Guppy fish is popular for people new to keeping fish as pets. They are small, colorful, and relatively easy to care for. However, one question often arises about whether guppy fish can survive without a filter in their aquarium. What will happen if you keep them without a filter? Do they need a filter to survive in an aquarium?
No, guppy fish cannot survive without a filter in an aquarium as they are very foodies and produce a lot of waste. A filter helps to remove solid wastes from the water, which keeps the water cleaner and healthier for the fish. In addition, it removes dissolved chemical components from the water. And it also fixes oxygen in the aquarium tank.
Biological filtration is very important for guppy fish. It helps to remove ammonia and nitrites from the water, which are harmful to the fish. A filterless guppy tank can be created and maintained if you have a small aquarium and only a few fish. But it is not.
In this blog post, we will explore the answer to that question and provide tips on creating and maintaining a guppy tank without a filter.
Can Guppy Fish Survive Without A Filter?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by beginner fish keepers. The simple answer is yes, guppy fish can survive without a filter. However, that does not mean it is recommended to do so.
Please add a filter to your guppy tank, or else you will end up with a very sick fish or a fish that dies too young.
Why Cannot Guppy Fish Survive Without A Filter?
Guppy fish cannot survive without a filter because they produce a lot of waste. A single guppy can produce up to 0.03 grams of waste per day, and they are very small fish.
The average-sized aquarium filter will struggle to handle the waste produced by just a few guppies. This is why it is so important to have a filter if you want to keep guppy fish.
The ammonia build-up, the nitrite in the tank, and all the bacteria and viruses present in their waste can quickly lead to the death of your guppy fish if there is no filter present.
The Role Or Purpose Of Filtration System In The Guppy Fish Aquarium
A filtration system is important for any aquarium but especially for a guppy fish tank. As we have already seen, they are very sensitive to water quality, and the slightest change can cause stress in guppy fish.
A good filtration system will help to keep the water quality in the tank stable and protect the health of your fish. There are three main types of filtration: mechanical, chemical, and biological.
Mechanical filtration removes solid particles from the water, such as gravel and uneaten food. Chemical filtration removes dissolved chemicals from the water, such as ammonia and nitrites.
Biological filtration provides a place for beneficial bacteria to grow that help to break down waste products in the tank.
Filtering Solid Wastes
The primary role of the filter is to remove solid wastes from the water. These solid wastes can come from uneaten food, fish waste, and other decaying matter in the aquarium. If these solid wastes are not removed, they will break down and release ammonia and other toxins into the water. This can lead to a sudden spike in ammonia levels, which can be lethal to fish.
Removes Dissolved Chemical Components
In addition to solid wastes, the filter also removes dissolved chemical components from the water. These chemicals can come from aquarium treatments, fish waste, and other sources. If these chemicals are not removed, they can build up in the water and become toxic to fish.
Fixes Oxygen In The Aquarium Tank
The filter also plays a role in maintaining the oxygen levels in the aquarium. Fish need oxygen to breathe, and the filter helps to remove carbon dioxide and other gases from the water. This helps to keep the oxygen levels stable and prevents fish from suffocating.
Biological Filtration
The filter also provides a home for beneficial bacteria. These bacteria help to break down ammonia and other toxins in the water. This process is known as biological filtration, which is essential for keeping the aquarium water safe for fish.
Do Guppies Need A Filter?
Guppies are a type of tropical fish, and in the wild, they live in slow-moving freshwater rivers and streams. They are very popular fish for home aquariums because they are easy to care for and breed.
Guppies need a filter in their tank for several reasons. The first reason is that they produce a lot of waste. Their waste contains ammonia, which is toxic to fish. A filter helps to remove the waste and keep the water clean.
Another reason guppies need a filter is that it helps to oxygenate the water. They need oxygen to breathe, and a filter can help to add oxygen to the water.
Finally, a filter provides a place for beneficial bacteria to live. These bacteria help to break down the waste in the tank and keep the water clean.
So, do guppies need a filter? Yes, they do! A filter is an important part of any guppy tank. Without a filter, the water would quickly become polluted and harmful to the fish.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you have a very small tank (less than five gallons) and only a few fish, you might be able to get away with not having a filter.
Another exception is if you have a heavily planted tank. Plants help to keep the water quality in the tank clean and stable, so you might not need a filter if you have a lot of plants.
How To Create And Maintain A Guppy Tank Without A Filter?
If you want to set up a guppy tank without a filter, there are a few things you need to do to make sure your fish stay healthy.
Aquarium Tank Size For Guppies
The first thing you need to do is get an aquarium that is at least 20 gallons. This will give your guppies enough room to swim around and stay healthy.
How Many Guppies Per Gallon?
You should only have one guppy per gallon of water. This way, they have plenty of space and won’t be overcrowded.
Complete A Nitrogen Cycle
Before you add any fish to your tank, you need to make sure the nitrogen cycle is complete. This means that the bacteria in your tank have had time to break down the ammonia and nitrites in the water.
Maintaining Filterless Guppy Tank
To keep your guppy tank clean without a filter, you must do a water change every week. You should remove 30% of the water and replace it with clean water.
Substrate For Guppies Filterless Tank
You also need to make sure you have the right substrate for your guppy tank. The best substrate for a filterless guppy tank is sand.
Live Plants
Another way to keep your guppy tank without a filter clean is to add live plants. Live plants help keep the water quality in the tank stable and provide hiding places for your fish.
Do Baby Guppies Need A Filter?
If you are wondering whether or not baby guppies need a filter, the answer is yes. Baby guppies are even more sensitive to water quality than adult guppies, so it is important to have a good filtration system.
You might need to adjust the size of the filter you use or the amount of water you change out each week, but baby guppies definitely need a filter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, guppy fish need a filter to stay healthy and happy. However, if you are willing to put in the extra effort, you can create a filterless guppy tank. Be sure to have plenty of live plants and complete a nitrogen cycle before adding fish. Baby guppies are particularly sensitive and need a filter to survive. With proper care, your guppy fish will thrive in their new home. If you want to set up a filterless tank, we recommend you contact us for more information. Our experts are always happy to help you.
Good Luck!!
Happy Fishkeeping!!!