Adding New External Filter

[adzilla88]

I've currently been running a fluval U3 that came with my Fluval Roma 125L tank since the end of August. However, I've recently purchased a brand new Tetratec EX700 external, which is due to be delivered later today. My question is: Is it ok for me to run the new external filter alongside my current U3 internal for around a month or so?

Any feedback will be much appreciated,

Thanks

 

[raptorrex]

I've currently been running a fluval U3 that came with my Fluval Roma 125L tank since the end of August. However, I've recently purchased a brand new Tetratec EX700 external, which is due to be delivered later today. My question is: Is it ok for me to run the new external filter alongside my current U3 internal for around a month or so?

Any feedback will be much appreciated,

Thanks

that seems the most popular way of doing it. the only other suggestion i have, is, when you come to the end of the "month or so". place the media, or as much as you can, from the U3 to the cannister. then, over the next few weeks, swap it out. replacing any media, you removed, as you do.

 

[KittyKat]

..if you can move all the media from the U3 into the new filter, that would also work.

 

[adzilla88]

ok, thanks for the quick replies.

Adam

 

[Uriel]

Not sure that running both side by side for a month would be effective as surely there would be nothing to promote growth of bacteria in external filter as the internal would be taking care of the cycle. Then when you removed the internal you would be basically removing all your bacteria. Moving all the media over would work just not sure running duel filters is effective.

 

[KittyKat]

Not sure that running both side by side for a month would be effective as surely there would be nothing to promote growth of bacteria in external filter as the internal would be taking care of the cycle. Then when you removed the internal you would be basically removing all your bacteria. Moving all the media over would work just not sure running duel filters is effective.

6 weeks is more likely to work, this is how it does work: in the time the filters run side by side, the bacteria start to grow in the new filter and after 6 weeks, there is a good colony going on there. The reason this works is because bacteria work in a "if there is space, grow!" sort of way, not in a "if there are enough, all growth stops" way.

 

[Gilli]

I can confirm you can run them alongside no problem. I upgraded from a 3ft tank with an undergravel filter system to a new 4 foot tank and new external filter. I just ran my new external filter in the old tank alongside the undergravel system for 6 weeks then transferred the external to the new 4 foot tank. I didn't experience any blips in the water stats at all.

 

[curlyriff]

If you can even get half of the old media in the new filter then you would be fine as bacteria at 50% will soon bounce back to full strength in a day or two. Obviously the more the better but a 50% mix means you should be fine with just a few water changes over the next few days.

If you ran them both at same time you would need to either add some of the media from the other and run it for around 2 weeks based on say a 25% media transfer or run it for at least 6 weeks to let the natural growth of bacteria occure over the media.

It's your choice but all should work and just check the tank daily for the first week to see how your readings are.

Kind Regards,

Adam

 

[adzilla88]

Cheers for the help.

To be honest, I think I'm going to run them both together for 6 weeks rather than swapping all of the media etc. Then if anything happens to either of them, I have a spare filter which can be used immediately.

Thanks

Adam

 

[adzilla88]

Sorry to be a pain.

My new filter has arrived, and Im in the process of setting up.

However, this may sound like a STUPID question (I must apologise), but do I remove the Activated Carbon from the mesh back it came in and put it into the basket loose, or just leave it in the mesh bag.

Please help..

ADAM

 

[Harlequins]

Leave it in the mesh bag but give it a rinse in used tank water first,its surprising how much black dust comes out of them

Personally when i got both my tetratecs,i didnt put the carbon bags in the filter,they dont last long anyway,then if you did need to use meds at any time,just pop the bag back in the filter to remove it.
You're better off putting some spare media in the gap.

 

[m00ms]

i would sugest do a water change and use your old water to rinse out the new filter inside,impeller and media and trays,run new without the carbon along side your existing external and for the next 6 weeks just be very strict with weekely water changes.

 

[Gilli]

Agree with Harlequins - you dont need the carbon. Keep it and if you use meds when you have finished dosing them you can then use the carbon to leech them out. You can put extra spones from your old filter into the compartment that the carbon would go in. I use them if I need to set up my small quarantine tank - I just take the sponges out and pop them into he small internal filter for the quarantine tank and I have a fully cycled spare tank!