HI
I have a tank in my room to. I never had a filter for a year in it,until two weeks ago when i got my mates 5 loachs and i thought i be safe and grab a filter.
i grab a canister filter (aqua one cf1000 ($107au)
It made a bit of noise, bio balls were rolling around in there,Bought some and put them in now i have a very silent filter running now
Hope this helps,