Filterless

[JinxXx0085]

I need a bit of help here...

How long can my 29g go without a filter?
It has Marine BioWheel for it but currently can't be put to use for a while. I'm painting the exterior white to reflect sunlight. It gets quite warm when I have my curtains drawn. Of course, I'm making sure that no paint gets inside the filter or will come in contact with water.

I'm keeping the sponge and the wheel in a bucket with aerator. Is this good enough to keep the benefical bacteria alive until I can put filter back on my 29g?

BTW, my 29g is stocked with 2 angelfish, 1 betta, 5 cories, 3 otos, 1 bamboo shrimp, plants, and some MTS.

 

[patoloco]

Depending on your load, the tank can work without filtration for several hours, even days.

In this case, your filter is more delicate. Aireation only will supply the oxigen but not the food. If youre filter has to be shut from more than 2 hours, you could do water changes in the bucket using aquarium water. This way you'll be replenishing amonnia to the bacterial bed to eat.

 

[echoofformless]

To keep that bacteria alive you need to provide ammonia. But also, if your tank isn't extremely established then by not having the sponge / filter etc running on it, you might be crashing your cycle a bit.

I'd say it's best to put the sponge and the wheel into the tank, and set up the airstone nearby them to give some water flow. That way there is biological filtration still taking place inside. You'll keep your bacteria and you will keep your biofilter running its affairs.

 

[JinxXx0085]

Awesome, thanks for your responses. I read the responses earlier today but couldn't reply right back when I was busy fiddling around. I've finished the painting and hooked up the filter back and everything is peachy. No dead fishy
I don't think I've killed off any benefical bacteria, it was in the bucket less than 1 hour and half or so and as soon I read the responses I put the rinsed sponge and wheel back in the tank above the aerator. Will do some test tomorrow.
Again, thanks for your fast reply, it helped me out to be sure of what to do :thm: