wrote in message
news:UwFib.32072$La.13389@fed1read02...
I've heard that undergravel fiters are bad for plants and bottom
feeders, but I haven't heard why.


In short, the roots will get into the UG and then be impossible to move
(particularily stem plants which have to be pulled up and trimmed
frequently) without damaging the plant, and root material and gorp will
eventuially clog the UG anyway, reducing it's effectiveness.
If you simply use deeper gravel, the water will not flow well through
it, and you've defeated the function of the UG anyway. Best filter for a
planted tank is generally agreed upon to be the canister type.

hth

billy