Setting up a filterless tank for work

I'm going to get a small tank for my desk at work and was going to do a filterless planted tank (about 1 gallon.) Has anyone else done any of these? Any input. I've been doing some research on this for a few weeks and I'm going to get started this weekend. I'll take pics as I set it up and keep you posted on my progress (or problems.)

there's a way to do a natural planted tank filterless, i believe theres a post of someone that did it with a bigger tank, let me see if i can find it for you..

the only way to do a filterless tank is with plants but you should have something to move the water. I have used a tabletop fountain pump to move water in small tanks. What kind of fish or animal are you thinking of using in a 1 gal tank? My I suggest maybe 2 male endlers with snails. Tank is to small for a betta.

I would like to put some shrimp or snails in it. I thought about putting an air pump on it just to move the water a bit, but I was concerned that pumping O2 into the tank may have adverse effects on plants?

i dont think so, i think shrimps will do fine in there..

Get a 10g tank, it is easier to work with and is only $13 at wal-mart

Search for Dr. Walstad method tank or something along those lines.

i cant wait to see the progress

you really don't need extra O2 in the water column. Try with no filter or water movement at first. Shrimp will love it. Be sure to add java moss as shrimp love the stuff.

shrimp would be awesome. they would love some dwarf hair grass.
could you do a sponge filter.

sounds cool

Ok...here's an update.

Went to Garden Ridge last night and purchased a vase that I liked. Headed over to petsmart for some flourite (they don't sell the 1 gallon size, so I got a bit left for my next set up) Secured a bit of air line in the tank and took a bit of sand that I had left from my 135 and a small piece of driftwood that I had laying around. Tied a small piece of Java Fern to that. I put a small bit of Jungle Val and some Watersprite just to see how things go. Picked up a timer for the desk lamp that I had and off we go.

If anyone would like to donate a "small" ball of java moss, I'd like to stick some of that in there as well. Here's some pics of what I have now.

Constructive criticism is welcome. :)

looks good, i hope everything comes out good!

Mike that looks very good.Great job!

for filterless you're going to need some leafy plants to absorb ammonia. pick up something like ludwig.

OK, I've been doing some research about the shrimp and snails and would like some advise from those of you who have experience with them. How many shrimp could I put in this 1 gallon? (will they be happy with 1 or 2? are they like fish and need to school?) I really want to get 1 or 2 blue tigers, but they are expensive and seem to be hard to find. My second choice would probably be crystal reds. Also, do you guys have any suggestions on snails? I saw a pretty pic of a red ramshorn, but wasn't sure how that would work in there? I'd like something with some nice color.

FishVixen wrote:

for filterless you're going to need some leafy plants to absorb ammonia. pick up something like ludwig.

Thanks. I'll find some red to put in there. That will be nice.

nice tank

well, after a bit more research (and since this is my first experience with inverts) I think I'm going to go with the blue pearls. They are supposed to be a bit more hardy, still pretty shrimp, and they are much cheaper. If things go well with these guys I may try tigers in my 30g corner tank.

i was thinking of starting with some cherry shrimp, they a little easier to start with
even the ghost shrimp are cool. but cherrys breed in fresh water.

CRS (cherry red shrimp) are the easiest for beginners. You can have many shrimp in a small tank. I would suggest to start with 6 to 18 CRS

lol talking about shrimp i just bought like 60 ghost shrimp for my datnoid..

Update. I put some java moss and 6 blue pearls in on saturday. They are still doing great this morning and all my levels look good. So far so good.

I'm glad its doing good for Mike!

Well, the sprimp are doing good (I think) I've seen 2 skins, so I think that's a healthy sign (I'm going to do a bit more research) The watersprite is going crazy. It has grown about 2 inches in the week it's been set up. I've got some L. Repens on the way to add a touch of red to it. I'll take more pic when I get those in there.

Nice! keep us posted!