Do reef tanks really need a filter...?

[Malifry97]

I’m looking to set up my tank, if I have enough rock and sand, do I really need a sump or filter?

 

[Malifry97]

Note: I’m planning to twice weekly run a HOB with filter floss (for a few hours) to polish the water.

 

[lmm1967]

What do you mean by filter?

I do zero mechanical filtration other than my protein skimmer.

All bits, pieces, critters etc are free to flow through the tank & sump (multiple tanks on 1 sump too).

I've never seen a need to mechanically filter anything out of the water column except when doing brand new sand - THAT cloudy mess needs a filter sock or something to help clear up.

 

[Malifry97]

What do you mean by filter?

I do zero mechanical filtration other than my protein skimmer.

All bits, pieces, critters etc are free to flow through the tank & sump (multiple tanks on 1 sump too).

I've never seen a need to mechanically filter anything out of the water column except when doing brand new sand - THAT cloudy mess needs a filter sock or something to help clear up.

I mean does a tank need a sump or hob or canister AT ALL. As in can I run a tank without a sump, HOB or canister?

 

[45ZoaGarden]

It depends on what your plans are. How big is the tank? What corals do you want to keep? What about a stocking list? I ALWAYS recommend a filter. I like crystal clear water 24/7. I use sponge, purigen, poly filter, a 11w uv, carbon and gfo reactors, as well as a cheato reactor and a good skimmer.

I mean does a tank need a sump or hob or canister AT ALL. As in can I run a tank without a sump, HOB or canister?

 

[lmm1967]

I mean does a tank need a sump or hob or canister AT ALL. As in can I run a tank without a sump, HOB or canister?

Nope.

Not needed at all. You can do everything (including avoiding testing if you want) with enough regular water changes.

Now - I do really want to always have a sump - because I want to run my heaters and probes in there. I also want the extra water volume, the space for more live rock, a space to throw critters that aren't playing well with others in the tank. And - I prefer to run a skimmer and do so while utizing a sump.

 

[piranhaman00]

Ya probably, you would need a powerhead though to move water around the live rock, keep the bioload low.

 

[Malifry97]

I plan on upgrading to a sump later after I build one down the road...but want to start the tank! Thanks for your help everyone!

 

[Malifry97]

Ya probably, you would need a powerhead though to move water around the live rock, keep the bioload low.

Yeah I have a Jeboa wavemaker

 

[GabeM]

I ran my 20 gallon long tank for about a year without a sump or HOB growing all sorts of zoas and softies.

 

[lmm1967]

I plan on upgrading to a sump later after I build one down the road...but want to start the tank! Thanks for your help everyone!

Details on the tank? Size, intended stocking list etc.

You are going to have a really tough time with evaporation and fresh water top off if you aren't careful

 

[Malifry97]

It depends on what your plans are. How big is the tank? What corals do you want to keep? What about a stocking list? I ALWAYS recommend a filter. I like crystal clear water 24/7. I use sponge, purigen, poly filter, a 11w uv, carbon and gfo reactors, as well as a cheato reactor and a good skimmer.

36 bow front, some softies and maybe LPS. Light stocking (3 PJ cardinals, and two clowns?)

 

[Ashish Patel]

My first saltwater tank was a 29gallon with a fluval canister filter. I never could keep fish alive until I used AFI DI resin tap water filter and a hang on skilter filter protein skimmer. Your sand and rock will serve as a biological filter but eventually become a nitrate factory and lead to issues. I think at minimum I would run a hang on Protein skimmer.

 

[Malifry97]

I ran my 20 gallon long tank for about a year without a sump or HOB growing all sorts of zoas and softies.

Thanks!

 

[Malifry97]

Your sand and rock will serve as a biological filter but eventually become a nitrate factory and lead to issues. I think at minimum I would run a hang on Protein skimmer. My first saltwater tank was a 29gallon with a fluval canister filter. I never could keep fish alive until I used AFI DI resin tap water filter and a hang on skilter filter protein skimmer.

Thanks I may get a HOB skimmer. Any recommendations?

 

[Malifry97]

Details on the tank? Size, intended stocking list etc.

You are going to have a really tough time with evaporation and fresh water top off if you aren't careful

36 bow front, softies, some LPS maybe. Light stocking (2 clowns and 3 PJ Cardinals?)

 

[lmm1967]

How are you going to keep salinity stable - How are you going to deal with topoff?

 

[Sailfin11]

I am currently upgrading my tank, so I needed to move some equipment to the new setup. As a result, I took the sump off my tank and put the heater in the display. I have been running just power heads, heaters, and a light. I have actually noticed that my SPS has been growing better than with all the filtration. I think the only reason that I can do this is because of my established rock and sand. If you are really set on this, I would see if a friend could give you some of their rock to start. Best of luck!

 

[Malifry97]

I am currently upgrading my tank, so I needed to move some equipment to the new setup. As a result, I took the sump off my tank and put the heater in the display. I have been running just power heads, heaters, and a light. I have actually noticed that my SPS has been growing better than with all the filtration. I think the only reason that I can do this is because of my established rock and sand. If you are really set on this, I would see if a friend could give you some of their rock to start. Best of luck!

OK thanks!

 

[45ZoaGarden]

36 bow front, softies, some LPS maybe. Light stocking (2 clowns and 3 PJ Cardinals?)

Yes, You will NEED a filter. Filters help with oxygenation, nutrient export, and cleaning the water. A lot of people resort to hob filters. Each to their own. I would never use a hob filter for a reef tank. Ato and dosers each have their places in a filter. If you insist in a hob skimmer, I recommend aquamaxx