Should I take out filter or no?

[AquaJunkie]

I've been having a few algae problems I need to sort it out. I've heard that filters can become nitrate factory's and cause the problem.
Just wondering if I could run my tank without a filter and be ok, ie... Floss, carbon, water quality.

My current tank setup......

10 gallon tank
Hob filter (floss, carbon)
36w t5 10000k light
1000 lph power heads (x2)
50w heater
150lph skimmer
Argonite sand
22lbs live rock

Need to know pros and cons of taking of my filter.
Any help appreciated, thanks.

 

[AquaJunkie]

 

[AquaJunkie]

Anyone? :/

 

[gonpostal]

I've always used only a skimmer, live rock and good flow for filtration.

 

[NanaReefer]

You don't need to remove the HOB filter. Just be diligent in changing out the filter floss. When you don't they can cause nitrate issues.
They're great for filtering out larger particles and added flow.

 

[Tahoe61]

Do you have enough algae eaters in your tank?

 

[AquaJunkie]

I think it's because I've not been changing the floss as often as I should. Only clean up Crew in there ATM are 2 hermit crabs. Would my skimmer be strong enough on its own to clean out the bigger particles out of the water?

 

[AquaJunkie]

I've always used only a skimmer, live rock and good flow for filtration.

Have you had any problems in your tank with just this set up or do you find it easier?

 

[Mrfresh]

Go to either micheals or Joann's fabric and they sell filter mesh, I think it's in the pillow sections
I use that stuff all the time, just give it a good rinse before you put it in ur tank. U can get years of it for cheap.

Also maybe look at buying ur own carbon and putting it in little mesh baggies and putting it in the hob filter. Most of the time the carbon they use in those pre made filters isn't the highest quality of carbon...

Go on brs and check out there carbon section one of there types of carbon has a video on different types.
Really good info.

Good luck

 

[Tahoe61]

The skimmer is primarily removing DOC (dissolved organic carbons), particles too large to adhere to the surface of the micro bubbles will probably stay within the water column. Routinely changing out or rinsing the mechanical filtration in the HOB should keep too much detritus from collecting.

Some quality algae eating snails such as Turbo or Astrea will go along ways in keep algae from over taking the rock work.