Filter advice

[Roger from PEI]

Hi Cory, I’m a huge fan of your video channel. I’m looking for a little advice of possible please. I currently have a 300 gallon freshwater aquarium filled with Tetras and lots of live plants and thick substrate. I also have a waterfall that slowly drips water into the aquarium twice a week to act as a partial water change from the evaporation which was made for that reason. My question is I currently use a fluval 5 that I would like to actually stop using as I believe my aquarium has enough oxygen and seems to be somewhat a natural ecosystem providing and equal balance. I’m scared my fluval is actually working against what I’m trying to achieve naturally. Thanks so much for your help

Edited February 16, 2021 by Roger from PEI

[Cory]

First of all, a waterfall into the tank like that is amazing. If the plants are growing well. You should be able to just use a couple airstones and not need a canister filter at all. Since bacteria coats everything in the aquarium, and plants will consume nitrates. You can achieve balance without a filter. But the airstones will make sure there is water movement and enough oxygen.

[Roger from PEI]

That’s awesome thank you so much, I was hoping to hear that but I’m still learning and you are  professional and I value your advice so thank you very much for that. Maybe I can give an update later on and see how it’s going

[darkG]

Awesome 👍

NB though that evaporation and (tap water) top-up doesn't make a partial water change. (Only water evaporates while water+solutes are added - in the long run possibly building up.) I'm not saying you didn't know this, but some people reading may be unaware. 🙂