Can You Sustain a Planted Tank Without a Filter?

by Kate Barrington

Published: March 4th, 2019

can you sustain a planted tank without a filter

You don’t have any fish in your aquarium, just plants. That means you don’t need a filter, right? Here’s why you may want to add a filter to your planted tank.

If you are an experienced aquarium hobbyist, you undoubtedly understand the importance of having a high-quality filtration system installed in your tank. Having a filter is essential for maintaining high water quality because it removes harmful substances from the tank water and helps to keep oxygen levels high for your fish. If these are the main things a filter does, however, you may be wondering if the live plants in your tank will be enough.

What do Plants Do in the Aquarium?

Not only can live plants enhance the appearance of your aquarium, but they provide several very important benefits as well. Live aquarium plants go through the process of photosynthesis during the day (or when your tank lights are turned on) in order to grow. They absorb carbon dioxide from your tank water (this is produced by your fish as a byproduct of respiration) and they use light as energy to convert that carbon dioxide into oxygen. Live plants also extract certain pollutants from the tank water including things like ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite – all of these substances are harmful for your fish so it is necessary to have them removed from the tank. Aquatic plants can also help to keep algae growth at bay because they compete for the same nutrients algae needs to grow.

Do I Need a Tank Filter?

To summarize the information from the last section, live aquarium plants filter harmful substances from the tank water and convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. Given this information, you might be wondering what makes live plants different from any aquarium filter. After all, they seem to perform the same functions. So, do you really need to use a filter in your planted tank? The answer to this question will be different depending on several factors including tank size, the number of plants you have, and the number and type of aquarium inhabitants you are cultivating.

You can’t add one or two plants to your freshwater aquarium and expect it to be an adequate replacement for your filter. If you have a large tank or a large number of tank inhabitants, the ability of those few plants to filter out toxins and to produce oxygen will probably not be enough to keep up with the biological load of your tank. If, on the other hand, you have a moderately sized tank filled with a large number of live plants and you only have a few fish, those plants might be able to keep up with the production of waste and carbon dioxide your fish are responsible for.

The problem is that you will not really know if your planted tank can thrive without a filter unless you try it. Remember, it is essential that you cycle your tank before you add any fish or other tank inhabitants – this is still true for the planted tank. Having a filter installed while your tank is cycling can be beneficial, especially because you want the water quality to be high when you add your fish. It isn’t a bad idea, then, to start your planted tank with a filter and to keep adding more plants until your filter becomes unnecessary. Just make sure that you have another means of cultivating biological bacteria in your tank to maintain the nitrogen cycle once you remove the filter. You can try installing a sponge filter or simply let the bacteria grow on tank surfaces.

Things to Consider When Maintaining a Filtration System in Your Planted Tank

There are several reasons why maintaining a filtration system in your planted tank is recommended, even if you have a lot of plants in your aquarium. First off, because your plants will get the majority of the nutrients that they need to grow from the water, if there is even just a gentle flow created by the circulation that results from a filtration system, it could help them get the nutrients that they need more easily. And that translates to better plant growth. Plus, if you do have fish in your planted tank, the filtration that keeps the water clean can also help them stay healthy. The bottom line is that your plants and your fish can benefit from water that moves, rather than water that is stagnant, and a filtration system can help you achieve that.

When shopping for a filtration system for your planted aquarium, there are two main types that stand out from the rest and come highly recommended: hang on the back (or HOB) filters and canister filters. While you might think of undergravel filters, these aren’t a good choice for an aquarium with plants because the plants’ roots could end up getting in the way and preventing adequate flow. And cleaning your tank will be even harder when you have plants and an undergravel filter.

The great thing about an HOB filter is that it tends to be the more affordable option, and you can use it in smaller tanks. If you are going to use this type of filter in a bigger tank, you might need more than one to get the job done. Setting up and maintaining these filters is also easy, and it uses filter cartridges that are disposable. Just be sure you have enough space behind the tank in order for the HOB to fit properly.

