OMG Aquatics Posted October 6, 2014 Report Share Posted October 6, 2014 Is that possible? Basically a planted tank with water movement. No filter at all. Would the tank cycle if I added ammonia? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ch3fb0yrdee Posted October 6, 2014 Report Share Posted October 6, 2014 It would be hard and unsafe as you might risk cultivate sulphur fixing bacteria. Why not use a sponge filter at the least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OMG Aquatics Posted October 6, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 6, 2014 Starting my dwarf hairgrass tank right now and most likely using it for fry. Sponge filter would make the tank uglyish. I guess I have no choice but to use a sponge filter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamashack Posted October 6, 2014 Report Share Posted October 6, 2014 It is possible and can be done using the Walstad method which basically uses heavily planted tank to use up the ammonia etc. http://www.theaquariumwiki.com/Walstad_method#What_is_the_Walstad_Method.3F I haven't done it myself - I'm not brave enough - but I know someone who has and all his fish are well and thriving Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OMG Aquatics Posted October 6, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 6, 2014 Just read it. Way too scared to attempt it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wicca32 Posted October 7, 2014 Report Share Posted October 7, 2014 i have had many tanks where i dont use filters or movement for that matter after the tank is established. as for a filter to cycle the tank yes it happens and its not needed. a filter and or filter media just speeds up the bacterial growth. i dont use ammonia to cycle a tank even just adding a pinch of fish food will cycle a tank. as that food breaks down it turns to ammo, then nitrite, then nitrate. it will take a long time for it to build enough to hold fish and that is kinda how adding a fish at a time a period of time say a fish once a week can work. it allows the bacteria to break down on fishes wast. once it can do that then add another and so on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamashack Posted October 7, 2014 Report Share Posted October 7, 2014 i have had many tanks where i dont use filters or movement for that matter after the tank is established. as for a filter to cycle the tank yes it happens and its not needed. a filter and or filter media just speeds up the bacterial growth. i dont use ammonia to cycle a tank even just adding a pinch of fish food will cycle a tank. as that food breaks down it turns to ammo, then nitrite, then nitrate. it will take a long time for it to build enough to hold fish and that is kinda how adding a fish at a time a period of time say a fish once a week can work. it allows the bacteria to break down on fishes wast. once it can do that then add another and so on. The problem with using fish-food to cycle is that you have no control over how much ammonia is released and can end up stalling the cycle if the nitrites get too high (over 16.4 ppm) and start killing off the bacteria you are trying to grow. Cycling with fish reduces their lifespan and general health so it's not something I would ever recommend. Best way for me is with liquid ammonia at a known level - takes only a few weeks - even less if you can kickstart the process with either bottled bacteria or mature gravel/filter media. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamashack Posted October 7, 2014 Report Share Posted October 7, 2014 Just found this - doesn't mention filters but the plants are fast growing apparently: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKQBXT7FYkE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wicca32 Posted October 7, 2014 Report Share Posted October 7, 2014 yes but that is where testing comes in and you should be testing your tank daily any way while cycling. i have never had a prob with cycling this way and done it a lot of times. never in my life have i used ammonia and i never will. cant stand it and with the dogs and cat im not going to make them smell it. having 2 shepherd mixes i have to be careful what i use in the house to clean with due to smell. ammonia is a nope Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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