Do reef tanks really need a filter...?

[Malifry97]

Never even thought about running any fish tank without a filter. I have a 225G saltwater now but first fresh then the past 4 years saltwater for over 27 years. Never ever did I not have at least 1 kind of filter. Did not think that’s possible.
i did. have a 72G bowfront as my first SW tank and ran that one with2 fluval canister filter and a hang on protein pump it and works but nothing ever looked as good as I have it now with my sump before I would put the money in a canister filter I would run a sump ... that’s just me

Cool! Thanks for the input!

 

[stevieduk]

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!

you are making the mistake that a lot of people make, its called "rushing" just let everything bed in , get mature and be working correctly before the livestock is added.
even if you had a ton of living rock, its not going to be working at its optimum straight away

 

[Malifry97]

you are making the mistake that a lot of people make, its called "rushing" just let everything bed in , get mature and be working correctly before the livestock is added.
even if you had a ton of living rock, its not going to be working at its optimum straight away

No I really don't think Im rushing, livestock will not be in for another 2-3 weeks. So I really don't think that is rushing. Also Some of my rock and sand is already cycling. I've been taking it quite slow now.

 

[H3rm1tCr@b]

Thanks

No problem

 

[H3rm1tCr@b]

No I really don't think Im rushing, livestock will not be in for another 2-3 weeks. So I really don't think that is rushing. Also Some of my rock and sand is already cycling. I've been taking it quite slow now.

Just make sure to get a sample of good quality rock or sand or something. I know a lot of people like to control everything in their tanks but they absolutely do best when you get a lot of diversity in micro fauna and such. It doesn't have to be much, just enough to seed your tank. Some really good things to look at are asking for a sample of detritus from someone's sump or a scoop of sand from a mature system. While you're at it find a source for bristle worms, snails, micro brittle stars, etc. the good little cleaners that make a tank work. I really hope everything works out for you!

 

[Malifry97]

Just make sure to get a sample of good quality rock or sand or something. I know a lot of people like to control everything in their tanks but they absolutely do best when you get a lot of diversity in micro fauna and such. It doesn't have to be much, just enough to seed your tank. Some really good things to look at are asking for a sample of detritus from someone's sump or a scoop of sand from a mature system. While you're at it find a source for bristle worms, snails, micro brittle stars, etc. the good little cleaners that make a tank work. I really hope everything works out for you!

Thanks, I hope everything works out too! I’ll try to do as many of the tips you suggested as I can!

 

[NS Mike D]

I think I’m going to get lots of live rock...some macros...and a HOB skimmer...I think this will deal with nutrient export...how does this sound!

Firstly, I agree that filters are no needed, but I do caution about using lots of live rock. Rock also provides a place for algae to take root and over time can become detritus traps, decreasing its efficiency. And keep in mind that rock blocks flow.

I recently removed about 30% of my rock due to a long term algae issue. If I were to do it all over I would have use just enough rock to mount frags and add more rock for additional corals as needed, while going with a sump for my filtration needs. I have a basket of live rock in my sump but reefer whom I respect for his skills uses marine pure blocks in his sump so the he can swap them out of any start to lose their effectiveness over time.

I don't know if there is some formula to determine how much rock to use. But start slowly.

 

[MnFish1]

Firstly, I agree that filters are no needed, but I do caution about using lots of live rock. Rock also provides a place for algae to take root and over time can become detritus traps, decreasing its efficiency. And keep in mind that rock blocks flow.

I recently removed about 30% of my rock due to a long term algae issue. If I were to do it all over I would have use just enough rock to mount frags and add more rock for additional corals as needed, while going with a sump for my filtration needs. I have a basket of live rock in my sump but reefer whom I respect for his skills uses marine pure blocks in his sump so the he can swap them out of any start to lose their effectiveness over time.

I don't know if there is some formula to determine how much rock to use. But start slowly.

I agree with this - unless you have some large colonies upfront (not a good idea for a beginner probably) - to shade the rock. I'm always amazed at the number of people constantly buying small frags - when the coral if given the right amount of flow/light - should grow to fill the tank. One problem with covering the rock with small frags of different coral is that they often release 'stuff' ie toxins, etc - that m ay lead to decreased growth

 

[Malifry97]

I agree with this - unless you have some large colonies upfront (not a good idea for a beginner probably) - to shade the rock. I'm always amazed at the number of people constantly buying small frags - when the coral if given the right amount of flow/light - should grow to fill the tank. One problem with covering the rock with small frags of different coral is that they often release 'stuff' ie toxins, etc - that m ay lead to decreased growth

Yeah...me personally I like tanks that have 3-5 colonies of corals and that’s it

 

[WV Reefer]

As someone with two reef tanks that run without filters, skimmers or sumps, my one piece of advice is to go slow.
If you have any specific questions I would be happy to help.