Then there are canister filters, which are also easy to maintain. These are appropriate for larger tanks, as they aren’t the right choice for smaller aquariums. You can even use a spray bar attachment if you want to control the water return. Simply keep your spray bar attachment under the water to allow for the right amount of circulation throughout the tank. That simple step will be great for your fish and your plants. Also, in terms of location, you’ll set this one up under the tank, so this gives you more freedom because you won’t have to worry as much about leaving a lot of space behind the tank. And you can find canister filters that use reusable media.

There are other types of filtration systems available, but you need to bear in mind the fact that your tank is planted. For that reason alone, canister and HOB filters are the most often recommended products. Also, when shopping for the right filter for your planted tank, consider whether there are fish in the tank as well, and take into account the size of your tank too.

You Have the Option of Using a Filter or Not, but It Really Depends on Your Setup

It’s certainly possible to cultivate a thriving planted tank without a filter, but it can be a little bit tricky to accomplish. You want to make sure that your live plants are able to handle the biological load in your tank before you remove the filter and you need to take steps to ensure proper biological filtration. If you do these things, however, you can certain keep a planted tank without a filter.

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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The right lights on your aquarium can not only make your tank shine, but it’s also necessary component for plants to thrive. When it comes to cultivating a thriving planted aquarium, what is the most important requirement? Lighting. Without adequate lighting, your aquarium plants will not have the energy they need to grow. Choosing the right lighting for your planted tank can be tricky, however, since there are so many options to choose from. In this article you will learn about the best lighting systems for planted tanks and you will receive some tips for making your choice. Related: Watts Going On With Your Aquarium Lighting? How Much Light do Plants Need? Without light, the live tanks in your plant will not only fail to thrive, but they will slowly die off. Light is a form of energy for plants and they use it to power the process of photosynthesis through which they convert carbon dioxide absorbed through the leaves into simple sugars – oxygen is a byproduct of this process. Although lighting is very important for live plants, there is such a thing as too much lighting. You should only plan to leave your aquarium lights on for 10 to 12 hours per day. If you leave the lights on for too long it could cause excess algae to grow and the algae will start competing with your plants for nutrients. Your best bet is to place your lighting system on an automatic timer so it will turn your lights on and off at the right intervals. Related: Can You Sustain a Planted Tank Without a Filter? Best Planted Tank Lighting Systems There are many different options to choose from when it comes to lighting for the planted tank. Below you will find an overview of some of the most popular planted tank lighting systems: Compact Fluorescent: As an alternative to standard fluorescent lighting, compact fluorescents offer greater intensity and higher wattages. Compact fluorescent bulbs are smaller than standard fluorescents but they come in wattages between 10 and 130 – they also have a longer lifespan of up to 28 months. This type of lighting is ideal for freshwater planted tanks, though you may need an aquarium chiller or auxiliary fan to prevent the tank from overheating because these lights produce a lot of heat. T-5 High Output: Also known as T-5 HO lighting, T-5 high output lighting is another type of fluorescent lighting system. This type of lighting produces high-intensity light and the bulbs are even more compact than compact fluorescents. T-5 HO lighting comes in wattages from 24 to 54 and the bulbs can last for 2 years. This type of lighting is best for freshwater planted tanks under 24 inches deep. Very High Output: Also known as VHO, this type of lighting comes in wattages between 75 and 165 and they can last as long as 18 months. These bulbs are perfect for larger planted tanks, though they do produce a lot of heat so you may need to use an auxiliary fan or aquarium chiller to keep the tank from overheating. Metal Halide: This type of lighting system is one of the most powerful options available and it is preferable for freshwater planted tanks more than 24 inches deep. Metal halide lighting system offer wattages up to 1000 and it is high-intensity, wide-spectrum lighting. Bulbs can last for 18 months and they do produce a lot of heat, so keep this in mind – you will need to use an auxiliary fan or an aquarium chiller with this type of lighting. Now that you understand the basics about aquarium lighting for planted tanks you should be equipped to select the right lighting system for your own tank. Just keep in mind the recommendations for how much lighting live plants need and choose your lighting system accordingly.

