How Long can my Tank go filter-less?

[jusmebabe]

I am not happy with the HOB filters so I found out Fluval has a 105 rated for 25 gal tanks (my tank is 20 long). I like Fluval and had a 205 was very pleased with it. When I order it will be about a week before I get the Fluval.
My question is will my tank be ok for about a week with a filter? I'm doing 75% water changes weekly right now. I have no substrate and it's housing 2- 2 inch Axies..
Thanx for any info.

 

[Azhael]

For such a big tank with such small inhabitants you don´t even technically need a filter. However since there are no live plants and very little decoration that provides surface area for the bacteria to colonize, you may need to take extra care in not leaving uneaten food and axolotl waste in the tank.
75% water changes are not at all advisable!!!!!
The recommended amount of water for partial water changes is between 20-30%. More than that is highly counterproductive cause it stops the benefitial bacteria from stablishing themselves, plus it creates a shock to the axolotls because the parametres are constantly changing.

Do 20% water changes weekly, take extra care in keeping the tank clean of debris, and everything should be perfectly fine. If you added live plants and more decoration such as hides, more pieces of wood, etc, the bacteria will colonize all that surface and provide the equivalent of a filter (after all a filter is a big and densely populated bacteria colony).

 

[jusmebabe]

Thanx. I will reduce the water change although I have only done one.
As for plants and hiding places, that's not a updated pic (my bad) its the only one I have taken of the whole tank.

So to be clear I don't need a filter just do the 20 percent water changes weekly.
Thanx for that/ I'll save my money and savefor a bigger tank and stank since I plan to house at least 2-3 more.
Again thanx for the input very helpful..

 

[Jennewt]

If this is a newly-set-up tank, then doing the 20% water change daily would be much safer. It would also be advisable to test for ammonia during the cycling process (first month or so).

 

[Shizeric]

Thanx for that/ I'll save my money and savefor a bigger tank and stank since I plan to house at least 2-3 more.

If you intend to house 4-5 axolotls in the same tank, you are gonna need a very large tank (55+ gallons), which will be too large for the fluval 105 you are talking about purchasing. The fluval 305 is suitable for tanks up to 70 gallons, which is what you will need, and is about $100.

 

[jusmebabe]

I know I'll need a larger filter. That's why I said I'll save my money for a larger tank and the supplies for it.

 

[Shizeric]

Gotcha...by the way...is there a "right coast of california"? as opposed to the "left coast of california" mentioned as your location...