Do i need filter media??

i was just wondering if some chaeto and four mangroves would be enough filtration for a 29 gallon aquarium with no filter media. i would have the filter running for oxygen purposes but just have chaeto and mangroves in it. it is a penguin 350 filter so it has a little bit of room back there for stuff. also would chaeto and 1 mangrove be enough for a 10 gallon aquarium? thanks guys and gals, just trying to find ways to save money on the hobby!

 

It really depends on your parameters and bioload. Are you running a skimmer? I would at least run carbon somewhere, you don't need to run it constantly, but you should run it every so often.

 

If this is your only form of filtration (ie. no protein skimmer) then I would recommend some sort of mechanical filter media. The chaeto and plants in the filter will absorb some of the chemicals, but not the physical debris and detritus that a protein skimmer or mechanical filter will get rid of. Without this you will have to do more frequent water changes to get rid of more detritus build-up.

 

darn. i could still use 1 filter cartridge but would it be possible if i just rinsed it off and put it back in the filter? would it do the same as a new filter cartridge? just wondering.

 

+1 on JJK's answer, i would definitely recommend a skimmer.

 

bump. could i just use filter floss? and chaeto/mangroves.