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What Collar is Best for My Dog?

When choosing a collar for our dogs, we often focus on elements like the color, pattern, or preferred material. However, there is much more to consider than just the style and aesthetic. Selecting the best collar is essential for your dog’s safety, comfort, and overall well-being.However, with so many different collar options available, deciding which will best suit your dog and their lifestyle can be overwhelming.This guide will break down the different types of collars, their purpose, and the factors you should consider. From standard nylon collars to tick-prevention products, you’ll find everything you need to make a confident decision when shopping for your dog.Choosing the Right Collar for Your DogSelecting a collar can feel overwhelming. There is so much to consider, from functionality to style. So, let’s start at square one. 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How to Make a Homemade Thundershirt

Is your dog or cat afraid of loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms? If so, you may have come across this guide searching for a solution to help them feel calmer or more relaxed when faced with these triggers.The Thundershirt is one of the most popular products on the market. However, you may not have the time, access, or budget to purchase one when you need it most. If that is the case, you’re in luck. You can still offer the soothing effects of a Thundershirt by making a budget-friendly, DIY option.In this guide, I will walk you through the benefits of using a Thundershirt, steps to make your own homemade version and other solutions you may want to consider to help your pet feel secure and relaxed during stressful situations. Don’t leave your furry friend struggling with stress and anxiety when the solution is so easy!Signs Your Dog is Anxious or Afraid Before I break down the process of creating a DIY anti-anxiety wrap for your dog, let’s take a moment to discuss when your dog may benefit from wearing one. We often think of anxiety in terms of the ongoing mental health struggle many humans face. While it is possible for a dog to also face a similar struggle, anxiety in dogs is often triggered by a specific situation or fear. Anxiety, fear, and stress could be associated with a new or unfamiliar environment, the presence of strangers or unknown dogs, loud noises like fireworks and thunderstorms, or even a reflection of our own stress being sensed and shared by our canine companions. 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This drug-free solution uses something called “pressure therapy,” which uses gentle, consistent pressure to signal to the body to release feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin. It’s the same technique behind the use of weighted blankets and swaddling. An anti-anxiety vest or wrap, like the Thundershirt, snuggly wraps around your dog’s chest and abdomen to put pressure in the right places to achieve this feeling of calmness, relaxation, and security. Where Can I Purchase an Anti-Anxiety Vest or Wrap? If you have the budget and time to shop for an anti-anxiety vest or wrap, there are many different options on the market. The brand name Thundershirt is the most commonly recognized brand, but it isn’t the only option. Whether you’re shopping at your local pet store, a big box store, or online, several are available, each with unique benefits. I recommend reading through the different features that set one product apart from another. 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If so, you can take a couple of steps to transform your quick DIY into a longer-lasting solution that you can continue to use for weeks, months, and even years to come. First, depending on your chosen fabric, you may want to stitch the sides to prevent it from fraying or falling apart. This will also create a more polished appearance if you plan on using your homemade anxiety wrap when out in public with your dog. The second upgrade I recommend is the addition of Velcro to fasten it. Use a longer strip of the loop side (the soft, fuzzy side of the Velcro) that runs along the length of the fabric and a shorter patch of the hook side (the rough, scratchy side) on the other side. This will make it easy for you to adjust the fabric's tension and where the sides connect in the future if the fabric starts to stretch out from repeated use.

