I may have figured it out!!

[seagull]

I just read an article about how harmful ammonia can become harmless ammonium at lower pH
there is no ammonia in my axie tanks despite gow often tortilla eats and the fact that she just had a poopfest
my tap is naturally acidic and the pH is between 6 and 6.5
i am pretty sure that the low animal density, infrequent feedings, and low pH all contribute to the water being safe without a filter
any thoughts?

 

[LSuzuki]

Yes, low (within reason) pH, low bioload, and lots of surfaces for bacteria are ideal if you want to go filterless.

I wouldn't recommend that approach to a beginner, though, since unless you know what you are doing or are just plain lucky , you are likely to harm your pet. It really helps to understand the cycle and all of the water tests first.

 

[seagull]

Yes, low (within reason) pH, low bioload, and lots of surfaces for bacteria are ideal if you want to go filterless.

I wouldn't recommend that approach to a beginner, though, since unless you know what you are doing or are just plain lucky , you are likely to harm your pet. It really helps to understand the cycle and all of the water tests first.

i did test the water
unless the tests dont work well i dont think theres an issue
i am being more vigilant with it so i can prevent problems, though i've had these guys as they r for over 2 years

 

[LSuzuki]

Oh, I wasn't saying you had an issue. It is working for you. :happy:

But to a brand-new-to-aquatics beginner, I would recommend using a filter. There are too many things that can go wrong with a filterless set-up, and when you are brand-new, you are less likely to notice right off that things are going wrong.

 

[seagull]

i am actually not totally new to this
i used to have a huge fish tank full of tropicals when i was younger
we used filters and gravel and the water always clouded up after a cleaning but when it settled after a few weeks, it was fine
i always remember how gross cleaning the filters was but it was mainly my parents who took care of it cause i was only like 9

 

[leiafee]

I think Laura is not commenting on you, but making sure that anyone who IS new and reading this thread knows the recommended method.