the dirt but somew chunks can get stuck between the gravel which could be worse. If i where you, for a goldfish. Those filters are fine
2. Under ground filters operate on the principle that organic waste is trapped in the gravel with a flow of oxygenated water flowing over it allowing aerobic bacteria to flourish "eating" the waste . Goldfish however "dig" in the gravel stirring up the process and limit the effectiveness of this type of filter with them. secondly your tanks are only 12" high. filter plates are 1/2 " high and need 2" of gravel to be really effective so your using a quarter of your whole tank for filtration.thats not much room left for fish. Goldfish are dirty fish they need lots of filtration and as they grow will need lots more space . good luck!
3. Under gravel filters went out of fashion in the 70's. You do have to clean them and that means dismantling your tank. If you don't the waste builds up and causes an ammonia spike. Goldfish are dirty animals, they produce a lot of waste. Pretty much the worst filter you could use is an under gravel. Can you imagine stripping your tank down every two to four weeks? If the ammonia didn't kill them the stress would. They were made obsolete with the invention of canister filters; some people still use them in tropical set ups, but I can't recommend them one bit. You didn't ask about tank size, so I'm not mentioning it :o)
4. I looked this site the other day that tells you all about under gravel filters. Here is the website http://www.tropicalfishtank.org.uk