 

[MnFish1]

As someone with two reef tanks that run without filters, skimmers or sumps, my one piece of advice is to go slow.
If you have any specific questions I would be happy to help.

Curious - can you mention how big the tanks are and what other 'stuff' you have in them? Ie. for flow, etc. also - do you have coral, and what kinds? Lastly - I assume you have live rock - but what are your parameters running? For me - simpler is always better.

I run my large tank with only a skimmer (and a heater) - I have a sump because it came in the tank - I do use carbon periodically. thinking about getting an algae reactor.

 

[WV Reefer]

Curious - can you mention how big the tanks are and what other 'stuff' you have in them? Ie. for flow, etc. also - do you have coral, and what kinds? Lastly - I assume you have live rock - but what are your parameters running? For me - simpler is always better.

I run my large tank with only a skimmer (and a heater) - I have a sump because it came in the tank - I do use carbon periodically. thinking about getting an algae reactor.

both are mixed reefs with lights, powerheads and a heater.

Build Thread - WV Reefer’s 75 Gallon Big and Dirty

This tank was established in June 2017 and is about to turn a year old. It was formerly a planted freshwater tank, but then I just had to have another reef so it was converted. :) Build Info- BRS Dry Pukani Rock CaribSea Fiji Pink Sand Equipment: VorTech MP40 x 2 Aqueon Pro 200 Heater...

www.reef2reef.com

Build Thread - WV Reefer’s 12 Gallon Long and Dirty

Welcome to my 12 Gallon Long and Dirty Reef! :) This build began 2 1/2 years ago and it is my first reef. I have been keeping aquariums for close to 20 years. Because this reef is already in progress, I will post a current photo first and then I will post some progress pics from the...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Malifry97]

As someone with two reef tanks that run without filters, skimmers or sumps, my one piece of advice is to go slow.
If you have any specific questions I would be happy to help.

Thanks Man! I'll PM you later when I can chat!

 

[BestCutter]

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

A properly set-up reef tank is it's own filter. I used a sump to house a protein skimmer and a heater but that's it.

Dennis

 

[Icylder]

I think the question might be better phrased as "what will end up being my filter if I don't use a hang-on back/sump?"

It's worth keeping in mind that even in a stagnant system with no water movement you'll naturally get sedimentation and settling of particulates on to your sand bed given time. This is why most people go with mechanical filtration. As supposed to having particulates settle on your sand bed and having that be your filter basin we can make use of filter media to 'catch' particulates and then remove the media every so often to remove it from the system.

I hope this helps you a little bit at the least! Happy reefing

 

[Malifry97]

I think the question might be better phrased as "what will end up being my filter if I don't use a hang-on back/sump?"

It's worth keeping in mind that even in a stagnant system with no water movement you'll naturally get sedimentation and settling of particulates on to your sand bed given time. This is why most people go with mechanical filtration. As supposed to having particulates settle on your sand bed and having that be your filter basin we can make use of filter media to 'catch' particulates and then remove the media every so often to remove it from the system.

I hope this helps you a little bit at the least! Happy reefing

Thanks!

 

[Timfish]

Nope. Here's two of my systems that do not have skimmers, socks, refugiums, reactors or get regular dosing.

90 Gallon Mixed Reef

Mixed Reef started in 1997, 10-07-19

 

[Malifry97]

Nope. Here's two of my systems that do not have skimmers, socks, refugiums, reactors or get regular dosing.

90 Gallon Mixed Reef

Mixed Reef started in 1997, 10-07-19

WOW! Those are beautiful! Thanks for the information and examples!

 

[WVNed]

4 feet of water with no filter

how about 8 feet

 

[WVNed]

My next question would be if the water is this clear without a filter how does the filter do anything but make more work and expense for you.
On my freshwater tanks I used HOBs, sponges, under gravel, reverse under gravel, canisters, diatom and a few filters I made myself. It was a while before I realized I didn't need them anymore when I went to salt.
I run a skimmer because I have a lot of fish. You can do without that if you can keep the bio load down.