reef tank without a filter

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dreamandscheme

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 16, 2007
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north bay
i've been doing some research on reef tanks and found a few places recommending just a skimmer, live rock, and sand. was wondering how effective this is? for a beginner would a filter be a better choice?
 
yes lol most no filter tanks are use with a filter in the start and then after the bio-load is ready and able then u can take the filter out (or atleaset thats what i have done) but u still need the proper flow dont forget :)
 
that is exactly what I have. I have a 90 with a sump, asm g4 skimmer, and a small refuge. I recommend it this way, filters such as canisters can raise ph ammonia etc...when not replaced on a regular basis. I sometimes throw in a carbon pack, and I vodka dose (which is the single best thing I have ever done for my reef).
 
live rock and powerheads become your filtration
 
I would not use a filter. IMO, live rock , power heads, and a really good quality skimmer would be all you need. If you run a filter, you will be adding nitrates to your water and could make algae problems a lot worse.

Just a concern.
 
I'm not sure if I believe the hype about not running a filter, Detritus is going to decay and produce nitrates either way whether you use a filter or not. The upside of using a filter is you can filter out the detritus and clean out your filter thus removing the detritus before it has a chance to decay and turn to nitrate.

I dunno, thats just my logic.
 
brent245;4605842; said:
I'm not sure if I believe the hype about not running a filter, Detritus is going to decay and produce nitrates either way whether you use a filter or not. The upside of using a filter is you can filter out the detritus and clean out your filter thus removing the detritus before it has a chance to decay and turn to nitrate.

I dunno, thats just my logic.

You can get a clean-up crew to handle the detritus in the tank.
 
So do I need a filter on my 45g reef tank? It's been running for six months and everything seems to have stabilized. I have two hang-on filters a skimmer and a powerhead. Do I need all that?




















My stock is in my tank set-up.
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