Back to Filters
HOW DO UNDERGRAVEL FILTERS WORK?
The under gravel filter works on the principle of water displacement. The air stone placed in the uplift tube creates an updraft inside the uplift tube. This in turn is creating a vacuum under the filter plates, which is then filled by water flowing through the gravel bed. The continuous flow of water through the gravel bed traps dirt particles and keeps the aquarium water sparkling clear. This is known as mechanical filtration.
The Ultra-Clear Under gravel Filter provides biological filtration at the same time.
THE PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION
Biological filtration treats the fish's invisible dissolved waste products in the aquarium water, converting harmful substance (ammonia, nitrite) into relatively harmless products (nitrates). This is done with the help of beneficial bacteria, which settle in the gravel bed in established aquariums. The bacteria require oxygen to do their job; hence the faster the flow of water through the gravel bed, the more bacteria can be supplied with oxygen to purify the aquarium water.
POWERHEADS
To maximize the efficiency of your Ultra-Clear Under gravel Filter we recommend the use of power head to increase the flow of water through your under gravel fitter. This increased water flow increases the amount of oxygen available to the bacteria and therefore makes the under gravel filter more efficient. The power head eliminates the need for airline, air tubing and air pump.
MAINTENANCE OF UNDERGRAVEL FILTER
The Ultra-Clear Under gravel Filter has no moving parts, therefore it cannot wear out. However, accumulated debris has a tendency to clog up the gravel bed in time, thereby reducing or eliminating the flow of water through the gravel. This condition can be most detrimental to your fish.
The carbon cartridges in your Ultra-Clear Under gravel Filter need to be replaced every 4-6 weeks, or more often, depending on fish population. Zeolite cartridges are also available to remove fish-killing ammonia from your aquarium water quickly and easily.
To maintain the all-important flow of water through the gravel it is recommended to use gravel cleaner periodically. It will eliminate the need to strip down the tank, prevent unnecessary stress to the fish and maintain biological filtration.
