Do I Need A Filter

[loveforfhishies]

just thinking. the point of a filter is to convert ammonia into nitrate which is less toxic for the fish. to my understanding seeing how a filter basicaly takes out ammonia i could do the same thing with daily waterchanges.. please correct me if i have this wrong i just think if did a water change on my 5 gallon every day then it would keep the ammonia out and good condition for a fish?

 

[bluedollars]

i wouldnt reccomend it...everytime u take out that water and put new water in you are changing the chemistry of the water...its not good for the fish at all...plus it also adds extreme stress for the little guy..even with just doing a water change the tank is small enough to cause an impact rather than a 29 gallon tank...i used to do that when i was a noob...and it didnt turn out to good...i would reccomend those little 5 gallon filters they got...the ones u just stick ont he side of the tank and it filters out the water...

like i said u can but your taking a big risk

 

[Tolak]

It wouldn't keep the ammonia out, it would just lower the levels.

 

[loveforfhishies]

yeh i guess thats true,, it would just take out a percentage as much water you take out.. yeh like i said i was just toying with the idea to save a few bucks for a filter

 

[Tolak]

Do you have a tank with gravel that is already cycled? If so, build one of these; http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=85297

The mature gravel will take care of any ammo & nitrites, I know a local breeder who has a couple dozen 40's using large versions of those. Every tank has a Country Crock margerine tub with gravel.

 

[doresy]

The cost of a filter verses the trouble of daily water changes..........1-nil to the filter

constant water temp change...............2-nil to the filter

constant change of water chemistry.........3-nil to the filter

daily disturbance equals stress equals killer.........4-nil to the filter

never getting zero amonia,,ie failure..........5-nil to the filter

trace elements of ammonia, plus other in tap water........6-nil to the filter

Extra chlorine eliminator........oh I think you get the idea!