Bare-bottom tank.

[Rosenweiss]

If I wanted to aquascape a fancy goldfish tank with no gravel, but with maybe a centrepiece or a couple of islands with rocks and plants, would enough bacteria be able to grow on the rocks and in the filter to keep the tank cycled?

 

[MABJ]

I think so, yes. You just find fluctuations would happen a lot easier.

 

[Rosenweiss]

Hmm... do you think that the bottom would become gross with waste, or do you think a strong filter would pick it up?

 

[Fishkeeper26]

Depends in the size if the tank nd filter

 

[MABJ]

With a goldfish, yes. The bottom would become nasty. I don't think the filter would do it alone :/

 

[Fishkeeper26]

Circulation pump?

 

[MABJ]

That might do it!

 

[Fishkeeper26]

In theory it should I guess, but placin it in an area where it's hidden without disturbing the islands and still reaching debris would be the real challenge

 

[Rosenweiss]

Yeah... the reason I ask is because I saw a beautiful fancy goldfish setup like that on here just yesterday. It didn't look like there was any waste on the ground.

 

[TraceyB4602]

Maybe an undergravel filter? I know nothing about gravel-less tanks. I'm not sure if that filter would mess up your plant growth though

 

[Rosenweiss]

I think a UGF would kind of ruin the bare-bottom look. XD

 

[Fishkeeper26]

Yea UGF would ruin the point if the barebottom sorry

 

[roydooms]

If I wanted to aquascape a fancy goldfish tank with no gravel, but with maybe a centrepiece or a couple of islands with rocks and plants, would enough bacteria be able to grow on the rocks and in the filter to keep the tank cycled?

I actually have the same plan with my bare-bottom discus breeding tank. A few
"islands" with plants. IMHO I think it will help them feel a little safe. Plus more surface for BB to grow. If you'll go completely bare them most of the BB will be in the filter. I won't worry about places for the BB to grow as long as you have a filter. The only difference that I see is most will be in the filter.

 

[Fishkeeper26]

I like the idea once you have it set up can you post a picture to see what It looks like?

 

[BillD]

bare bottomed tanks are not difficult to keep clean, hence their popularity with breeders. Any build up can be removed with a credit card or scrubby, and vacuumed away during water changes.

 

[MABJ]

bare bottomed tanks are not difficult to keep clean, hence their popularity with breeders. Any build up can be removed with a credit card or scrubby, and vacuumed away during water changes.

And there's the expert

 

[Crepe]

A powerhead in a bottom corn ould work. I'd be more worried about spot algae and diatoms that'd turn it into a mess though.