How to Safely Trim Black Dog Nails

Trimming your dog’s nails is a routine task that many dog parents handle with confidence. However, when your pup has a coat of jet-black fur, this simple task can become considerably more challenging. Unlike dogs with lighter-colored nails, where the quick (the sensitive part of the nail containing blood vessels and nerves) is easily visible, black nails can make it difficult to see where to safely trim. This can lead to anxiety for both you and your best friend. But fear not! With a little patience and the right techniques, you can safely and effectively trim your black dog’s nails, ensuring their comfort and well-being. Get started with this key grooming technique today! Why is Cutting Your Dog’s Nails So Important? Before we focus on the specifics of cutting black dog nails, let’s start with the basics. Why is keeping your dog’s nails trimmed and cared for so important? We often discuss the importance of grooming for dogs, including brushing your dog’s coat, haircuts for some breeds, dental care to prevent plaque build-up, and more. But caring for their nails is another aspect of your dog’s routine maintenance for their overall health and comfort. Overgrown nails can cause pain when walking or running. As your dog places their paw down on the ground, if the nail makes contact, this can push back on the paw causing discomfort or forcing your dog to alter their gait or posture to compensate. Over time, this can lead to more severe problems like long-term joint issues. Long nails can also reduce traction, causing your dog to slip and fall. This can have significant implications for senior dogs or those recovering from surgery or an injury that affects their mobility. In addition to your dog’s health, nail care is essential for a harmonious home. Longer, untrimmed nails can damage your floors, furniture, and other belongings. Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed back makes it possible for everyone to live together happily without getting hit with unnecessary damage and repair costs. How Do You Know Where the Quick is On Black Dog Nails? Knowing the location of the quick when trimming your dog’s nails is essential, regardless of their coat color. But why? What is the quick, and what are the risks if you don’t pay attention to it? As mentioned above, the quick is the sensitive area within the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. This area is concealed within the nail and protected from harm or damage. However, when trimming the nails, you risk cutting the nail back too far and cutting into the quick. This can cause pain, bleeding, and unnecessary distress for your dog. It’s relatively easy to spot the quick on dogs with lighter-colored nails, as it can be seen through the nail as a pink or reddish spot. However, black nails present a unique challenge. 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One of the most exciting milestones in your dog’s puppyhood is the transition from milk and soft foods to solid kibble. This marks a major step in their growth and development and ensures that they receive all the important nutrients for a healthy life. But even so, some owners are uncertain about when exactly kibble should be introduced.Understanding the right timing for this can be crucial for their good development and overall well-being as it helps set a solid foundation for a healthy diet later on in life. So here’s what you need to know before you offer dry food to your puppy.When Can a Puppy Start Eating Kibble?In the early first few weeks of their life, puppies rely entirely on their mother’s milk for nutrition. Nature arranged it so that this milk provides all the essential antibodies that boost their immune system and nutrients that are vital for their early growth. Usually, puppies should stay with their momma and littermates until they are at least 8 weeks old. During this time, they gradually transition from nursing to exploring more solid foods.Around 3 to 4 weeks of age, however, puppies begin showing more and more interest in the food that their mom is eating, and will often nibble on solid foods. These can be softened puppy food or kibble soaked in water. This helps them to become accustomed to all kinds of different textures and flavors, which in turn prepares them for eventually switching to dry kibble and other solid foods.In general, puppies can begin eating dry kibble between 6 and 8 weeks of age. At this stage, their little teeth are developing, and they have the jaw strength needed to chew solid foods efficiently. Still, it is important to choose high-quality puppy kibble formulated specifically for their nutritional needs. Go for a formula that is based on natural, wholesome ingredients and doesn’t contain any nasty filler or artificial substances – meat should be the first ingredient on the list, followed by sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as veggies and fruit.

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How Do I Travel with a Small Animal or Reptile?

