Filter-Less Tank

[gregswimm]

I am toying with the idea of making a filter-less HEAVILY planted low-tech aquarium with lots of air stones and power heads. I will be using a 40 or 55 US Gal tank, and stocking it with only 3-4 otos, and possibly live daphnia, and maybe a few japonica amano and or bamboo shrimp. I'm not sure if that is overstocking the tank or not, as I am unsure how much waste will be produced and how long it will take for the ammonia to be converted and the poo to break down.
Can this work? I would like some input before I set about wasting my money

 

[Fishy friend2]

Yes it can definitely work, just monitor ammonia/nitrites/nitrates levels

 

[gregswimm]

How much light would you put over it? And what about substrate? I have heard of people using peat, could I use potting soil?

 

[thereverendturtle]

Aquatic plants prefer ammonia over nitrites and nitrates. Don't use air stones, as they'll drive off CO2. A couple of powerheads providing good circulation is all that's needed. As far as stocking, a group of otos will be good as will the shrimp. You could probably add a school of 10-12 small schoolers, like CPD's, micro rasboras, neons, pencilfish....

 

[thereverendturtle]

How much light would you put over it? And what about substrate? I have heard of people using peat, could I use potting soil?

About 2 watts per gallon. As far as substrate I would just use sand or fine gravel. Peat isn't good on its own and potting soil can be used but I'd search on here to see what others are using.

 

[Ps3Steveo]

I'd suggest lower light like the equivilant of 1wpg as you can grow anything under 1.5wpg so any higher and the plants will be craving co2 and more ferts. It needs to be ultra low IMO.

 

[gregswimm]

But would't the light need to be on the high side so the plants can break down waste faster? Also, my tap water is quite hard around 250PPM, and the phosphate content is also high(there are local phosphate mines )

 

[Mikaila31]

If you have grown plants before in your tap, go with what ever levels you had the best results with. Plants provide a lot of filtration, more then most people realize. I kept 24 fish in a 15 gallon filterless for many months and they were all in the best of health. There where cherry shrimp and snails as well. I did water changes every week or two. The tank is still up and running, but is currently just a shrimp tank as it did not take a house move all too well.

 

[ryan136]

The best substrate for plants i hav ever cin or used is miracle gro organic soil.then cap it of with like the same am amount of gravel so like 1.5 ins of sol n 1.5 ins of gravel.so u dont need to put lots of fert in so saves u money too.