Opinions? What is less maintenance- filter or filterless?

[mollylope]

I would love to hear what people think is less maintenance for a pico- having a filter or not having one. 

 

I am starting up another reef soon, this time a pico, and am trying to decide between a Fluval Spec III, with upgraded light, pump, and filter media, or doing a 1-2 gallon tank with a pump and light. 

 

Either way I am a fan of large weekly water changes, and would not plan to keep fish in either, though in the Spec I would probably get a shrimp. My other thought is that perhaps bare bottom is best if not running a filter? 

 

Would love to hear opinions! 

[dandelion]

I think using a HOB will mean easier maintenance, not necessarily less frequent. If you have good flow in your tank and if you clean your rocks frequently with a turkey baster, the HOB should be the dirtiest place in your tank. Just unplug and down the sink it goes.

[mollylope]

8 minutes ago, dandelion said:

I think using a HOB will mean easier maintenance, not necessarily less frequent. If you have good flow in your tank and if you clean your rocks frequently with a turkey baster, the HOB should be the dirtiest place in your tank. Just unplug and down the sink it goes.

That is a good point. HOB filters are so easy to clean. I've always had issues fully cleaning the filter chamber of AIOs. 

[DevFishe]

My HOB is definitely the dirtiest place in my tank (I hope!) so i think it does a good job- and it only takes me a few minutes to unplug and clean. I guess it depends on what you want to keep