Whether you’re planning an epic road trip, a family vacation, or simply need to transport your pet for a vet appointment, traveling with a pet always requires careful planning and preparation. Many guides are available, sharing tips and tricks for traveling with dogs and cats, but what about the many other pets we share our hearts and homes with?From choosing the right carrier to ensuring your pet is safe and comfortable throughout your adventure, we’ve thought of it all. This guide will provide essential tips for stress-free travel with your small animal or reptile.Do Reptiles or Small Animals Like Traveling? Before planning your big adventure with your pet by your side, take a moment to ask yourself an important question – will your pet be comfortable traveling? The answer to this is going to vary from pet to pet. While some are comfortable in new environments or around people they don’t know, others will find this experience incredibly stressful. Excess stress can harm your pet’s health and well-being. It has been associated with a weakened immune system, gastrointestinal problems, an increased risk of heart disease, and skin issues. It’s also considered the root cause of many common behavioral problems. If you know that traveling will likely trigger stress or anxiety in your pet, you may want to reconsider your plans. It may not be in their best interest to join you on your next vacation or getaway. Instead, find a reputable pet sitter to care for them while you’re gone in the comfort of their own home. However, there are also situations where this may be unavailable. For example, if you are moving to a new home, your pet will have to make the trip. You may not be able to eliminate all stress, but you can focus on making the situation as comfortable as possible with the following tips and tricks. What is the Best Way to Transport a Reptile? We don’t often see reptiles traveling with their people, and this is for one clear reason – even when a reptile is being transported, the best way to do it is in a secure container that minimizes their outside exposure. Reptiles are far more sensitive to temperature changes than most other pets. Keeping them in a secure but well-ventilated container allows you to maintain as stable a temperature as possible throughout your travels. Before heading out, check the weather. Will you be navigating hot summer temperatures or the cold of winter? Prepare to address these problems in advance by using heat packs or insulating the container they will be traveling in. Introduce your reptile to the container days or even weeks before your trip. Start with very short periods in the container and work up over time, allowing them to get used to being there. This isn’t a quick process, but it will help to lower stress levels during your travels. If traveling with a snake, you can also use a breathable snake bag or secure pillowcase to help them feel safe and secure. What is the Best Way to Transport a Small Animal? The term “small animal” refers to a wide range of animals, each with their own needs. This can significantly impact the best way to travel with your pet. The smallest of our beloved pocket pets, like mice and hamsters, should be transported in a secure cage or carrier. The size and style of the carrier will depend on how you are traveling and the length of your trip. For example, a flight-approved carrier has strict rules you will need to consider. However, if you’re taking a road trip with your pet and have space in your vehicle, you could even transport your pet in a standard cage or habitat, like the Kaytee CritterTrail Simple Start Habitat. These small enclosures may not offer the recommended long-term living space, but they are a great option for traveling in style. Another small animal carrier that is highly recommended is the Kaytee Come Along Carrier. Pay careful attention to anything in the cage/carrier that could be knocked over or thrown around if you are forced to hit the brakes. Secure the carrier or cage where possible to keep it from being thrown in an accident. A sheet or blanket can be placed over the carrier to reduce outside stimuli and create a more comfortable environment, but be sure that proper ventilation is maintained. Consider adding something familiar, like a favorite toy or blanket when setting up the cage or carrier. For some pets, a piece of your clothing, like a t-shirt you have worn with your scent, is also comforting and can help reduce stress. Larger small animals, like rabbits or ferrets, may also be comfortable traveling in a backpack or carrier designed for cats or small dogs. Ensure they will be secure in the carrier with no risk of escape. Even well-behaved pets used to being carried around at home may panic in an unfamiliar situation and try to make a run for it. Harness training your pet before your travels will allow you to add another level of safety and security. Are Reptiles and Small Animals Allowed on Planes? Yes, but with limitations. Many airlines will allow reptiles and small animals to be transported by air. However, most require that these animals be secured in the cargo hold during the flight. You will need to check with the specific airline for requirements in terms of carrier size and other steps for security to avoid your pet escaping and being lost. Some airlines will allow specified small animals to travel in the cabin. For example, Frontier Airlines allows rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters to be “carried on flights within the United States for a one-way directional charge.” If you are traveling internationally, only cats and dogs are permitted in the cabin. Pet policies are constantly changing and evolving. To ensure your pet will be welcome on the plane with you, contact the airline you are considering flying with and ask for their most up-to-date rules and regulations to determine what pets are permitted and the carrier requirements.

