Do Dwarf Gourami fish need an aquarium filter

Do Dwarf Gourami / Trichogaster lalius need an aquarium filter?

An aquarium filter is not necessary for Dwarf Gouramis aquarium because these fish are hardy. Dwarf Gouramis are recommended for beginners because they do not need strict water conditions. An aquarium filter is required but not necessary for Dwarf Gourami. Luckily, Dwarf Gouramis are happy in still water so you can skip filters & setup a no filter fish tank for them.

Do Dwarf Gourami fish need an aquarium filter?

How to setup a no filter fish tank for Dwarf Gourami?

It is important to add many live plants to the aquarium as they provide hiding spots, as well as aerate water, absorb CO2, & wipes out dangerous chemicals from the aquarium water. Dwarf Gouramis need hiding spots where they can hide & rest. Without hiding places in your aquarium, your Gouramis will live in stress. Luckily, plants offer hiding places for Dwarf Gouramis. In the availability of lights, plants inhale CO2 & exhale oxygen while fish breathe oxygen & release CO2. Live plants keep water crystal clear by consuming poisonous chemicals that are released from fish poop, & other rotten substances. So, live plants are used for cleaning water.

Air pump can be used for aerating water. When air bubbles hit the water surface, they remove CO2 & add oxygen in the water. Fish breathe oxygen & release CO2. Higher levels of CO2 is dangerous for the fish so surface agitation can help get rid of CO2.

The scientific name of Dwarf Gourami is Trichogaster lalius.

 

What is the best aquarium filter for Dwarf Gourami fish?

Dwarf Gourami fish do not like water current but your aquarium still requires a filter for keeping water clean. If you are keeping Trichogaster lalius in a large aquarium probably with other fish in a community tank, then a canister or a hang on back filter is the best choice. Make sure you adjust the water flow rate of the filter to stop it from producing strong water flow in the aquarium.

Trichogaster lalius are tough fish but still they may get ill if the water is dirty. So, an efficient filter is required to clean the mess produced by fish, & other impurities from the water. Make sure you setup a weekly partial water change schedule for replacing dirty water-containing contaminants with clean water. Even if your aquarium water is clean, still you cannot avoid partial water changes because freshwater contains minerals that are crucial for the fish & plants.

For large tanks, Canister or hang on back filters will do a great job. For small aquariums, sponge filters are the best because they do not produce fast water current. Sponge filters need an air pump for operation. Canister or hang on back filters should have an adjustable flow rate for lowering the turbulence.