Does a fish tank really needs a filter??

Answer 1

No, as long as you are careful not to overload it or feed too much you will be fine with just regular water changes. I have a 5.5 gallon with 8 guppies and a ten gallon with three platys, two mollies, three khuli loaches, one betta and a pleco and neither have a filter.
A

Answer 2

Yes, a fish tank does need a filter.....and a heater too, if they are tropical fish. Bettas (pronounced bet-tah, not bay-tah) also need filters. The fact that many people keep bettas in unheated, unfiltered bowls does not make it right. These fish probably would live much longer happier lives if they were taken care of properly.

Bettas are tropical fish and need a temp of 74-80 degrees. Remember, they come from Southeast Asia where temps are regularly in the 80's.

A filter creates a current that allows the water to absorb oxygen from the atmosphere. No current, no O2 absorption. Then the fish are always at the surface gasping.

Also, the poor water conditions will stress your fish. Stress compromises the fish's immune system and they will eventually succumb to some sort of opportunistic disease.

Also, don't forget to do your regular (weekly) partial (25-30%) water changes. Water changes are the single most important thing you can do to keep your fish healthy and happy. Once the tank is set up and cycled in, don't ever tear it down and clean it out! Most of my tanks, once they are up and running, are not torn down unless I move them or sell them. Periodic vacuuming of the gravel is needed about every month or so to get rid of the poo and uneaten food that will decay and produce ammonia (ammonia kills fish).

Check out "About.com" and follow their links to "setting up and maintaining a freshwater aquarium." They have a lot of great info there and they know what they are doing. Copy and print the info so you always have it for reference.

Good luck!

Answer 3

It does depend on the size of the tank as well as how many fish you have. Small tanks are normally ok if you keep a good eye on the water and change it often. The type of fish you have is also big a thing with this. Go to a pet shop and do some investigating they are the best people to deal with this.

Answer 4

Yes otherwise it will get filthy. I have fish and their tank has a filter. It depends on how many fish you have. If you only have one of two you can get a smaller tank and just clean it out weekly, otherwise get a filter and it will be much easier.

Answer 5

Yes it does unless you want your fish to catch a disease and die! The filter keeps the tank clean, if you don't have one your fish could get very sick

Answer 6

Yeah because the waste fish produce can pollute the water and it gives off harmful ammonia levels in the water and it's got to be filtered continuously to keep it clean and free of waste and bacteria that can harm and kill fish.

Answer 7

it depends on how often you want to clean it out and how many fish you have in it, and how big that tank is. and another way to see it is, an unfiltered fishtank is like living in los angeles, and a filtered fish tank is like living in yellowknife, canada. if i was a fish, i would appreciate the privelage to enjoy clean water.

Answer 8

Yes, fish Tanks need FILTER. Buying an air pump is a necessity for modern aquariums today. They serve many functions such as for use with simple air stones or diffusers positioned at the bottom of the aquarium to circulate water by the upward movement of air bubbles. This helps to agitate the surface water which increases the air-water interface, causing an increase of the rate of diffusion of atmospheric gases into the water & dissolved carbon dioxide from the water. Air pumps also can be used to run under gravel filters. A variety of air pumps are available, & all generate some noise which should be evaluated before purchasing the pump.

Of all the many varieties of filters & filtration materials available for use in the aquarium, they can be categorized functionally as mechanical, biological or chemical. Many filters combine two or more of these types in a single unit.

Mechanical filtration functions by trapping suspended particulate matter which could include uneaten fish food, fish waste, or any kind of biological or inert particles. The size of the matter which a mechanical filter will remove and the time required for removal depends upon the density and the quality of the filter material. Filter media include foam, floss, gravel, or diatomaceous earth. These act as a barrier to fine suspended particles when adsorbed to a filter screen. Mechanical filters will eventually clog & their media will require cleaning or replacement. Mechanical filters include: Power filters, canister filters, internal submersible power filters, & power heads (for use only with under gravel filters).

Biological filtration oxidize fish waste products, primarily by changing ammonia to nitrites. The bacteria involved in this process, collectively known as nitrifiers, are common in nature & are introduced into the aquarium along with water & fish. The biological filtration available include: Under gravel filters, dirt magnets (sponge filters), canister filters (also considered mechanical), & wet-dry filtration.
Chemical filtration entails passing aquarium water through a substance capable of changing the chemistry of the water. The type of change produced will depend on the substance included in the filter. Some of the common chemically active filter media include:
Activated carbon, which absorb a wide variety of organic substances including those that are color & odor producing. It will not remove ammonia or nitrites, nor will it soften water. It is used primarily to clarify water.

Ammonia-adsorbing clays, also known as zeolite, which is sold in the form of chips. Many have the capacity to adsorb positively charged ammonium (NH 4 +) and can be used in filters. Ion-exchange resins are used in some areas where water is "hard"; that is , it contains extremely high levels of calcium & magnesium ions. Frequently, the pH of such water is relatively high (7.4-9.0). There are a surprising amount of fish that can tolerate high levels of these minerals in water, but many species will only breed under softer, more acidic water conditions.

Synthetic resins can be placed into a filter to soften water. When water is passed through this type of resin, a water-hardness test will indicate that the water as been softened.

Oyster shell or coral gravel are used in a filter in areas where soft water has a tendency to become abruptly acidic. These minerals contribute calcium carbonate to the water, increasing hardness & buffering capacity. Water in an un buffered aquarium may decrease in pH to levels where fish are so severely stressed they may die.

Answer 9

My kids have just a fish bowl with one goldfish each. No filter but they have to change the water more often. It's been about a year of so with the same fish.

Answer 10

The only tank that wouldn't need a heater would be for a betta. A goldfish would be too dirty and would die from it's own ammonia poisoning. And remember, tropical fish have to have a heater too! Make sure you research before you get anything!