UnderGravel Filter

[Jhonty]

Can I use an UG filter with power head in a planted tank ?
I have heard this is not a good idea.....
Can some one list down the pros & cons.

[Veloth]

I've read several threads about the evils of UG filters, but hers a link to a good read. It's in two parts,Part 1
Part 2 Hope it helps

[Wasserpest]

That is a good article. Specific to planted things, there are a few more points to mention -

Roots grow downwards into the plates and can clog any flow in relatively short time, depending on several things. Trying to remove larger plants like Swords would mean to cut their roots rather than pulling them out.

Another point of discussion is that the flow through the substrate does not bring nutrients to plant roots, in contrary, it oxidizes nutrients which makes them unavailable.

If the substrate is enriched with root tabs or fertilizer sticks etc, a UGF will possibly wash them out into the water column.