Planted tank with no fishes -- still need filter?

Let us not forget why live plants are so beneficial in aquariums in the first place. They use the very stuff we don't want as food and turn that waste into precious O2. A heavily planted tank is being "filtered" by them. Refugiums on reef tanks work the same way if I'm not mistaken. I've read that perfect balance is a challenge but it's possible. So with a light stocking such as a pair of Bettas, a Paradise fish, shrimp, otos, Dwarf Gouramis, etc., would not only tolerate such conditions but thrive without additional filtration. Water circulation and/ or partial water changes are up to you; may not be necessary.


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huapala said:
.and I think a betta tank should still have a filter to account for unforeseen ammonia spikes or else do daily water changes of 40% or more.
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We are not recommending no WC, just trying to do W/O an everyday filter.
 
THE V said:
A heavily planted, minimally stocked tank can survive with just a powerhead in the tank to move the water around. Actually quite common in low tech planted tanks.
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Agreed

jasonfishaddict said:
Let us not forget why live plants are so beneficial in aquariums in the first place. They use the very stuff we don't want as food and turn that waste into precious O2. A heavily planted tank is being "filtered" by them. Refugiums on reef tanks work the same way if I'm not mistaken. I've read that perfect balance is a challenge but it's possible. So with a light stocking such as a pair of Bettas, a Paradise fish, shrimp, otos, Dwarf Gouramis, etc., would not only tolerate such conditions but thrive without additional filtration. Water circulation and/ or partial water changes are up to you; may not be necessary.

If there is no form of water movement (i.e. power head in the tank) and no filtration then water conditions worsen.
Plants cannot consume nutrients until they are broken down by beneficial bacteria. Beneficial bacteria live in the substrate (especially if there is no other source of them i.e. a biological filter) if the substrate does not receive enough oxygen through water movement/exchange then they will die and no longer break down the biological waste that you are trying to spare your fish from. A flow of water (from a power head) would allow for an even exchange of CO2 and oxygen through out the entire tank, keeping the beneficial bacteria alive, preventing ammonia spikes and providing your plants with adequate amounts of nitrate.

A power head no mater what speed they are at are going to cause some form of current in the tank, which may be great for light stocking of another type of fish. However, betta fish do not enjoy constant current (although mines loves to have new water poured on him during water changes) that is why I suggested a filter if going the betta route (I use a tiny sponge filter with a drip pipe)
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I've had a few tanks with no filter or water movement, dirted bottom, loads of plants and minimal stocking do just fine... especially outside where they only get sunlight so I don't use a drop of electricity.
But that's just my experiences I'm talking from, I don't have theories for you...

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What are you concerned with being 'mixed'?

I have tubs in the backyard that have had lots of happy fish in them all summer. Plants on top and in pots. Nothing else. Changes in temperature creates a little flow, but that's it. Buckets of fry.
 
Does anyone know how much electricity a canister filter uses?
Yeah, I guess I can just use a HOB filter.

Thanks for your suggestions and comments!
 
Depends on a lot of things...notably size. A quick google search of the brand and model should get you the exact wattage either from an online store or the manufacturer's site. I think the TOM rapid canister, which is 80 gph, is about 5 watts...but kind of borderline for a fully stocked 20g.

Again, I don't mean to pressure you into getting a filter. You can certainly go without it if you want to just do plants...I just wouldn't limit the tank that way only because of electricity.
 
huapala said:
this

...and I think a betta tank should still have a filter to account for unforeseen ammonia spikes or else do daily water changes of 40% or more. Just because they can survive poorbwater conditions does not mean it is an ideal way for them to live. Think about where they come from and the way a rice paddy works while in season (ebb and flow basically) Here is a good intro to some betta myths
nippyfish.net/2011/10/23/the-native-betta-habitat-separating-fact-from-fiction/

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Great link. This information is important in our hobby.
 
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