As advertised. When you vacuum your gravel, it cleans your filter. I covered the whole bottom of the ten gallon and placed this large stone right on top of the plates so I wouldn't have to worry about damaging the tank. The one snag I hit so far with putting just one uplift in the corner behind the rock was after letting the gravel get very dirty up front, the suction increased right around the uplift tube, and it was strong enough to pull a couple guppies against the gravel. Luckily I noticed in time to turn the air off and let them go so I could fix it. I added a thicker layer of gravel right around the uplift to even things out and keep the fish from getting so close to the base.

**Excellent Undergravel Filter for the Price!**

This undergravel filter is far superior to anything else I’ve found at this price point!

I currently run 10 aquariums with custom undergravel filters made from PVC pipe, egg crate, window screen, and standard Estes gravel. I’ve found several plants that thrive when rooted in this gravel, but none have been as effective at removing nitrates as Vallisneria.

I purchased one Aquarium Co-Op Under Gravel Filter Kit and put it to work in two small aquariums: a 1.5-gallon and a 2.5-gallon. Both have been running for three weeks using already-cycled gravel from an established aquarium, and so far, things are going great!

The lift tube is far superior to any other design I’ve used or seen. For smaller aquariums, I actually prefer this system over my custom-built filters. It’s inexpensive, performs exceptionally well, and has a much lower profile than my DIY setups.

**Great job, Aquarium Co-Op!** You’ve put together a fantastic little filter system that delivers excellent performance without breaking the bank.

The best part is being able to fit multiple tanks, and has other uses besides just filtering.

Phenomenal!
Compared to older (single plate) styles, the adjustability, filter quality, and price-point of this under-gravel filter (UGF) unit has reignited my love and use of these filters.

I bought one UGF box for a 15 gallon Imagitarium tank (15"x15"x15"); I used both uplift tubes, powered by one Aquarium Co-op dual air pump, with full plate coverage across the bottom. Gravel substrate depth ranges from ~0.5" to ~3". Over 3+ months of use, the water clarity was been crystal clear, except for approximately a week period after adding ~12 root tabs (temporary green water bloom) and when planting new plants (<1 day cloudiness per event).

Currently, I have crypts and a Amazon sword growing in the substrate, and I have gotten good growth across the crypts (2-3" over 3+ months) and low growth of the Amazon sword (<0.5" over 3+ months). This is opposite of my non-UGF aquariums where I got lower growth in my crypts and higher growth in my swords - I would still need to do more testing to see if this pattern holds or is just a one-off for me.

Currently, I run a very light livestock load (one pea puffer and a couple dozen cherry shrimp), but I suspect water quality will continue to be good if I increase the food loads after adding more fish.

Overall I plan on buying more Aquarium Co-op UGF for future aquarium builds because I get equal, if not better, filtration (water clarity & quality) as I do with multiple hang-on-back and canister filters but at a substantially lower energy cost.

I recently started my own small fish room and opted to go with the Undergravel filter and I have to say so far I’m loving it! Water is very clear and was easy to put together. Way less obtrusive than a sponge filter even though at times I use both! Few photos I added before I put the gravel in

Made a tiny 2.5g setup only 4 sections used and one uplift tube. My 1st UGF since I was a kid. It seems to be working great. I have so much left over for another setup.

Only down side I have seen so far is I would have to cut the uplift tube to add the curved outlet in such a small tank. I am not going to after testing the uplift with out it works how I want.

Updating review: I have a 5g tank I am swapping out for a rimmed tank to avoid mineral creep and using what is left of the UGF kit. I can only get 5 plates in it. Odd size i guess, I still think it will be effective. Just giving info for nano tanks. 4 plates for a 2.5g perfect 100% coverage 5 fit in the 5.5g 80% coverage.

As a longtime fish keeper, I love seeing the underground filter make a comeback. Cory and his team did a great job redesigning the system, especially by making the plates connectable and the uplift tube positions moveable. This opens up far more possibilities than the old systems ever offered.

My first use was in my five Corydoras catfish tanks, where I installed the filter across the back third of each tank. One challenge I’ve always had is keeping the stone substrate from mixing into the sand. To solve that problem, I created a barrier, covered it with rock, and secured it directly to the underground filter.

I love the results! I now have a deep substrate bed that provides plenty of room for my plants to establish their roots, while still maintaining a nice open sand area where the Corydoras can naturally display natural foraging behaviors.

I absolutely love my new aquarium co-op under gravel filter. It is amazing how much water flow you get out of this. I used 2 kits to cover the bottom of my 55 gallon aquarium. Right now I have four uplift tubes and it is circulating the water great. I would not hesitate if you’re thinking about trying this.

The modular aspect made it perfect for my tank. It is acrylic so it has a weird opening and an odd footprint. The modular design also allowed it to be shipped in a normal box so the shipping was affordable. Assembling it was easy and quick. It did a great job of clearing the water. The photo shows the difference after only 30 minutes.

This undergravel filter is impressive. I have a cube tank and was able to cover nearly all of the bottom. It also saved me from having to fabricate protection so that my large rocks don’t crack my glass. No sponge filter to scape around also. The water has been crystal clear however I am not fully stocked yet. Very happy.

Incredibly versatile I would recommend a power head or two to make mini rapid get oxygen into the water the way a river does it

I really like the new UGF. I currently have (4) 10 gallon aquariums set up with it and I'm very happy. I like that it takes up less room in my aquarium and I'm hoping that it benefits plant roots in the long term. At first I get a bacterial bloom when installing the UGF but in a matter of days it's cleared up. Here you can see one that's been set up for weeks and 3 that are newly set up

Absolutely fantastic under gravel filter! I love how customizable it is. It was really easy to assemble and change as my tank layout changed (prior to adding the gravel). I loved it so much I redesigned my 75 gallon tank to include the Aquarium Co-op under gravel filter as well. I cannot wait for my plants to fill in the background of both tanks. If you are hesitant, don’t worry. I’m sure you will love it. I do!

Let me count all the ways I love Corey’s UGF!

1. It’s modular. I can customize the layout to work around large rocks and other hardscape without worrying about breaking the filter.

2. It’s incredibly easy to install. When I needed extra filtration in my 75-gallon, I simply scooted the substrate out of the way, added the grates, and covered everything back up. Done!
3. It’s economical. I can easily create THREE filters from one box—I just need to order an extra uplift tube.

I love a filtration system that is effective, flexible, easy to work with, AND economical. Corey’s UGF checks every box for me!

I wish i had these filters before i started my tanks. I recently redid a 10 gallon cube that looked like chocolate milk no mater how long i ran a hang on back full of polishing pads. After a few hours the tank was crystal clear. Even today i added a little more substrate and it made a cloud that disappeared in about 30 minutes.

I just set this up a week ago and it's really working great. There are few things that I really think the Aquarium did well with this product. Unlike most under gravel filters, you can pick to place the uplift tube anywhere in the tank, instead of the corner. Also, the black uplift tubes, combined with a black background is great solution if you want to hide your filtration. It's much easier to hide than a sponge filter. I set this up on a new tank build and a cleared the water up really quickly. The water has been crystal clear since I installed it. Great product and looking forward to using it long term.

I started keeping fish in 1994, have had 15, 20, and 55 gallon planted tanks. I only use under gravel filters and I wish I found this one years ago. Best I’ve ever used.

Love it setting a 29 gallon planted shrimp tank with the under gravel filter system

Filter is as advertised and arrived on time, thanks.

Love the flexibility of installing and using the under gravel system.