Changing From Undergravel Filter To Internal

[Christi_22]

Hi

I currently have an under gravel filter for my 75L hex. All is well, water parameters 0 Ammonia 0 Nitrite 20 Nitrate. Fish are 2 Gold Gorami's, 8 Cardinal Tetras, 5 Guppies, 2 Red Honey Gorami's 1 Bristle nose Pleco. and 1 Odessa Barb.

I have a new Aqua-flow 3 filter which I intend to use, and eventually completely replace the under gravel filter. I'm thinking of running both together until the new filter is "cycled" BUT how will I know when it is safe to completely remove the under gravel filter? I also want to change the substrate from fine gravel to sand and peat.

(I should also mention that I am in the process setting up a new 3 ft tank and will be transferring the larger fish to it once cycled, plus getting the Odessa a few mates).

Thanks for any advice

C

 

[backtotropical]

Hi,

The best thing to do is to run both filters together for around 6 weeks. That will ensure that the new filter is sufficiently colonised with 'friendly bacteria'.

You can then remove the UGF. I would leave the substrate as it is at this point as it will still house a lot of bacteria which may be needed whilst the new filter gets used to coping on its own.

After another 4 - 6 weeks you should be fine to change the substrate too.

After any change make sure to test for ammonia and nitrite daily. If any should appear, you need to start immediate water changes to keep these levels as low as possible.

Patience is the key here. Rush in and it could end in disaster. Good luck.

BTT

 

[matchstickman47]

have you heard of nutrafin cycle ... its brilliant ! add twice ass much as it says for about 4-6 weeks

garenteed sucess

 

[Christi_22]

Thanks BTT

Sounds like good advice.

MM47 I do have Cycle, but have read many opposing views on its effectiveness. lol

 

[matchstickman47]

imo its great only stuff i use

 

[three-fingers]

have you heard of nutrafin cycle ... its brilliant ! add twice ass much as it says for about 4-6 weeks

garenteed sucess

An other opinion on this product is that it doesn't help and is a waste of money .

Look it up on the forums, products like this are frowned upon when it comes to effectiveness.

What I can say is that if you disconnect the under gravel filter, put in the internal and add ("ass"? ) twice as much cycle as recommend, I can almost guarantee you failure in the form of a tank crash .


Follow BTT's advice and everything should go great .

 

[Christi_22]

For sure LOL. Patience patience, Most of these so called quick fix products are just overpriced versions of what we do anyway.