Many aquarists indeed discover that their aquarium works just as well without its filter.
For the most seasoned aquarists, it was a mystery, with some even struggling to believe what they were witnessing.
But the essential question, and the most debated even today, was: how could these tanks operate without any filter, while our aquariums always have one?
The first reactions, reluctantly, were to concede that it could work provided there are very few fish.
But, once again, the experience showed the opposite.
Especially since some had already taken the plunge and also removed the filter from their aquarium... without any unfortunate consequences!
Aquarium filters are attributed two functions: a mechanical function and a biological function.
The biological function is perfectly ensured without a filter.
It doesn't need one at all.
Like in nature, the entire aquatic environment is a very rich microbiome, and bacteria populate it by the billions, both in the water and on the walls, plants, soil...
Every grain of sand is coated with a bacterial film made up of countless microorganisms.
Thus, an aquarium rich enough in microbial diversity is a filter in itself.
These bacteria ensure all biological cycles, including the famous nitrogen cycle.
This cycle generally consists of transforming organic matter into nitrites, then into nitrates.
And this can be done with or without a filter, it works just as well!
Only plants can make them disappear by consuming them.
To do without a filter, it is therefore enough to allow a maximum microbial diversity to settle.
This is the role of the Zollabox startup which provides an aquarium or a poubellarium, or even a pond, with the millions of microbial species included in its three doses.
There is no doubt that we are on the verge of important discoveries regarding this aquatic microbiota, about which research is still in its infancy.
Extreme cleanliness is the enemy of the aquarium!
The other advantage of doing without a filter is that it eliminates the current and the suction that can disturb certain species.