No Filtration???

[midasman714]

ok, so a few days ago i decided to upgrade my HOB filter to an xp3. since the filter pads on the HOB were dirty, i decided to turn the filter off totally, so the only thing running in the 60G is a power head and heater of course.

the very next day i noticed a dramatic change in my RD/midas's color. it is more vibrant and he seems more active and his nuchal hump is starting to show again.

and i must confess i've never tested my water so don't know the ph / nitrate levels but so far, everything is looking better without the filter. and i do alot of small water changes.

so the question: has anyone every experience this; will i eventually need a filter; is this a fluke?

 

[Danh]

I have no experience with it. If you have a big enough sponge on the powerhead, or the powerhead blows enough and in the right places (like across your substrate) then that is still acting as a filter - somewhat at least. You might be ok if he doesn't eat a whole lot and create a lot of waste.

When was the last time you cleaned your hob? It could be that it was making your water worse instead of better?

 

[Bderick67]

Yes it is a fluke, how healthy do you think it can be for your midas to be swimming in it's own waste. Currently your tank is building in levels of ammonia and nitrites, both which are very toxic to fish. IMO you better be doing 50% daily water changes to keep these levels low and get that xp3 on as soon as possible because it will take a few weeks to build up the benefical bacteria.

 

[midasman714]

i will eventually get the xp3 but i was just amazed by the difference.

i'm assuming its my HOB that was the problem, i'll clean it thoroughly and get new pads and another source of media.

and the midas is starting to scratch himself right now so i better get it soon!