Does Anyone Else Have Filterless Tanks?

[annka5]

I've heard it can work but it's way harder work than just adding a filter would be.
I also heard that you can use rock - much like a marine "live rock" only instead you're relying on algaes and other microscopic organisms to deal with the ammonia nad nitrites. It sounded like would take AGES to mature and also pretty risky. Has anyone tried that?

 

[andywg]

If I ever finish setting up my marine tanks I shall be trying home made "Live Rock" in a FW system in the hope of the anoxic zones in the rock becoming somewhere for bacteria that convert nitrates into nitrogen gas to live.

The downside is that the materials used to make DIY LR will put hardness and pH up so won't be much good for a south american set up.

One can use pure algae filrtation. An algae turf scrubber is actually a more efficient filter than LR and a skimmer in marine and can work just as well in FW making water changes close to optional.

 

[mlawson]

how do you deal with water stagnation? powerhead? airator? I know I get a film of nastiness on the surface of the water when I fill my tank all the way because the filter can't disturb the surface enough to dispel it.

To avoid stagnation I airate each tank very softly. This provides enough oxygen for
the fish and I have even kept fish from fast-flowing waters in these conditions.

 

[Castellop123]

Most of my Tanks are over filtered... I am then certain that my fish are living in fresh, good quality water... My fish only get the best and I believe that that is the only way for me. ( you may not agree, electricity bills are + + + + + + + + +!
My tanks are also usually over planted as well... makes it look nice and natural ( and the fish enjoy hiding and swimming amonst these fast-growing, aquatic weeds...