Low tech aquarium without filter

**gallan77** · 4th Jul 2011, 17:45

Hi guys,

I wanted to start a low tech planted tank, planning to go without the filter, is that possible?

My ideal planted tank is just moss, plants, some shrimps, if the tank is stable, i may add in a couple of fish. will that be possible without a filter?

my tank is a 3ft tank, 2x 55watts FL lights.

had been searching around, but not sure if i can do without the filter.

**stormhawk** · 4th Jul 2011, 17:52

You can, if the bioload is small. In a 3ft tank with good plant growth you can go with the natural method with no filtration, instead just relying on the bacteria present in the gravel, tank walls and on your plants and ornaments if any. For such a tank, the presence of snails will be necessary. They break down uneaten fish food and algae into digestible bits for the bacteria.

**felix_fx2** · 4th Jul 2011, 17:54

Hi there,

Having a filter is encouraged for bb, the filter also adds water flow so nutrients are circulated.

I've tried no no filter setup, but only to the size of 2 footer. It can work out if everything is kept in balance.

**stormhawk** · 4th Jul 2011, 23:35

The only problem with such tanks is the lack of water movement, which can lead to dead spots within the tank. This can be deadly for your fish.

**gallan77** · 5th Jul 2011, 09:50

ok, i will go ahead planting with no filter first, and see what is the effect. and probably adding a couple of shrimps.

**jetpilot** · 5th Jul 2011, 13:49

I'm interested in your project, what substrate are you using for this?

**gallan77** · 5th Jul 2011, 14:13

the bottom layer, i put potting soil; and the top layer, i am not what is it call, i believe is fine gravel. average about 3-8cm.

**minute_me** · 5th Jul 2011, 19:10

I am using arthur bower's aquatic compost top up with lapis sand.

2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Chemical characterisation of active components: Loam, peat, limestone and nutrients
Including potassium nitrate, sulphate of ammonia, mono ammonium phosphate and trace elements.

It's been a few days so far everything looks fine.

**felix_fx2** · 5th Jul 2011, 19:19

Originally Posted by stormhawk

The only problem with such tanks is the lack of water movement, which can lead to dead spots within the tank. This can be deadly for your fish.

Regular water change for watering my potted plants. If something dies just remove within the day.

I just restart both my tanks. Didn't find aquatic compost when I last went fareast flora so using peat mixed with garden soil.

The building of bb and growth of plants speed still has not won greenwater.

When their matured I'll post some pics.

**Starlett** · 10th Jul 2011, 01:02

I put my cull shrimps into a fishbowl with mosses. But the numbers of livestock must be small.
Everyday, I'll just put an airpump into it from my other tanks, for about an hour to create movement, on case got mosquitoes or whatever.
I do wc at least twice a week.

**gallan77** · 11th Jul 2011, 12:21

just an update. i have let the water settled for over a week. but it seems that there is a layer of oil and debris on the surface. not much of a choice, i had to install a surface skimmer into my tank.

and my mini christmas moss seems to be growing too. there is is a patch of new green coming out of the older green moss, therefore i reckon they are growing fine.

i wanted to try adding some CRS, but it seems that my water condition is not ideal for them, says the shrimps seller. but, in order to make the tank livelier, i've added a fighting fish in. and hope everything is well then.