Is a Filter necessary

[garmes]

We have a 58ga Salt Tank with 40lbs LR, 3 inch substrate, Red Sea Protein skimmer, Power Head 402, Coralife Aqualife Power Compact, 1 High Fin Red Banded Goby, 1 Anthias, 2 False Percs, 20 hermits, 9 Turbo Snails, 2 Cleaner Shrimp, 7 Med Mushrooms. Our Fluval 304 Filter has caused us our last headache (It does not seal anymore). We have read that a filter is not neccessary. I was wondering what the thoughts are in this forum. If it is necessary, can anyone recommend a reliable filter that is not plagued with issues like the Fluval 304.

 

[Gatorfreak]

Most people just use LR for filtration. That's all I have. As I recall, it is recommended to have a pound or more of LR per gal. So you'd probably want to add some more LR.

 

[lando]

Welcome to AquariumAdvice.com!!!
Glad to see another ne from Minnesota here!
As gator mentioned, you can up the amount of LR (goal is 1.5-2lbs/gal) and skip the canister. They do cause headaches. However, they do provide you with a nice place to run chemical/mechanical filtration.

 

[OceanMist]

I use an Eheim 2013 on my 32 gal, beatifully reliable filter that keeps my water crystal, no problems with it, but Yes, you can just use lr.