Adding A New Filter...

[mcdanielnc89]

Is it harmful to add a new filter while the tank is already set up with fish in it?
(Why or why not)

Please mark your answer and state a reason...

 

[Spooky76]

Possibly...If you keep your existing one running while the new one starts...dont see why it would be detremental to the fish. You could even put some 'old media' at cleaning time from your old one to new to speed up colonisation..

Wouldnt it all depends on what you did with your old one ?

 

[mcdanielnc89]

Well my old one i sabout to "quit" so, lol.. this is why I'm asking.. What do u mena by putting "old media" in my new filter

 

[jimw13uk]

no absolutely not - put the new one in and let it run alongsdide the old one so you dont get rid of all the good crap in the old filter. Change some of the "sponges" (known as media) out of the old filter into the new one to kick start it. But running them side by side is the best thing to do if you want to get your new one in without upsetting the tank

 

[kewskills]

run the new with the old for a month if possible, if the filter failes completely put the old media in the new filter thats about the best you can do.

 

[Spooky76]

That is what I meant..
If you change your fiter media say once a month for the mechanical pad, if you can slip that in your new one it will help kick start it. Removing the old one and putting the new one in would be bad, as theres loads of good bacteria in it that you want to keep. You must run both though for a month or two.

You could always keep both in if its possible, use one as a mechanical (New one) and keep your old one purely as a biological filter, by stocking it with biological media, thats what I do.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

possibly, it depends how it's done.

providing care is taken to ensure that the bacteria is not lost and therefore the tank does not cycle then it's fine. however just removing one filter and putting a brand new one on will harm the fish

 

[mcdanielnc89]

thanks

 

[cheesy feet]

It depends as others have said

 

[dc3]

It's not harmful if you are switching to the same kind of filter (or same brand) and use the old sponge / cartridge / biowheel - that way you keep your good bacteria an don't cause a cycle.

 

[fishlette]

i would have to say that it probably depends on how you are doing it. if you take out the old filter and whack a new one in yes, it would be detrimental as your tank would basically then have to start cycling again. even of you put some media from the old filter in there to help out you would still have your tank going through a mini cycle.

when i get new filters i add them to the tank they are going in for about 3 weeks with the old filter. i have 2-3 filters running on each tank though so even if there is one filter there not doing the best job, there are two others to pick up the slack. so far i have had no probs and this is currently happening in three of my tanks as about a month ago i added a canister filter to each of my larger tanks. soon to be adding them to my other 75g and 30g as well. one of those three tanks has already had one of the filters taken out (about three days ago) and since then i have done a small water change each day (tomorrow will be the last day i do that) and my stats have stayed steady.

so in short, i would have to say no as long as you did things the right way. but yes if you take out old filter and add the new one without any colonisation

therefore i havent actually voted as i cant explain anything in a vote and just saying no could be misleading without explaining the reason why

 

[rdd1952]

I don't think it would do any harm at all to "add" another filter. That means just starting another one up with the existing filter still running so you would not be harning the bacteria colony at all. Replacing the old one with a new one is a different issue.

 

[CLOSSIE]

i've heard people talking about cloning filters. I.e you buy a new filter and put all your existing sponges and media in the new filter. These then should assist in avoiding a mini cycle and will encourage bacteria to grow on the new sponges etc in the new filter.. This obviously relies on there being space in the new filter. Is this ok / not true? It avoids running 2 filters which in some instances may not be possible .

 

[Maxta]

Ooops i hit yes by accident.

I put all my old media and sponges in my new filter when i switched over.

 

[roseykat5]

i usually soak it in the tank 24 hours b4 changing it and i have a cottonfloss in the back of it that stays in the filter and i usually just rinse in the same water and put it back and use the carbon with the floss so i always have the benefial bateria as i think so anyways if anyone dont htink that this works then let me know pm me