Filter Change

[shortymet55]

How do I go about changing filters? I want to use the one in now to eventually place in another tank to cycle. How exactly do I do this without losing all the bacteria. I thought I could put the new one in where the filter goes and fit the old one behind it, but still in the filter. I dont think it will fit. My filter is a cheap Aqua-tech which I read is rebranded marineland or something. So where should i put the old filter to get the new one nice new bacteria?

Thanks

 

[backtotropical]

Hi Shortymet,

If you have an already established filter, just take around 1/3 of the media out and put it into your new filter. Replace the media in the established filter with new media, and either add fish or start adding ammonia to the new tank straight away. It is important to do this straight away as if you wait the bacteria will start to die off.

If you need any more help, just ask.

Cheers

BTT

 

[shortymet55]

The problem is the filter just has cartridges. Well, it also has a white thing that the directions say never to replace. Will that part alone hold enough bacteria that the other cartridge can be changed with no consequences?

Thanks

 

[backtotropical]

I'm not really sure what you mean. Can you post a pic?

 

[schooly20]

Does the filter carry one or two cartridges at a time? If it has two you could pull one cartridge out and put it into the new filter and then as backtotropical said put a couple fish in there so the bacteria you moved doesnt die off.

 

[shortymet55]

The filter is two parts. One white flossy thing, which is only use to hold bacteria I assume, and one is a cartridge where there is one blue like cotton-like material for mechanical filtering, then its hooked to a piece of plastic and between them is carbon. I guess If I replace it, then the white piece will hold enough bacteria to keep my fish alive. I hope so at least.

 

[schooly20]

I suspect that it would because it is recommended that you change out the cartridges about every two weeks. The other thing I was going to tell you about is that there are some bacterial supplements that you can buy that put the bacteria back into your tank. Im not sure if they work since I've never used them before but I know there out there.