Running a sps tank without mechanical filter?

[reefsahoy]

Anyone running a sps tank without a mechanical filter and just a skimmer?

 

[edsreef]

Yes.

 

[reefgeezer]

I don't run any mechanical filter. I only run a skimmer and a GFO reactor.

 

[reefsahoy]

can i assume the tank is doing well? how long have you guys been running like this? thx

 

[betamed]

I would think a majority of people run sps tanks without a mechanical filter. I use a skimmer and sometimes Gfo in a reactor

 

[puleski]

No filter here. Skimmer and GFO reactor.

 

[reefgeezer]

can i assume the tank is doing well? how long have you guys been running like this? thx

Tank does pretty well. I haven't had a regular mechanical filter in it for over a year. I do put in a filter sock when I do the turkey baster thing or anything else that would put a lot of particulate matter in the water column. Sorry about the crappy phone picture.

 

[ebacon]

Skimmer and gfo, mechanical filters build nitrates and remove all the fish poop which is what the sps eats

 

[sirreal63]

No mechanical filtration here, filter socks have only been in use about 10 years, before they began to be used people kept tanks successfully. It is not a requirement, can have negative consequences and can have positive effects. It is a personal choice, a lot of marine life benefits from planktonic life and a filter is removing a portion of that. That doesn't mean you shouldn't use them, but they are far from a necessity.