Filter or no filter?

[jredouard25]

Well I saw a video on the JBJ 20 gallon tank and he said “u notice there’s no filter in this aquarium bcuz the filtration is on the bottom of the aquarium”. So do I really need a filter?

 

[PDR]

Depends on what you mean by "filter". If you are referring to mechanical filtration, then no you don't have to have any. That being said, in my opinion, mechanical filtration implemented properly is beneficial.

 

[jredouard25]

Depends on what you mean by "filter". If you are referring to mechanical filtration, then no you don't have to have any. That being said, in my opinion, mechanical filtration implemented properly is beneficial.

I meant biological filtration. The live sand and life rock. Would that be enough?

 

[PDR]

I meant biological filtration. The live sand and life rock. Would that be enough?

Yes, as long as an appropriate amount of rock is used.

 

[jredouard25]

Yes, as long as an appropriate amount of rock is used.

Oh. Ty for the help it’s greatly appreciated!

 

[Kevin Beadle]

On my Nano I have a hang on the back filter, it's only purpose is to add flow and occasionally to run carbon. Sometimes I might add filter floss and other times it just runs empty. All depends on the needs of the tank. Live rock is plenty biological filtration unless you're trying to push the limits of the bioload

 

[vetteguy53081]

As dirt/waste/sediment is suspended, you DO want filters , both chemical and biological with option of mechanical(power filter) for polishing ware. The biological is Very important as it breaks down waste and keeps your ammonia/nitrate/nitrate in check. It is the same structure which keeps streams and waterways clear . Chemical will incorporate use of of solids such as GFO, carbon and phosphate reducers.

 

[jredouard25]

As dirt/waste/sediment is suspended, you DO want filters , both chemical and biological with option of mechanical(power filter) for polishing ware. The biological is Very important as it breaks down waste and keeps your ammonia/nitrate/nitrate in check. It is the same structure which keeps streams and waterways clear . Chemical will incorporate use of of solids such as GFO, carbon and phosphate reducers.

So I have to get chemicals in order to reduce phosphates? Or regular water changes will?

 

[vetteguy53081]

So I have to get chemicals in order to reduce phosphates? Or regular water changes will?

Water changes will alleviate and if too high- yes Chemically treated such as Seachem phos-zorb which absorbs and reduces phosphates.

 

[jredouard25]

Water changes will alleviate and if too high- yes Chemically treated such as Seachem phos-zorb which absorbs and reduces phosphates.

Any other chemicals to reduce anything in the tank?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Any other chemicals to reduce anything in the tank?

Use little chemicals unless needed. I do recommend to have on hand, small bottles of calcium and magnesium, amino acod such as seachem fuel, trace elements and seachem prime for making new salt or adding water to tank

 

[jredouard25]

Use little chemicals unless needed. I do recommend to have on hand, small bottles of calcium and magnesium, amino acod such as seachem fuel, trace elements and seachem prime for making new salt or adding water to tank

What happens if I add to much?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Don't- follow instructions on bottle. If too much change water

 

[jredouard25]

Don't- follow instructions on bottle. If too much change water

But why would I need all those things when my sand and salt has all of tht?

 

[vetteguy53081]

But why would I need all those things when my sand and salt has all of tht?

you don't. if you do regular water changes you are good. These are the items most absorbed from coral and evaporations and those listed would replenish them.

 

[jredouard25]

you don't. if you do regular water changes you are good. These are the items most absorbed from coral and evaporations and those listed would replenish them.

Ooo ty

 

[Firemanreefkeeper]

Your tank overtime, depending on what you put into it, sps, lps, softies, will consume elements faster than water changes alone can replenish them. My tank started with using 3ml of alk a day for 6 months and no calcium. Now I'm at 28ml of alk every day and 15ml of calcium daily. A water change once every couple of days wouldn't keep up

 

[jredouard25]

Your tank overtime, depending on what you put into it, sps, lps, softies, will consume elements faster than water changes alone can replenish them. My tank started with using 3ml of alk a day for 6 months and no calcium. Now I'm at 28ml of alk every day and 15ml of calcium daily. A water change once every couple of days wouldn't keep up

So I have to test for calcium? Ugh

 

[Firemanreefkeeper]

Alk, calcium, magnesium, nitrates, phosphates, salinity. I test once a week, write it all down, watch for trends, make adjustments, test, test, test, watch for new trends, adjust, repeat. Everything I put into my tank or remove goes into a daily logbook. If something is odd I can go back and look and see what I did or didn't do and try to fix it.

 

[jredouard25]

Alk, calcium, magnesium, nitrates, phosphates, salinity. I test once a week, write it all down, watch for trends, make adjustments, test, test, test, watch for new trends, adjust, repeat. Everything I put into my tank or remove goes into a daily logbook. If something is odd I can go back and look and see what I did or didn't do and try to fix it.

So if I have coral even like a leather toadstool I have to test for everything?