Switching to a no filter question.

[ND1990]

I have a 17 gallon that’s been running for a months now. My Fluval is making a bunch of noise now and this maybe my chance to swap it to a no filter which I have wanted to do for a while now. 

Most of what I see is people using soil and doing a no filter and fertz. The tank is pretty heavily planted with Neo’s, 5 chili Rasboras, and Otto and 3 Honey gouramis. 

I use Aquarium co-op fertz, ammonia, Nitrite stay at zero and nitrates usually around about 5ppm or a little higher. 

If I continue my normal dosing and water changes I should be fine running a no filter with continued dosing right?

[Streetwise]

You certainly have enough plants to make it work!

[Wingman12r]

If possible you may want to try and slow the filter output. Give the BB on the other surfaces a chance to build up a bit.

[ND1990]

On 11/12/2021 at 2:47 PM, Wingman12r said:

If possible you may want to try and slow the filter output. Give the BB on the other surfaces a chance to build up a bit.

The tank is well established for 6 months or so now. The filter flow is already on the lowest It can before it stops. 

On 11/12/2021 at 2:41 PM, Streetwise said:

You certainly have enough plants to make it work!

It’s in need for a trim also, so I can plant a few more stems. I do have an nano air pump from the co-op also If there is any stress, but I’m not a fan of bubbles haha. 

[Streetwise]

I made a photo edit:

[Colu]

I would recommend at least having an air stone for surface agitation to increase oxygen exchange if your not going to be using a filter

Edited November 13, 2021 by Colu

[JettsPapa]

I have a 5.5 gallon tank on my desk at work with no filtration or air circulation, and a lot of plants.  It does just fine.

I do a 25% water change every week to ten days, but probably don't really need to.  Nitrates have never been above 20 ppm.