How long can I go without some kind of filtration?

rc04 · 03/28/2009, 07:53 PM

I have a Hagen-Fluval 405 canister filter and it quit working yesterday. It runs for a few minutes than just completely stops. I took it all apart and cleaned it out and didn't see anything to be causing the problem. I know it's not the best setup to have anyways and would rather have a refugium but I can't afford to do that right now. Plus I would like to upgrade to a larger system one day so I don't want to put to much into this one. I know it can't run forever without a filter. I would like to know how long I can I can safely go without one though. I have four fish in it, a gold bar clown, high fin cardinal, yellow tang, and a 8 line wrasse. I would like to also get rid of the tang as he was the second fish I bought I now know my tank is to small for him. So any information would be great. Thanks.

Felix T Cat · 03/28/2009, 08:19 PM

How much live rock ?. That might help in the filtration department. If nothing else pick up a semi cheep HOB filter (aquaclear) and run it in the interim until you get the new tank set up.

RyanDragon · 03/28/2009, 08:24 PM

a hang on back protein skimmer

or a HOB like Tetra Whisper Power Filter...

rc04 · 03/28/2009, 09:02 PM

I have 50 pounds of live rock, and hob skimmer as well.

nikon187 · 03/28/2009, 09:04 PM

Actually you can run forever without a filter as your live rock is your main biological filtration for the tank. Many people run their tanks with just powerheads and live rock. ( no skimmer, filters, canister ect)

stricknine · 03/28/2009, 09:05 PM

Just keep the water changes going a little more often until you get a filter of some kind, but it should be OK. My QT has a terrible HOB with a little LR rubble and a sponge, thats it. No problems yet, just have to change a lot of water.

mat167 · 03/28/2009, 10:31 PM

Honestly I find the canister filter to be useful only for running media (GAC and GFO for example). I wouldn't put sponges in it because they have to be rinsed frequently to prevent nitrate accumulation and taking the filter apart to clean them at least once a week is cumbersome. The same goes for the ceramic cylinders, they usually become a nitrate factory.

Most important thing is good water circulation and a reliable skimmer. A HOB filter with some carbon is usually all the extra filtration you need.

So to answer your question, since it appears that you tank is set up properly, you will be able to run indefinitely without the fluval.

Happy Reefing.

benmann71 · 03/29/2009, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by nikon187
Actually you can run forever without a filter as your live rock is your main biological filtration for the tank. Many people run their tanks with just powerheads and live rock. ( no skimmer, filters, canister ect)

yes you could simply run a tank with just live rock. that would be about as low tech as you can go. so wheres the fun in that?

VacavilleFC3S · 03/29/2009, 12:26 AM

i ran my 20g for nearly 6months on just 2 powerheads before i bought a skimmer

jjk_reef00 · 03/29/2009, 01:12 AM

Consider buying a cheap air stone to disrupt the surface of the water a little.

reefscape15 · 03/29/2009, 06:23 AM

I ran my 20 gal reef with just flow and skimmer for years. Works great and your not stripping tons of stuff out with carbon use!

03/28/2009, 07:53 PM	#1
rc04 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: fremont ca Posts: 25	How long can I go without some kind of filtration? I have a Hagen-Fluval 405 canister filter and it quit working yesterday. It runs for a few minutes than just completely stops. I took it all apart and cleaned it out and didn't see anything to be causing the problem. I know it's not the best setup to have anyways and would rather have a refugium but I can't afford to do that right now. Plus I would like to upgrade to a larger system one day so I don't want to put to much into this one. I know it can't run forever without a filter. I would like to know how long I can I can safely go without one though. I have four fish in it, a gold bar clown, high fin cardinal, yellow tang, and a 8 line wrasse. I would like to also get rid of the tang as he was the second fish I bought I now know my tank is to small for him. So any information would be great. Thanks.

03/28/2009, 08:24 PM	#3
RyanDragon Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Downers Grove, IL Posts: 343	a hang on back protein skimmer or a HOB like Tetra Whisper Power Filter... __________________ 25 Gal Reef :) 30lbs LR,,, 20lbs LS, CPR HOB skimmer, 1 mod maxi jet 1200 , 3 different damsels, 1 clarkii clown Torch Coral, Frogspawn Coral, Couples Zoa/Paly colonies, and Mushrooms Current Tank Info: 25 gallons reef tank with 96watts of t5 HO lighting

03/28/2009, 09:04 PM	#5
nikon187 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 4,717	Actually you can run forever without a filter as your live rock is your main biological filtration for the tank. Many people run their tanks with just powerheads and live rock. ( no skimmer, filters, canister ect) __________________ ----------------- Current Tanks: New 210 custom 84 x 24 x 24, 60g sump, SWC 250 extreme with bubble blaster 5000, 2 vortech mp40, 2 vortech mp10, 12 T5, Water blaster 5000, warner marine bio pellets, 60g clownfish cube, red carpet anemone with a 25g sump,SRO octopus 1000sss, 250w radium, lumenarc large.

03/29/2009, 01:12 AM	#10
jjk_reef00 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,476	Consider buying a cheap air stone to disrupt the surface of the water a little. __________________ I need more fish tank appliances! --Ed Current Tank Info: 375 FOWLR

03/29/2009, 06:23 AM	#11
reefscape15 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Elmira Heights, NY Posts: 2,812	I ran my 20 gal reef with just flow and skimmer for years. Works great and your not stripping tons of stuff out with carbon use! __________________ A new beginning........... JIM Current Tank Info: 5g standard softie/zoa tank, just starting a 20H

03/28/2009, 08:19 PM	#2
Felix T Cat Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Honey Brook, PA Posts: 557	How much live rock ?. That might help in the filtration department. If nothing else pick up a semi cheep HOB filter (aquaclear) and run it in the interim until you get the new tank set up.

03/28/2009, 09:02 PM	#4
rc04 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: fremont ca Posts: 25	I have 50 pounds of live rock, and hob skimmer as well.

03/28/2009, 09:05 PM	#6
stricknine Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Up North Posts: 989	Just keep the water changes going a little more often until you get a filter of some kind, but it should be OK. My QT has a terrible HOB with a little LR rubble and a sponge, thats it. No problems yet, just have to change a lot of water.

03/28/2009, 10:31 PM	#7
mat167 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Montreal, South-Shore Posts: 473	Honestly I find the canister filter to be useful only for running media (GAC and GFO for example). I wouldn't put sponges in it because they have to be rinsed frequently to prevent nitrate accumulation and taking the filter apart to clean them at least once a week is cumbersome. The same goes for the ceramic cylinders, they usually become a nitrate factory. Most important thing is good water circulation and a reliable skimmer. A HOB filter with some carbon is usually all the extra filtration you need. So to answer your question, since it appears that you tank is set up properly, you will be able to run indefinitely without the fluval. Happy Reefing.

03/29/2009, 12:26 AM	#9
VacavilleFC3S Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Vacaville California Posts: 2,613	i ran my 20g for nearly 6months on just 2 powerheads before i bought a skimmer