Filtering a Goldfish Tank or Aquarium: Undergravel Filters
A typical undergravel filter
Some people have great success with goldfish and undergravel filters, I personally think it’s not worth the bother.
Cleaning difficulty is the number one concern when running an under gravel filter. For their size, goldfish are quite the messy fish and I find my gravel collects enough gunk on it’s own without actively pushing water through it as a filter.
For anyone who’s ever kept goldfish and used a canister or HOB filter, after a cleaning session you quickly realise that the sheer amount of gunk that accumilates in a filitration system powering a goldfish tank is not something you want in excessive amounts in your gravel, it’s messy, can promote algae growth and can get toxic fast.
Additionally if you plan on keeping any plants in your substrate they are useless as roots will clog them, they will work with potted plants, but then when you decide to clean them you still have to tear the tank down and remove the pots. Also if you plan to keep a barebottom tank an undergravel filter looks ugly and will clog in no time.
When deciding on whether to use an undergravel filter you also need to take into consideration the fact that you’ll be buying an air pump to power the system. Air pumps can be noisy and a potential water hazard if your check valve fails for whatever reason.
If you want the best for your goldfish and like your peace and quiet i’d seriously consider either a HOB or cannister filter, even for small tanks.
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