[Wet Thumb Forum]-Reducing biological filtration safely

[datathief]

Hi all

I want to try reducing the amount of biological filtration in one of my tanks (18gal, 18W with good reflectors, 1 inch loam + 1 inch 2mm gravel, heavily planted, lots of floating plants, but ). Do you think I can do this safely? Any tips?

Will I be able to remove the biological filter completely if I do it slowly enough, allowing the bacteria to move into the rest of the tank?

Are corydoras as sensitive to potassium chloride as to sodium chloride? I.e., in a nitrite emergency, would low-sodium salt be better than regular salt?

Thanks

[datathief]

Hi all

I want to try reducing the amount of biological filtration in one of my tanks (18gal, 18W with good reflectors, 1 inch loam + 1 inch 2mm gravel, heavily planted, lots of floating plants, but ). Do you think I can do this safely? Any tips?

Will I be able to remove the biological filter completely if I do it slowly enough, allowing the bacteria to move into the rest of the tank?

Are corydoras as sensitive to potassium chloride as to sodium chloride? I.e., in a nitrite emergency, would low-sodium salt be better than regular salt?

Thanks

[dwalstad]

Nitrifying bacteria have probably already colonized plant leaves and every other surface in your aquarium. Plus the plants are taking up ammonia directly.

I have run 3 tanks for 2 years with just a pump to circulate water without any ammonia problems. My advice: buy an ammonia testkit and monitor ammonia levels as you reduce biological filtration. From what you've described of your tank, I doubt that you'll need any "biological filtration' via a filter.

[Sandhill]

Hi Diana,

It was interesting to find other topics here in this forum where you advicated a particular filter. After reading your book I was left with the impression that you didn't use filter in your tanks anymore. In particular, the last chapter about tank setup and maintenance you indicated that you used to use a filter but had since switched to just using a pump for circulation.

Are there certain conditions that lead you to employ a filter for mechanical filtration?

[dwalstad]

Hi Sandhill,

Glad you asked that question. Yes, I do recommend the Aqua Clear Model 301 powerhead and it's "Quick Filter" attachment.

Since the Second Edition came out I have replaced the canister and spillway filters in all of my tanks. These filters are wonderful mechanical filters.

Scroll down to the April 27 folder "Filters, Ich, and Turbidity" to get critical information on why I use them in all my tanks, how to clean these filters, and what they can do.