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5 Popular Designer Dog Breeds

Designer dogs, or hybrid dogs, are a mix of two purebreds. Unlike mutts, you’ll know which breeds make up a designer dog. But, like any mixed breed dog, puppies will inherit the diverse traits of their parents, so there can be variations in temperament, coat, and other features, and this can make it a bit challenging to predict what these dogs will be like. Today, there are many highly sought-after designer dog breeds, whether they’re beloved for their looks, personality, or eagerness to work. Below are five designer dogs that have a lot to offer.

New Study Reveals Having A Big Brain Doesn’t Mean Your Dog is Smart

We often associate larger brains with greater intelligence, but a recent study challenges this assumption in our canine companions. The study, published November 13 th in the journal Biology Letters, aimed to explore whether there was any tangible connection between the physical size of a dog’s brain and their mental capabilities. The results suggest we may want to reconsider this common stereotype, at least where dogs are concerned. The idea isn’t entirely out of left field. Previous studies have found that in many mammals, a direct correlation has been found between bigger brains and higher survival odds due to their capacity to effectively process information and make better decisions. Considering this, the findings of the new study surprised many. “The key difference here is that dogs are not in a natural environment,” explained Ana Balcarcel, lead author of the new study. “They are a function of artificial selection… a very directed selection, evolution under human hands.” Researchers compared 14 behavioral traits from the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire and the relative brain-to-skull size of 1682 dog skulls covering 172 breeds housed at the Natural History Museum Bern in Switzerland. They found several patterns, but these patterns went against our previous understanding. Dog breeds known to be most trainable and intelligent, like working dogs bred to perform complex skills, were found to have the smallest relative brain size. This included dog breeds most likely to excel in human-assistance roles, like guide dogs, police dogs, and those involved with search-and-rescue. Meanwhile, toy dog breeds bred mainly to serve as companions, like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers, were found to have larger relative brain sizes. Statistically, these breeds are also more likely to exhibit higher levels of fear, aggression, and separation anxiety. The most interesting thing about this for many researchers is that we, as a society, didn’t just choose breeds that were best suited for these working roles (which happened to have smaller brain ratios). Instead, over generations, they have been bred to be trainable, independent, and better at problem-solving. “We can say that we have really altered the brains – not just the body sizes and the proportions of different dogs, but it looks like we have also changed their brains in a significant way,” stated Balcarcel. Interestingly enough, the difference in brain size may also reflect our impact on the dogs through domestication. The study revealed that the brain of the average domesticated dog is approximately 20% smaller than that of a wild gray wolf relative to body size. However, domesticated dogs must understand and operate with higher social skills than wild dogs. Consider the unique skills your dog demonstrates daily, regardless of their breed. Domesticated dogs are expected to learn how to interpret our gaze, body language, and many verbal commands just to live as a family dog. Moving forward, the research team plans to dig further into the comparison between various dog breeds physically and their function by analyzing other physical differences, like the shape of specific parts of the brain. We’re excited to follow along and learn more about how this information could influence dog training and behavior as we know it! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Long Can You Leave Your Cat Alone at Home?

Cats are generally considered self-sufficient, independent, and somewhat aloof pets. In many cases, they won’t ask for constant attention, and will sometimes act as if they own you. Still, even though these can be very smart and free-spirited pets, the question remains – how independent are they really? Some owners wonder whether it is a smart decision to leave their cat alone at home even if they are not clingy, and if they will be able to stay safe in that case. Here’s what to know about leaving your feline friend home alone. How Long Can You Leave Your Cat Alone at Home?Sure, cats are independent and quirky. But like all animals and pets out there, they will require your attention and regular care. And even though they are much more independent than dogs, they will still rely on a steady routine that provides them with water, food, and a clean litter box. Usually, adult cats can be left alone for up to 24 to 48 hours, but it's essential to provide sufficient food, water, and clean litter before you leave.

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