Some of the fish that don’t need a heater or filter are betta fish, guppies, white cloud minnows, zebra danios, and dwarf pufferfish. These fish are hardy, small, and adaptable to different water conditions. However, they still require regular water changes, adequate space, and proper care to thrive in a bowl or a small tank without a filter or a heater. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, benefits, and challenges of keeping these fish in a filterless and heaterless setup.
Betta fish are one of the most popular fish that don’t need a filter or a heater. They are native to Southeast Asia, where they live in shallow, stagnant, and warm waters. They have a special organ called the labyrinth, which allows them to breathe air from the surface. This makes them able to survive in low-oxygen environments without a filter or an air pump. Betta fish are also tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, from 68°F to 86°F, so they don’t need a heater as long as the room temperature is stable.
Betta fish are known for their vibrant colors and long, flowing fins. They come in many varieties, such as veiltail, crowntail, halfmoon, and plakat. They are also very intelligent and can recognize their owners, learn tricks, and interact with their environment. Betta fish are best kept alone, as they are very territorial and aggressive towards other fish, especially other males. They need at least 2.5 gallons of water, preferably in a bowl or a tank with a wide surface area. They also need some plants, decorations, and hiding places to feel comfortable and stimulated.
Betta fish are easy to care for, but they still need some attention and maintenance. They need regular water changes, at least once a week, to keep the water quality high and prevent ammonia buildup. They also need a balanced diet of high-quality pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Betta fish are prone to some diseases, such as fin rot, velvet, and dropsy, so they need to be monitored for any signs of illness or stress.
Guppies are another popular choice for fish that don’t need a filter or a heater. They are native to South America, where they live in freshwater streams, ponds, and ditches. They are very adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, from soft to hard, acidic to alkaline, and cool to warm. They can survive in temperatures from 64°F to 82°F, so they don’t need a heater as long as the room temperature is consistent.
Guppies are known for their colorful and diverse patterns and shapes. They come in many varieties, such as fancy, cobra, snakeskin, and endlers. They are also very active and social, and they enjoy swimming in groups and exploring their surroundings. Guppies are best kept in groups of at least three, preferably with more females than males to avoid aggression and overbreeding. They need at least 1 gallon of water per fish, preferably in a tank or a bowl with some plants, gravel, and ornaments to provide shelter and enrichment.
Guppies are easy to care for, but they still need some care and maintenance. They need regular water changes, at least once a week, to keep the water clean and prevent nitrate buildup. They also need a varied diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods, such as tubifex worms, mosquito larvae, and artemia. Guppies are prone to some diseases, such as guppy disease, ich, and fin rot, so they need to be checked for any signs of infection or injury.
White cloud minnows (Tanichthys albonubes)
White cloud minnows are one of the best fish that don’t need a heater or a filter. They are native to China, where they live in mountain streams and lakes. They are very hardy and can withstand low temperatures, low oxygen levels, and varying water parameters. They can survive in temperatures from 57°F to 72°F, so they don’t need a heater as long as the room temperature is cool.
White cloud minnows are known for their silver-white bodies and red-orange fins. They come in a few varieties, such as golden, long-fin, and meteor. They are also very peaceful and schooling, and they enjoy swimming in groups and darting around the tank. White cloud minnows are best kept in groups of at least six, preferably in a tank or a bowl with some plants, rocks, and driftwood to mimic their natural habitat.
White cloud minnows are easy to care for, but they still need some care and maintenance. They need regular water changes, at least once a week, to keep the water fresh and prevent ammonia buildup. They also need a balanced diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods, such as daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp. White cloud minnows are prone to some diseases, such as white spot, fungus, and tuberculosis, so they need to be watched for any signs of illness or stress.
Zebra danios (Danio rerio)
Zebra danios are another great option for fish that don’t need a heater or a filter. They are native to India, where they live in rivers, streams, and ponds. They are very adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, from soft to hard, acidic to alkaline, and cool to warm. They can survive in temperatures from 64°F to 77°F, so they don’t need a heater as long as the room temperature is stable.
Zebra danios are known for their striped bodies and fins. They come in many varieties, such as leopard, pearl, long-fin, and glofish. They are also very active and social, and they enjoy swimming in groups and chasing each other. Zebra danios are best kept in groups of at least six, preferably in a tank or a bowl with some plants, gravel, and ornaments to provide cover and stimulation.
Zebra danios are easy to care for, but they still need some care and maintenance. They need regular water changes, at least once a week, to keep the water clear and prevent nitrite buildup. They also need a varied diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods, such as micro worms, fruit flies, and artemia. Zebra danios are prone to some diseases, such as fin rot, velvet, and swim bladder disease, so they need to be monitored for any signs of sickness or injury.
Dwarf pufferfish (Carinotetraodon travancoricus)
Dwarf pufferfish are one of the most unique fish that don’t need a heater or a filter. They are native to India, where they live in brackish water estuaries and mangroves. They are very hardy and can adapt to different water conditions, from fresh to brackish, acidic to alkaline, and cool to warm. They can survive in temperatures from 68°F to 82°F, so they don’t need a heater as long as the room temperature is consistent.
Dwarf pufferfish are known for their round bodies and large eyes. They come in a few colors, such as green, brown, and yellow. They are also very intelligent and curious, and they can recognize their owners, learn tricks, and interact with their environment. Dwarf pufferfish are best kept alone or in pairs, as they are very territorial and aggressive towards other fish, especially other puffers. They need at least 5 gallons of water, preferably in a tank or a bowl with some plants, sand, and shells to provide hiding places and enrichment.
Dwarf pufferfish are easy to care for, but they still need some care and maintenance. They need regular water changes, at least once a week, to keep the water quality high and prevent toxin buildup. They also need a carnivorous diet of high-quality pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods, such as snails, shrimp, and worms. Dwarf pufferfish are prone to some diseases, such as dropsy, parasites, and fin rot, so they need to be checked for any signs of infection or stress.
Conclusion
Keeping fish in a bowl or a small tank without a filter or a heater can be challenging, but not impossible. Some of the fish that don’t need a heater or a filter are betta fish, guppies, white cloud minnows, zebra danios, and dwarf pufferfish. These fish are hardy, small, and adaptable to different water conditions. However, they still require regular water changes, adequate space, and proper care to thrive in a filterless and heaterless setup. By following the tips and guidelines in this article, you can enjoy the beauty and personality of these fish in your home or office.
