How to Make a Filterless Aquarium

Aquariums that have filters reduce the ammonium to nitrate through bacterial filtration. A filterless aquarium, on the other hand, relies on abundant plant life and frequent water changes to keep the water free from bacteria and allow your fish to thrive. Mechanized filters can also harm small aquatic creatures; these should be kept solely in a filterless aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium gravel
  • Decorations (plants, fake plants, stones)
  • Aged aquarium water
  • Dechlorinated tap water
  • Aquarium heater
  • Aquarium thermometer
  • Gravel from a healthy cycled aquarium
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your aquarium tank in a silent location. The tank should be put onto a leveled surface.

    • 2

      Pour the aquarium gravel into your tank.

    • 3

      Fill up the tank about halfway using the aged aquarium water. Fill the rest up with the dechlorinated tap water that has been aged at least a day.

    • 4

      Add the aquarium heater to the tank. If you are in a warmer climate, only use the heater in the winter months.

    • 5

      Place the thermometer in the tank in order to measure the temperature.

    • 6

      Add your decorations to the aquarium.

    • 7

      Put in about a handful of the healthy cycled gravel.