No Mechanical filtration

[Scooba]

Ok, so I have been lurking, reading and researching for the past 6 months on setting up and moving from freshwater into saltwater. I am in the process of getting the last few pieces for my 75g and hoping to set it up this weekend.

However, I also have a 30g bow-front that my fiance is wanting to put in our 'sitting room'. For that room I really want more of a clean look with not many wires and stuff hanging off the tank. I have been doing some reading and see that it is very possible to do a no mechanical filtration tank. I have no thoughts of rushing either and letting them go through their full cycles so that I can see the whole process from start to finish.

For the 30 I was thinking of a 2-2.5 in sand bed, around 25lbs of rock and 1 or 2 good flowing power heads. To keep the bio load down I was thinking just a specific species tank as in 1 fish with some corals.

For fish options I want something different in there i.e. a Fu Man Chu Lionfish, fuzzy dwarf lion or my fiance really wants a Little Angler fish (red/orange or a wartskin).

Depending on the fish that is going in there, would a mantis shrimp be an option also? Are they too messy of eaters to cause havoc on the bio load?

Thoughts of advice is very welcome.

 

[Canadian Reefer]

Are you going to be running a sump? a skimmer?

 

[Scooba]

Anyone :0(

 

[Azedenkae]

Hey mate, yes it is entirely possible for a no-mechanical filtration setup. I am running a setup at the moment with about 15kg of live rock, a block of MarinePure, and just sand. There is a HOB filter that acts as a circulator of sorts.

Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate is zero. I don't have a lionfish, but I do have five anthias. And they eat A LOT. There's so much food going in.

I guess I do let algae grow a bit as well, they do soak up the excess nutrients. But even then the tank looks pretty clean.

 

[hossa81]

Mantis shrimps should probably be alone, a fuzzy dwarf would work, really pretty and active fish, although I would run some sort of filter like a skimmer

 

[Sgt Jonny Cat]

If it's your first go at a salt water reef, research those fish you are planning on putting in that tank. I have no experience with Lion fish, but they are venomous, and can make you sick. Also, if it was me I would definitely run a protein skimmer as that is, in my opinion the most important part of the filtration system.

 

[LuciDog]

I run 2 tanks. A 30gal in our sitting room, and a 120 in our dining room. My 120 is loaded, sump, skimmer, etc etc.
My 30gal has NO mechanical filtration. It has about 35ish lbs rock and 2" sand bed and there is no difference between the 2 in terms of water clarity.

Research your fish, specifically the waste they will put out, and feed light. I went overkill on my circ pumps, I think that helps a bit as well. So my only cords are my heater, my circ pumps and my light. And none can be seen. My hubs has glued some type of trim to the 2 back corners that keep the cords tucked behind the tank, and the back is painted black. Very clean looking. He's going to be upset when I rip it all apart in a few weeks to upgrade the lights

 

[Scooba]

I run 2 tanks. A 30gal in our sitting room, and a 120 in our dining room. My 120 is loaded, sump, skimmer, etc etc.
My 30gal has NO mechanical filtration. It has about 35ish lbs rock and 2" sand bed and there is no difference between the 2 in terms of water clarity.

Research your fish, specifically the waste they will put out, and feed light. I went overkill on my circ pumps, I think that helps a bit as well. So my only cords are my heater, my circ pumps and my light. And none can be seen. My hubs has glued some type of trim to the 2 back corners that keep the cords tucked behind the tank, and the back is painted black. Very clean looking. He's going to be upset when I rip it all apart in a few weeks to upgrade the lights

That is what I am trying to go for. I have been reading that the extra circulation especially moving the surface water will help keep it naturally filtered.

 

[Scooba]

On my 75, I am running a sump, skimmer etc.

On the 30 I have been researching to no run anything. If I have to go with a skimmer eventually I might but I would not like too. Which is why I want really just a single fish to keep the bio load to a very minimum.

 

[ericarenee]

On my 75, I am running a sump, skimmer etc.

On the 30 I have been researching to no run anything. If I have to go with a skimmer eventually I might but I would not like too. Which is why I want really just a single fish to keep the bio load to a very minimum.

As long as you have it in a place with consistent temps you can do this.. You will also have to watch evaporation water. Which would not be much with no Filtration.. Be sure to use Ro/DI Water and DO Weekly water changes . Do not skip .
I Am not a fan of deep sand beds but in a tank like this it may be your best option...
Maybe even GET Some type Blade Caulerpa or red micro algae . Ornamental type to help with Bio Filtration...

 

[Scooba]

As long as you have it in a place with consistent temps you can do this.. You will also have to watch evaporation water. Which would not be much with no Filtration.. Be sure to use Ro/DI Water and DO Weekly water changes . Do not skip .
I Am not a fan of deep sand beds but in a tank like this it may be your best option...
Maybe even GET Some type Blade Caulerpa or red micro algae . Ornamental type to help with Bio Filtration...

I do have an RO/DI station at my house. I have 4 fresh water tanks, so I am pretty accustomed to doing weekly changes.

That red micro algae looks interesting. I might have to look more into it.

Thanks

 

[ericarenee]

I do have an RO/DI station at my house. I have 4 fresh water tanks, so I am pretty accustomed to doing weekly changes.

That red micro algae looks interesting. I might have to look more into it.

Thanks

Here is a link to someone that sells a lot of this stuff

http://live-plants.com/index.htm

Hope it helps .
I keep saying i Am going to setup a Display Macro algae Display tank Maybe even get like some tank bread sea horses Just seems to always be something else to keep my time away from doing it...

 

[Perth_reefer]

I ran a tiny 15 gallon reef tank once with no filtration, but it was absolutely loaded with live rock. It can be done but it needs heaps of live rock and heaps of flow.
Fish choices can influence how well this method works for you, Lionfish are messy fish and create a lot of waste, as such you may struggle with no skimmer attached to the tank.