Do I need a filter?

I have a standard 90 gallon tank with about 200lbs of live rock, a DIY sump with about 15 gallons half full, and a Vertex IN-180 skimmer. I do a 10 gal water change every week. I also have an Emperor 400 bio wheel.

My question is: Do I really need the bio wheel, or any mechanical filtration for that matter? I know the bio wheel is a fairly good filter as far as hang on the back filters go, but it's kind of an eyesore. Will my tank be ok with just the skimmer and water changes? I've heard mixed reviews on this question....... Thanks for any advice

 

No, you don't need the bio-wheel. In fact, as bacteria populate it, it will become a "nitrate factory" which means that it uses up ammonia and nitrites, but produces nitrates (whereas your live rock can get rid of the nitrates as well to some extent).

If your sump has any baffles, you can occasionally stuff them with filter floss for mechanical filtration. But for the majority of the time, your skimmer and liverock will suffice.

 

i appreciate the advice

 

I agree, you really don't need it. the only thing I would use it for is to run carbon, but if you have a sump, you can just stick a media back in the return or overflow.