Clycling In A Filterless Tank

[01edmn]

i'm soon getting a 7gal betta tank and dont wont a filter i currenty have juwel rekord 60 community tank in the filter theres white pad could i put this just loose in the tank at the bootom weighed down would this help in any way (good bacteria) if not wot do people do when not having a filter for cycling hope this makes sense any help apreciated

 

[chibi]

I suggest getting a small filter to stick in it. I've seen ones that go directly into the tank, although I think hang-ons are best. I know from personal experiences that no filter can be bad, especially in a small tank.

 

[Phaedra]

I agree with Chibi.
In regards to your original question though, I think that given enough time in the new tank, the filter media would eventually settle onto the gravel and decorations in your tank, so it would definitely help as long as the fish in your original tank are disease-free.

 

[Christine1014]

I'm pretty sure it has to have water flowing over it though, right? I don't think the bacteria just sitting there in stagnant water will do anything (this is why people stress when the power goes out and the filter stops running. I've heard people say that to keep the bateria alive, keep dumping little cups of water over the media)

 

[01edmn]

oh ok cheers i'l av a look for a little filter cheers

 

[Phaedra]

I'm pretty sure it has to have water flowing over it though, right? I don't think the bacteria just sitting there in stagnant water will do anything (this is why people stress when the power goes out and the filter stops running. I've heard people say that to keep the bateria alive, keep dumping little cups of water over the media)

Hmm... That's a good point!
I thought that the reason they did that was so that the bacteria would continue to get the ammonia it needed to survive, hence without a hang-on-back filter, it would have a continuous supply. Really though, I don't know. But I think it's worth finding out!

Anyone here have an unfiltered tank with nitrate readings?

Glad to hear you've opted for a filter 01edmn!

 

[Christine1014]

Hmm... That's a good point!
I thought that the reason they did that was so that the bacteria would continue to get the ammonia it needed to survive, hence without a hang-on-back filter, it would have a continuous supply. Really though, I don't know. But I think it's worth finding out!

Hmm... Now you've got ME curious! Can anyone out there englighten us?

 

[Phaedra]

Hmm... That's a good point!
I thought that the reason they did that was so that the bacteria would continue to get the ammonia it needed to survive, hence without a hang-on-back filter, it would have a continuous supply. Really though, I don't know. But I think it's worth finding out!

Hmm... Now you've got ME curious! Can anyone out there englighten us?

That's the great thing about this forum. I'm searching google right now, but everything seems to just talk about the biological media on the filter- not rocks, plants, etc.

 

[Phaedra]

Still nothing... Even askjeeves has failed me! I did see one (positive) reference to beneficial bacteria in an unfiltered tank, but nothing illuminating.
Since I'm pontificating, I wonder if adding something like an air stone would be sufficient in an unfiltered tank to create water flow for cycling. If it requires moving water, that is.
Guess we won't know unless someone in the know replies!

 

[Christine1014]

the bit about the airstone sounds right... I seem to remember seeing something about that in a previous thread. And actually, isn't there some sort of DIY method of making a filter yourself, out of a piece of foam media and a bubbler? Hmm... might have to go look for that. Might help the original poster, too.

 

[Phaedra]

the bit about the airstone sounds right... I seem to remember seeing something about that in a previous thread. And actually, isn't there some sort of DIY method of making a filter yourself, out of a piece of foam media and a bubbler? Hmm... might have to go look for that. Might help the original poster, too.

I hadn't heard about making your own filter. Considering we've sort of hijacked the thread (sorry 01edmn!), it would be a nice gesture.

 

[Christine1014]

I hadn't heard about making your own filter. Considering we've sort of hijacked the thread (sorry 01edmn!), it would be a nice gesture.

we had the best of intentions, right?!

Anyway, here's the link... I'm not sure it answers any of our questions, but it might help 01edmn -- http/www.fishforums.net/Super-simple-5-m...ter-t85297.html

 

[Phaedra]

I hadn't heard about making your own filter. Considering we've sort of hijacked the thread (sorry 01edmn!), it would be a nice gesture.

we had the best of intentions, right?!

Anyway, here's the link... I'm not sure it answers any of our questions, but it might help 01edmn -- http/www.fishforums.net/Super-simple-5-m...ter-t85297.html

Rofl! That's true.
And holy mackerel! That is one amazing link! Great stuff, thanks for posting that, it's going into my favorites!

 

[Christine1014]

you're welcome! It is pretty cool, isn't it?

But I'm still really curious about our question, and if we don't get it answered tonight, it's just going to keep me preoccupied at work tomorrow (like i need any more reason to seach the web at work!) so I'm going to start a new post... stay tuned!

 

[Phaedra]

Took the idea right out of my head! I'll have my eyes peeled for that thread.
And man, reading that post made me want to try it myself. Unfortunately I don't have any spare filter media, nor any real need for another filter. You never know when you'll need it in the future though! Especially considering how expensive filters can be!