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Can Zebra Danios Live Without A Filter? | And 6 Related Facts |

Zebra Danios are one of the favorite aquarium fish among aquarists. My self I love these fish because they are very low maintenance. Further, this black and white striped fish reaches about 2 inches long and can live in a small 10-gallon tank.

zebra danios

Can zebra danios live without a filter?

This question has two answers, those are;

Can zebra danios live without a filter in A Tank?

Yes, zebra danios can live in a tank without any filtration

In other words, these fish do not demand any filters at all. But if you want to use a filter, you can use any filters that you prefer. 

But we recommend a hang-on back (HOB) filter for a tank of zebra danios. HOB filters increase the water current of the aquarium, which helps zebra danios swim and play freely.

Can zebra danios live without a filter in A Bowl?

Yes, zebra danios can live in a bowl without any filters. 

Zebra danios are among the best fish to breed in a bowl compared to other aquatic pets. Furthermore, Danios are very cheap and very easy to take care of. 

These species are called zebras due to their stripes in the body. These zebra danios are very small in size, similar to a guppy but at the same time very much different.

zebra danios

How long can zebra Danios go without a filter?

Zebra danios can live in a tank or bowl without any filter for as long as they are kept healthy

Remember that survival of these fish depends on the tank size, the number of fish you have in the tank, and how often you do the water change. 

Danios are not famous for being a delicate fish species, so you could get away without a filter for a modest number of fish in a fairly large tank that has aquatic plants.

What fish can survive without a filter?

The best fish that can survive without a filter is;

Betta Fish (Need a Heater)

When it comes to betta fish, they can live without a filter if they are kept alone. For your betta fish to stay healthy and happy, you must ensure that the tank you are keeping has enough space for the fish to swim around and call their territory. 

These species have very different personalities. Most betta fish can be highly aggressive and might even start to harass one another, and some may not. 

So, it is better to keep just one betta fish in one tank.

Endler Guppies (Best For A Small Bowl)

Guppies are small types of fish. And, these species are very peaceful and hardy. 

Originating from Venezuelan, these fish love aquariums with a lot of plants. Moreover, Endler guppies will typically live in your aquarium top and middle parts and have a fascinating sleeping behavior. 

And, these species usually fall asleep at the top and drift down to the bottom when awake.

  • Care level: Beginner to intermediate
  • Size: 1.5 inches
  • Ideal tank size: 10 Gallons minimum
  • Temperature range: 75 – 85 °F
  • PH range: 7.0 – 7.5

Sparkling Gourami

These beautiful aquatic animals usually come in red, blue, and green sparkles, allowing them to stand out from the rest of the tank’s inmates. 

Usually, a 10 gallon or larger tank will be plenty of space for them to live. Moreover, these fish are like tiny arrowheads and can grow for about 1.5 inches in length. 

And also, these species are very friendly and peaceful.

  • Care Level: Medium
  • Max Size Of Fish: 1.6in
  • Temp: 77-83F
  • PH range: 6-7.5

Ember Tetras

These fish lives in the freshwaters of Brazil. Ember Tetras have red and orange with slightly translucent bodies, and these fish need a minimum of a 5-gallon tank. 

Otherwise, you can keep these fish in a larger aquarium with plenty of plants. And, Ember tetras usually swim in a school and love relaxing in the plants.

  • Care Level: Minimal
  • Size Of Fish: 2cm
  • Temperature: 73-84F
  • PH: 6.6

White Cloud Minnows 

These fish originate from Chinese mountain streams. White cloud minnows are perfect for a 5 gallons aquarium. 

Further, these species are very peaceful and very easy to take care of. They will not hurt or harm any of the tank inmates. 

Moreover, White Cloud Minnows does not require any exceptional fish food. You can use whatever fish food you are using for your other aquatic pets, and it will serve fine.

  • Care Level: Easy
  • Size: 1-2 Inches
  • Temperature Requirements: 60-72 °F
  • PH Range: 6.0-7.0

Pea Pufferfish

Pea pufferfish, also known as pygmy pufferfish, is a tiny type of pufferfish that comes from Southwest India. 

You can see these pea pufferfish in many pet stores in recent years. Moreover, you can fit these beautiful small fish in a 5 gallons bowl.

  • Care Level: Medium
  • Size Of Fish: 1.4in
  • Temperature: 77-79F
  • PH: 7-7.8
Danio rerio

Do zebra danios need a heater?

No, zebra danios are subtropical schooling species

They usually like to live in cool waters and do not require any heater. You can keep these fish in an aquarium with room temperature water as long as you keep an eye on the temperature day and night to see whether it would fluctuate. 

If the water temperature fluctuates rapidly, you might need to consider having a heater fixed to regulate the temperature.

Can zebra Danios survive without an air pump?

Keeping an air pump is not a must when it comes to zebra danios

But danios like water movements in your aquarium. So, keeping an air pump would be handy because air pumps provide ideal water currents for danios.

What fish can live in a bowl without oxygen

It is impossible to find any living creature that can live without oxygen. But you can find some aquarium inhabitants that can live without a water aeration system.

Some fish can survive even in little water and can breathe atmospheric gas. Due to their ability, they are considered the most enduring and unpretentious to care for.

Below are some fish types that can live in a bowl without an oxygen supply. However, they still require oxygen to survive.

  • Aquarium catfish
  • Loaches
  • Anabantoidei (Labyrinth)

These fish get access to oxygen from many other sources and do not necessarily require an air pump to breathe in an aquarium.

Moreover, your aquarium water can get oxygen in many ways, and below are a few listed for your reference.

  • From plants
  • From surface agitation
  • Absorption
  • via oxygen pump
  • From Filter system
  • From water pump
Danio rerio

Summary

Taking care of zebra danios is very easy as they can survive in various water conditions even without a filter. 

So, if you have a budget aquarium with minimum facilities, Zebra Danios can be a perfect choice for you. 

To sum up, Zebra Danios can live without a filter, heater, or even air pumps if you constantly monitor the water parameters and change them according to their requirements.

Read Next: How Long Can a Betta Fish Live In a Fishbowl Without A Filter ? Know All

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About Dr.Chamika

Hello, I'm Dr. Chamika. I am a Researcher in Water quality, Aquatic organisms, and Environmental chemistry. I am a passionate fish keeper, with10 years of experience. My mission is to help other aquarists experience the joy of fish keeping.